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ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
131 W. MARGARET LANE, SUITE 201
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278
AGENDA
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
ORANGE COUNTY WEST CAMPUS OFFICE BUILDING
131 WEST MARGARET LANE – LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM (ROOM #004)
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Regular Meeting – 7:00 pm
No. Page(s) Agenda Item
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR 2014
3.
3-4
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. Planning Calendar for January and February
4.
6-10
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 4, 2013 Regular Meeting
5. CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
6. PUBLIC CHARGE
Introduction to the Public Charge
The Board of County Commissioners, under the authority of North Carolina General Statute,
appoints the Orange County Planning Board (OCPB) to uphold the written land development
laws of the County. The general purpose of OCPB is to guide and accomplish coordinated and
harmonious development. OCPB shall do so in a manner which considers the present and
future needs of its residents and businesses through efficient and responsive process that
contributes to and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the overall County. The OCPB
will make every effort to uphold a vision of responsive governance and quality public services
during our deliberations, decisions, and recommendations.
Public Charge
The Planning Board pledges to the residents of Orange County its respect. The Board asks
its residents to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner, both with the Board
and with fellow residents. At any time, should any member of the Board or any resident fail
to observe this public charge, the Chair will ask the offending member to leave the meeting
until that individual regains personal control. Should decorum fail to be restored, the Chair
will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is
observed.
7. CHAIR COMMENTS
1
2
No. Page(s) Agenda Item
8.
11-38 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT – HOME
OCCUPATIONS: To make a recommendation to the BOCC on Planning
Board- and Planning Director-initiated amendments to the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) to change the existing standards for
home occupations, modify and clarify existing regulations and
definitions associated with home occupations, and allow for the
exemption of special events organized or affiliated with a governmental
or non-profit agency. This item was heard at the November 25, 2013
quarterly public hearing and discussed at the December 4, 2013
Planning Board meeting.
Presenter: Ashley Moncado, Special Projects Planner
9.
COMMITTEE/ADVISORY BOARD REPORTS
a. Board of Adjustment
b. Orange Unified Transportation
10. ADJOURNMENT
IF AN EMERGENCY OCCURS, OR IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE FOR THE MEETING, PLEASE LEAVE A VOICE MAIL FOR
PERDITA HOLTZ (919-245-2578).
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HOLIDAY
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*Quarterly
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7:00pm
BOCC/Town
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Joint Meeting
(Link Gov't
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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D R A F T
1
MINUTES 1 ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD 2 DECEMBER 4, 2013 3
REGULAR MEETING 4 5
6 MEMBERS PRESENT: Lisa Stuckey, Chapel Hill Township Representative; James Lea, Cedar Grove Township 7
Representative; Herman Staats, At-Large, Cedar Grove Township; Paul Guthrie, At-Large Chapel Hill Township; 8
Buddy Hartley, Little River Township Representative; Tony Blake, Bingham Township Representative; 9 10 11 MEMBERS ABSENT: Johnny Randall, At-Large Chapel Hill Township; Andrea Rohrbacher, At-Large Chapel Hill 12
Township; Stephanie O’Rourke, Eno Township Representative; Maxecine Mitchell, At-Large Bingham Township; 13
Peter Hallenbeck (Chair), Cheeks Township Representative; Vacant- Hillsborough Township Representative; 14
15
16 STAFF PRESENT: Craig Benedict, Planning Director; Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor; Perdita Holtz, 17
Special Projects Coordinator; Ashley Moncado, Special Projects Planner; Tina Love, Administrative Assistant II 18
19
20
OTHERS PRESENT: Jay Hitchens 21
22
23 AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 24
25
26 AGENDA ITEM 2: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 27
a) Planning Calendar for December and January 28
b) 2014 Planning Board Meeting Calendar 29
30
31 AGENDA ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES 32 NOVEMBER 6, 2013 ORC MEETING 33 NOVEMBER 6, 2013 REGULAR MEETING 34 35 MOTION by Buddy Hartley to approve the November 6, 2013 Planning Board and ORC notes with correction. 36
Seconded by Herman Staats. 37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 38 39 40 AGENDA ITEM 4: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 41 42 43 AGENDA ITEM 5: PUBLIC CHARGE 44 45 Introduction to the Public Charge 46
The Board of County Commissioners, under the authority of North Carolina General Statute, 47
appoints the Orange County Planning Board (OCPB) to uphold the written land development 48
laws of the County. The general purpose of OCPB is to guide and accomplish coordinated and 49
harmonious development. OCPB shall do so in a manner which considers the present and 50
future needs of its citizens and businesses through efficient and responsive process that 51
contributes to and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the overall County. The OCPB 52
will make every effort to uphold a vision of responsive governance and quality public services 53
during our deliberations, decisions, and recommendations. 54
5
D R A F T
2
55 PUBLIC CHARGE 56
The Planning Board pledges to the citizens of Orange County its respect. The Board asks its 57
citizens to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner, both with the Board and with 58
fellow citizens. At any time, should any member of the Board or any citizen fail to observe this 59
public charge, the Chair will ask the offending member to leave the meeting until that individual 60
regains personal control. Should decorum fail to be restored, the Chair will recess the meeting 61
until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. 62
63
64 AGENDA ITEM 6: CHAIR COMMENTS 65 66 67 Agenda Item 7: Planning Board Annual Report and Work Plan for County Commissioners’ Annual 68 Planning Retreat – To review and approve the input form for the annual BOCC planning 69
retreat in January 2014. The annual report informs the BOCC of the past year’s activities of 70
advisory boards/commissions and assists in overall County work planning. 71
Presenter: Craig Benedict, Planning Director 72
73
Craig Benedict reviewed item 74
75
Lisa Stuckey: Does anyone have any questions? Do we have a motion that includes adding number 10? 76
77 MOTION by Buddy Hartley to approve the Planning Board annual report and work plan with the addition of number 10. 78
Seconded by Herman Staats. 79
VOTE: UNANIMOUS 80
81 82 Agenda Item 8: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment – Home Occupations: To 83
discuss the issues raised at the November quarterly public hearing on Planning Board – 84
Planning Director initiated amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to 85
change the existing standards for home occupations, modify and clarify existing regulations 86
and definitions associated with home occupations, and allow for the exemption of special 87
events organized or affiliated with a government or non-profit agency and to decide on a 88
course of action for revisions to the proposed amendments. 89 Presenter: Ashley Moncado, Special Projects Planner 90
91
Herman Staats: Are there any monetary values that guide whether something is considered an occupation? 92
93
Ashley Moncado: I have not seen anything in my research that puts a value on it. 94
95
Paul Guthrie: It is a big question in terms of the revised definition of what was covered but also because you are 96
technically out of compliance or illegal if you have one visitor and one retail sale out of your house the way this is 97
written. I think the definition is vague because the way it is worded and it pales behind the question of how many 98
transactions is the planning staff going to have to handle, and with these definitions there will be thousands. 99
100
Ashley Moncado: The purpose of this item is to be able to review the comments from the quarterly public hearing 101
and receive feedback from you to provide a proposal for review at the January Planning Board meeting. 102
103
Ashley Moncado reviewed the list of comments. 104
105
Paul Guthrie: We have a home business in our house, my daughter works full time in her house in Orange County. 106
I want to zero in on the standards of evaluations of all home occupations in paragraph in red on page 40. That 107
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statement by its character would suggest that if any one of those things occurred in your business you would be 108
required to file for at least a minor permit? 109
110
Ashley Moncado: Correct. Our intention of writing the on-site retail sales…what you are describing is that she is 111
not welcoming anyone on to the site. Everything is done online or on the phone. 112
113
Paul Guthrie: What about the internet sale. 114
115
Ashley Moncado: If you are looking at internet sales and no one is being welcome on site then they would be 116
exempt. As soon as you welcome people on the site and have a sales transaction, then you would have to go 117
through a minor home occupation. 118
119
Paul Guthrie: I went back to the UDO and in the context of this language that is what flagged this immediately. I 120
think we need to be careful as we expand this. 121
122
Tony Blake: I was reading the Carrboro response on page 31 and they brought up a couple of issues that were 123
transitive issues from allowing the other home base business and it talks about how many people and how many 124
vehicles and their security. These are the types of small businesses under the radar out there and I don’t want to 125
discourage them. We need to find a way to fix that. 126
127
Herman Staats: If this is a planning issue where we consider use of property, etc. then the implementation of it and 128
what guides that implementation is the question. Are we asking for links or copies of tax returns? How do we 129
implement this? If for farming, you have to have a dollar amount to be classified as a farm. 130
131
Perdita Holtz: Can I clarify that point. It is no longer the case that you have to have a certain level of sales to be 132
classified a bona fide farm; the state legislature changed it last year. There is no longer a minimum amount. 133
134
Herman Staats: My point is about being tax exempt with a certain dollar amount that defines that you a real farm 135
and deserve a tax exempt status. Is it the purpose of this permitting process to make someone selling a hundred 136
bucks a year to get a permit? Are there guidelines? 137
138
Paul Guthrie: The only difficulties are sales is very different in terms of that one sale. 139
140
Lisa Stuckey: A lot of sole proprietorships aren’t tax exempt. I don’t know where to draw the line. How onerous is 141
the process we have developed? 142
143
Michael Harvey: Under the current process, which is what the minor will end up being, the application package 144
requires the applicant show us the property using a plot plan, provide a floor plan of your house, and a detailed 145
narrative explaining the operations of the home based business. We can typically handle an application within 30 146
minutes if you want to wait for it, you pay your $90 application fee, we send you the approval packet, you sign it and 147
you are on record as having the permit being issued. 148
149
Lisa Stuckey: Is there an annual fee? 150
151
Michael Harvey: No. 152
153
Paul Guthrie: This is a backdoor business license. 154
155
Perdita Holtz: No, it is a land use regulation. 156
157
Tony Blake: We are interested in the impact on their property and their neighbors. The function of planning is to 158
say, we are looking for innovation, we shouldn’t hobble it. The rest of the regulation is for another department. 159
160
Lisa Stuckey: If it is basically invisible to the neighbors, how much impact is that having on the neighbors? 161
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162
Tony Blake: We are allowing some of these subdivisions to come in and they are next to a farm, it’s like the guy 163
moving next to the airport and complaining about the planes. 164
165
Lisa Stuckey: On page 40, I would like to get rid of 2A, 3A and 6. I think it is very inappropriate. 166
167
Ashley Moncado: To be clear, this isn’t about the office space but the day to day operations they would be allowed 168
to operate. 169
170
Lisa Stuckey: I think with number 2A4 that it shouldn’t be visible. Something should be added for visible impact. 171
172
Craig Benedict: There is a standard for normal storage for home occupations license which is 500 square feet. As 173
long as that is screened, you are saying it is ok. 174
175
Herman Staats: I am still concerned about implementation. 176
177
Tony Blake: What is the definition of a business? 178
179
Craig Benedict: If someone is claiming it as a business, and they have to meet tax laws, then they should have a 180
home occupation license. 181
182
Paul Guthrie: You just brought in all the telecommuters with that last phrase. 183
184
Tony Blake: The way people find out is if there is a complaint issue. 185
186
Perdita Holtz: Michael uses his discretion to find that out. 187
188
Michael Harvey: The goal of the UDO is not to stop Lucy Van Pelt from selling lemonade but allow reasonable use 189
of property so that your reasonable use doesn’t impact your neighbors. If you have an incidental home occupation, 190
selling a tree they cut down, does that activity rise to a level of business requiring the submitted of a home 191
occupation permit application for review and approval? Not unless you do it every day. 192
193
Ashley Moncado: We can look into adding language regarding no visible disturbance impact. If that is included, 194
would you see there would not be a need for landscaping and buffering or keep that intact? 195
196
Lisa Stuckey: I don’t know. To me that is a little bit of protection. 197
198
Ashley Moncado: If you exceed the setback standard, and you go beyond that you would not have provide 199
landscaping. 200
201
Craig Benedict: There was also a lot size involved. 202
203
Paul Guthrie: How will you enforce this if it approved? 204
205
Craig Benedict: We are permitting this amount; we know there is this amount. By this ordinance, we are allowing 206
this to happen or bringing more into compliance. We think we have resolved a lot of issues more than creating 207
issues. The implementation, we are doing public outreach, we may do a phase in but it is not going to be a hard 208
handed implementation because rural lifestyles are engrained. This will be a soft implementation. 209
210
Lisa Stuckey: You look this up, an accessory business use which is owned or operated. That is the definition. Is it 211
helpful for you to have a more concrete definition or is that adequate? 212
213
Craig Benedict: We like to be as specific as possible. 214
215
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Herman Staats: If this is put in place to provide more leverage in the case where it is needed for resolution of 216
complaints, then this will serve its purpose. 217
218
Tony Blake: I didn’t want to outlaw people who were not bothering anyone. I think the County wants to encourage 219
development. 220
221
Ashley Moncado: Any more comments? 222
223
Craig Benedict: We will have to see how these revisions you suggested are incorporated into the text and Ashley 224
will bring it back next month for a formal vote. 225
226
Ashley Moncado: After the Planning Board votes on this item in January 2014, it will go to the BOCC in February 227
2014. 228
229
Tony Blake: Did you make any attempt to address Alice’s concern about the size of the building in the minor? 230
231
Ashley Moncado: That was commented on for Board discussion tonight. 232
233 234 Agenda Item 9: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment – Telecommunications 235
Facilities: To make a recommendation to the BOCC on government-initiated amendments 236
to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to incorporate recent changes in State law with 237
respect to the review and processing of applications proposing the development or 238
modification of telecommunication facilities. This item was heard at the November 25, 2013 239
quarterly public hearing. 240
Presenter: Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor 241
242
Michael Harvey: Reviewed proposal. 243
244
Paul Guthrie: The operative word is physical. Do you feel that will limit your ability to object to a modification? 245
246
Michael Harvey: We had that discussion. The answer is no because when you read that section in totality there 247
are other requirements that the cell tower provider will have to adhere to. The County attorney wanted to put in 248
language indicating the physical dimensions (of the tower) are part of the key decision making process because 249
obviously the session laws, as imbedded here, allows for certain increases in height to certain standards (without 250
the need for County approval). 251
252
Michael Harvey: Anything over 200 feet you have to have illuminated. 253
254
Tony Blake: Most of the telecommunication towers we are putting up have requirements for generators and the 255
new one that has come out recently is anti-aviary protection, bird nests being built up there. They are using sound 256
and other means of discouragement, also solar panels on the tops of these towers as ancillary power. Are all those 257
covered in other areas of the UDO? 258
259
Michael Harvey: I would argue they are covered in the standard section for approval where you have to approve 260
any apparatus placed on the tower and prove said apparatus will not overburden the tower to cause structural 261
failure. So it is already covered. 262
263 MOTION by Tony Blake to approve the UDO Text Amendment regarding wireless facilities in their jurisdiction with the 264
proposed amendment from the County Attorney. Seconded by Buddy Hartley. 265 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 266
267
268
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Agenda Item 10: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment – Board of Adjustment 269 Operation: To make a recommendation to the BOCC on government-initiated amendments 270
to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to incorporate recent changes in State law with 271
respect to items reviewed and acted upon by the Orange County Board of Adjustment. This 272
item was heard at the November 25, 2013 quarterly public hearing. 273
Presenter: Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor 274
275
Michael Harvey: Reviewed item. 276
277 MOTION by Herman Staats to recommend to the BOCC the proposed amendments for the UDO Text Amendment 278
related to the Board of Adjustment operation and procedures as amended. Seconded by James Lea. 279 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 280 281
282 AGENDA ITEM 9: COMMITTEE/ADVISORY BOARD REPORTS 283
284
a) Board of Adjustment 285
b) Orange Unified Transportation 286
287
288
AGENDA ITEM 10: ADJOURNMENT 289 290 MOTION: made by Tony Blake to adjourn. Seconded by Buddy Hartley. 291 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 292
293
294
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ORANGE COUNTY
PLANNING BOARD
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 8, 2014
Action Agenda
Item No. 8
SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment – Home Occupations
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Amendment Outline Form
2. Proposed Text Amendments
3. Proposed Amendment
Summary Spreadsheet
4. Informational Graphic
Ashley Moncado, Planner II 245-2589
Craig Benedict, Director 245-2575
PURPOSE: To make a recommendation to the BOCC on a Planning Board and Planning
Director initiated text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) relating to home
occupation standards.
BACKGROUND: At the November 25, 2013 Quarterly Public Hearing, the Board of County
Commissioners and Planning Board identified concerns with the proposed home occupation text
amendment presented for public hearing. Recognizing that a number of items needed to be
addressed, staff recommended bringing the item back to the Planning Board for further review
and discussion at the December 4 meeting. Following Planning Board review and discussion,
staff revised the proposed text amendment to reflect comments received from the Board of
County Commissioners and the Planning Board. Comments heard at the Quarterly Public
Hearing are provided in Attachment 1. At the public hearing, the Board of County
Commissioners directed the Planning Board to return a recommendation in time for the
February 18, 2014 regular BOCC meeting.
Attachment 1 contains additional information and analysis regarding this amendment. Proposed
text amendment language can be found in Attachment 2 within a “track changes” format (red
text for proposed additions and black strikethrough for proposed deletions). Modifications made
following the November Quarterly Public Hearing and December Planning Board meeting are
denoted in green text. Attachment 3 contains a spreadsheet summarizing proposed revisions to
Sections 2.22, 5.3.4, and 5.5.3.
Proposed revisions to existing home occupation standards have expanded the opportunity for
home based businesses to operate in Orange County. The graphic contained in Attachment 4
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illustrates the number of existing and proposed options available to accommodate and support
businesses, including home occupations, in the rural and urban areas of the county.
At the Quarterly Public Hearing a BOCC member suggested staff send a letter to residents who
currently have a home occupation permit in order to solicit feedback. Sixty-three letters were
mailed on November 27, 2013 and one interested person attended the Planning Board meeting
to hear the discussion. To date, no comments have been received from the public.
Procedural Information: In accordance with Section 2.8.8 of the Unified Development
Ordinance, any evidence not presented at the public hearing must be submitted in writing prior
to the Planning Board’s recommendation. Additional oral evidence may be considered by the
Planning Board only if it is for the purpose of presenting information also submitted in writing.
The public hearing is held open to a date certain for the purpose of the BOCC receiving the
Planning Board’s recommendation and any submitted written comments.
Planning Director’s Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the
proposed text amendments.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Consideration and approval will not create the need for additional funding
for the provision of County services. Costs for the required legal advertisement will be paid from
FY2013-14 Departmental funds budgeted for this purpose. Existing planning staff included in the
Departmental staffing budget will accomplish the work required to process this amendment.
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Director recommends the Planning Board:
1. Deliberate as necessary on the proposed amendments;
2. Consider the Planning Director’s recommendation to approve the text amendment as
detailed in Attachment 2; and,
3. Make a recommendation to the BOCC on the proposed amendments in time for the
February 18, 2014 BOCC meeting.
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1
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN / FUTURE LAND USE MAP
AND
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO)
AMENDMENT OUTLINE
UDO / Zoning-2013-03
Home Occupation Standards
A. AMENDMENT TYPE
Map Amendments
Land Use Element Map:
From:
To:
Zoning Map:
From:
To:
Other:
Text Amendments
Comprehensive Plan Text:
Section(s):
UDO Text:
UDO General Text Changes
UDO Development Standards
UDO Development Approval Processes
Section(s): 1. Section 2.22 Home Occupations
2. Section 5.4.3 Special Events
3. Section 5.5.3 Home Occupations
4. Section 10.1 Definitions
Other:
B. RATIONALE
1. Purpose/Mission
In accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 Zoning Atlas and Unified
Development Ordinance Amendments of the UDO, the Planning Board and Planning
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2
Director are proposing to initiate a text amendment to modify existing language
relating to the regulation of home occupations within the county.
At the January 9, 2013 Planning Board meeting, Board members discussed areas of
interest for planning staff to address for the next year. One item, which was
highlighted in the UDO Implementation Bridge report prepared when the UDO was
adopted in 2011, included the need to review existing home occupation standards for
a potential revision. At that time, Board members expressed concern with the
existing standards limiting home occupations by being too restrictive with the
required square footage allowances and number of permitted non-residential
employees. As a result, the Board requested staff to proceed with reviewing existing
standards. To address the Planning Board’s request, staff presented information at
the July 10, 2013 Planning Board meeting, including a summary of current standards
contained in the UDO, a comparison with other local jurisdictions’ standards, and
items of consideration to better facilitate and promote the use of home occupations.
Following review and discussion, the Board asked staff to proceed with an
amendment to the UDO addressing their comments and areas of interest relating to
the UDO Implementation Bridge report.
At the September 4 Planning Board meeting, staff presented draft language based
on Planning Board comments received at the July meeting for review. Additionally, at
this time, staff presented Section 419, Live/Work Units, from the 2012 North Carolina
Building Code regarding the review and permitting of home occupations that are
classified as live/work units. Although planning staff considers this Section of the
building code, adopted in 2012, to be restrictive, local governments cannot amend
laws, codes and/or rules adopted by the State. Staff anticipate s that this Section of
the building code will result in prospective home occupation applicants deciding to
locate their home occupation in an accessory structure if the home occupation
comprises of more than ten percent of their home’s square footage. A copy of
Section 419 is included at the end of this form.
At the October 2 Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) meeting staff presented
proposed amendment language for Board comment. Following this meeting, planning
staff identified concerns with the proposed recommendations and requested a
meeting with the Planning Board Chair and Vice Chair to discuss and review the
Board’s recommendation. The Planning Board Vice Chair was unable to attend, but
did provide comments regarding proposed recommendations to staff and the
Planning Board Chair. At the October 16 meeting with Chair Hallenbeck proposed
standards based on Planning Board’s recommendation were revised in order to
create a reasonable balance between supporting home based businesses in the
county and protecting the character and enjoyment of residential neighborhoods.
Revised recommendations were presented at the November 6 ORC meeting. During
this meeting, members stated concern with existing standards prohibiting specific
14
3
uses from receiving a home occupation permit [See UDO Section 5.5.3(2)(a)(iii)],
however, no specific amendment requests were made.
At the November 25 Quarterly Public Hearing concerns with standards regarding
prohibiting specific uses, screening of accessory structures, and setback standards
of accessory structures and outdoor storage space utilized in a major home
occupation were discussed by the BOCC and Planning Board. Recognizing that a
number of items needed to be reviewed and discussed among the Planning Board,
staff recommended bringing the item back to the Planning Board for further review
and discussion at the December 4 meeting. Proposed standards have been revised
to reflect comments received at the November Quarterly Public Hearing and the
December Planning Board meeting.
2. Analysis
As required under Section 2.8.5 of the UDO, the Planning Director is required to:
‘cause an analysis to be made of the application and, based upon that analysis,
prepare a recommendation for consideration by the Planning Board and the Board of
County Commissioners’.
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to develop standards that accommodate
and encourage the use of home occupations while protecting the residential
character of neighborhoods and meeting standards of the North Carolina Building
Code in order to incorporate recommendations of the Implementation Bridge into the
Unified Development Ordinance. Proposed standards will allow for smaller and larger
scale home occupations with the development of two categories including a minor
home occupation and a major home occupation. Uses such as artist studios often are
considered home occupations and the updated standards will apply to artist studios.
This is a topic that was raised at the February 2013 BOCC retreat and the May 14,
2013 BOCC work session when “Agricultural Support Enterprise s” was discussed.
Additional amendments to Section 5.4.3 Special Events will address reviewing and
permitting events conducted by the home occupation. Specifically, allowing nonprofit
or government organized events, including the Orange County Open Studio Tour, to
be exempt from the existing special event and Class B Special Use Permit process in
order to support and accommodate these events within the county. Also, see Section
D of this Form.
3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives)
Economic Development Overarching Goal: Viable and sustainable economic
development that contributes to both property and sales tax revenues, and enhances
high quality employment opportunities for County residents.
Economic Development Objective 1.5: Identify barriers to development of
desirable businesses and local businesses, and mitigate these barriers.
15
4
4. New Statutes and Rules
N/A
C. PROCESS
1. TIMEFRAME/MILESTONES/DEADLINES
a. BOCC Authorization to Proceed
September 5, 2013
b. Quarterly Public Hearing
November 25, 2013
c. BOCC Updates/Checkpoints
November 5, 2013 – Approved legal ad for the November 25 Quarterly Public
Hearing.
November 6, 2013 – Planning Board Ordinance Review Committee (ORC)
November 25, 2013 – Quarterly Public Hearing
Comments made at the Quarterly Public Hearing are included at the end of
this form.
February 18, 2014 – Receive Planning Board recommendation
d. Other
2. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
Mission/Scope: Public Hearing process consistent with NC State Statutes and
Orange County ordinance requirements.
a. Planning Board Review:
July 10, 2013 – discussion of topic
September 4, 2013 – further discussion
October 2, 2013 – Ordinance Review Committee
November 6, 2013 – Ordinance Review Committee
December 4, 2013 – further discussion
January 8, 2014 – BOCC recommendation
b. Advisory Boards:
c. Local Government Review:
The proposed text amendments were received from the Town of Carrboro
submitted to the JPA Partners on and the Town of Chapel Hill are
November 7, 2013. Comments included at the end of this form.
d. Notice Requirements
Consistent with NC State Statutes – legal ad prior to public hearing
16
5
e. Outreach:
3. FISCAL IMPACT
Consideration and approval will not create the need for additional funding for the
provision of County services. Costs for the required legal advertisement will be paid
from FY2013-14 Departmental funds budgeted for this purpose. Existing Planning
staff included in the Departmental staffing budget will accomplish the work required
to process this amendment.
D. AMENDMENT IMPLICATIONS
Proposed amendments to existing home occupation standards include two types of
home occupations. The first type, minor home occupations, follows the existing review
process in place for home occupations with revisions allowing for an increase in square
footage and number of employees in all residential districts. The second type, major
home occupations, is proposed in order to accommodate larger scale accessory
business uses in the AR (Agricultural Residential) and R-1 (Rural Residential) zoning
districts. A Class B Special Use Permit will be required for major home occupations.
The number of employees and permitted amount of square footage utilized in a major
home occupation shall be determined with the approved special use permit.
Additional minor revisions to existing standards will address traffic generation, accessory
structures, outdoor storage space, vehicle weight restrictions, and landscaping for all
home occupations. Proposed amendments will introduce standards addressing the total
number of students, customers, and/or clients permitted per day and address the review
of special events for home occupations. Finally, definitions referencing minor home
occupations and major home occupations are proposed within Article 10. The Planning
Board and staff have endeavored to be mindful of any adverse impacts that may occur
in the various types of residential districts found in the county while creating the
amendment package.
E. SPECIFIC AMENDMENT LANGUAGE
See Attachment 2 for proposed language.
Primary Staff Contact:
Ashley Moncado
Planning Department
919-245-2589
amoncado@orangecountync.gov
General Public:
Small Area Plan Workgroup:
Other:
17
with 1/4-inch (6.35mm)insulatingmillboardorother approved
equivalent insulation.
[F]417.4Fireprotection.Dryingroomsdesignedfor
high-hazardmaterialsandprocesses,includingspecialoccu-
panciesasprovidedforinChapter4,shallbeprotectedbyan
approved automaticfire-extinguishingsystemcomplyingwith
the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 418
ORGANIC COATINGS
[F]418.1Buildingfeatures.Manufacturingoforganiccoat-
ingsshallbedoneonlyinbuildingsthatdonothavepitsor
basements.
[F]418.2Location.Organiccoatingmanufacturingopera-
tionsandoperationsincidentaltoorconnectedtherewithshall
not be located in buildings having other occupancies.
[F]418.3Processmills.Millsoperatingwithcloseclearances
andthatprocessflammableandheat-sensitivematerials,such
asnitrocellulose,shallbelocatedinadetachedbuildingor
noncombustible structure.
[F]418.4Tankstorage.Storageareasforflammableandcom-
bustibleliquidtanksinsideofstructuresshallbelocatedator
abovegradeandshallbeseparatedfromtheprocessingareaby
notlessthan2-hour firebarriers constructedinaccordance
withSection707or horizontalassemblies constructedin
accordance with Section 712, or both.
[F]418.5Nitrocellulosestorage.Nitrocellulosestorageshall
belocatedonadetachedpadorinaseparatestructureoraroom
enclosedwithnolessthan2-hour firebarriers constructedin
accordancewithSection707or horizontalassemblies con-
structed in accordance with Section 712, or both.
[F]418.6Finishedproducts.Storageroomsforfinishedprod-
uctsthatareflammableorcombustibleliquidsshallbesepa-
ratedfromtheprocessingareabynotlessthan2-hour fire
barriers constructedinaccordancewithSection707or hori-
zontalassemblies constructedinaccordancewithSection712,
or both.
SECTION 419
LIVE/WORK UNITS
419.1General.Alive/workunitisa dwellingunit or sleeping
unit inwhichasignificantportionofthespaceincludesanon-
residentialusethatisoperatedbythetenantandshallcomply
with Sections 419.1 through 419.8.
Exception:Dwelling or sleepingunits thatincludean
officethatislessthan10percentoftheareaofthe dwell-
ingunit shall not be classified as a live/work unit.
419.1.1Limitations.Thefollowingshallapplytoall
live/work areas:
1.Thelive/workunitispermittedtobeamaximumof
3,000 square feet (279m2);
2.Thenonresidentialareaispermittedtobeamaximum
50 percent of the area of each live/work unit;
3.Thenonresidentialareafunctionshallbelimitedto
thefirstormainflooronlyofthelive/workunit;and
4.Amaximumoffivenonresidentialworkersor
employeesareallowedtooccupythenonresidential
area at any one time.
419.2Occupancies.Live/workunitsshallbeclassifiedasa
GroupR-2occupancy.SeparationrequirementsfoundinSec-
tions420and508shallnotapplywithinthelive/workunit
whenthelive/workunitisincompliancewithSection419.
High-hazardandstorageoccupanciesshallnotbepermittedin
alive/workunit.Theaggregateareaofstorageinthenonresi-
dentialportionofthelive/workunitshallbelimitedto10per-
cent of the space dedicated to nonresidential activities.
419.3Meansofegress.Exceptasmodifiedbythissection,the
provisionsforGroupR-2occupanciesinChapter10shall
apply to the entire live/work unit.
419.3.1Egresscapacity.Theegresscapacityforeachele-
mentofthelive/workunitshallbebasedonthe occupant
load forthefunctionservedinaccordancewithTable
1004.1.1.
419.3.2Slidingdoors.Wheredoorsina meansofegress are
ofthehorizontal-slidingtype,theforcetoslidethedoorto
itsfullyopenpositionshallnotexceed50pounds(220N)
withaperpendicularforceagainstthedoorof50pounds
(220 N).
419.3.3Spiralstairways.Spiralstairways thatconformto
the requirements of Section 1009.9 shall be permitted.
419.3.4Locks.Egressdoorsshallbepermittedtobelocked
in accordance with Item 4 of Section 1008.1.9.3.
419.4Verticalopenings.Flooropeningsbetweenfloorlevels
of a live/work unit are permitted without enclosure.
419.5Fireprotection.Thelive/workunitshallbeprovided
withamonitoredfirealarmsystemwhererequiredbySection
907.2.9andan automaticsprinklersystem inaccordancewith
Section 903.2.8.
419.6Structural.Floorloadingfortheareaswithina
live/workunitshallbedesignedtoconformtoTable1607.1
based on the function within the space.
419.7Accessibility.Accessibilityshallbedesignedinaccor-
dance with Chapter 11.
419.8Ventilation.Theapplicablerequirementsofthe Interna-
tionalMechanicalCode shallapplytoeachareawithinthe
live/work unit for the function within that space.
SECTION 420
GROUPS I-1,R-1,R-2,R-3
420.1General.OccupanciesinGroupsI-1,R-1,R-2andR-3
shallcomplywiththeprovisionsofthissectionandotherappli-
cable provisions of this code.
420.2Separationwalls.Wallsseparating dwellingunits inthe
samebuilding,wallsseparating sleepingunits inthesame
buildingandwallsseparating dwelling or sleepingunits from
otheroccupanciescontiguoustotheminthesamebuilding
70 2012 NORTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODE
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY
18
Comments Received at the November Quarterly Public Hearing
Planning Board Comments BOCC Comments Planning Staff Response/Comments
Minor home occupation regulations should
incorporate existing standards without any
modifications. All proposed revisions allowing for
an increase in employees, square footage
allowances, and size of accessory structures shall
be through the major home occupation process
requiring a Special Use Permit.
Planning Board reviewed BOCC comment and
proceeded with proposed amendments as
presented in Attachment 2.
Concerns with existing standards requiring
landscaping and buffering of accessory structures
used in the home occupation.
Existing standards contained within the UDO
have been revised to allow for exemptions in
screening requirements of accessory structures.
Concerns with existing standards regarding the
appearance of a residential accessory structure.
Existing standards contained within the UDO
have been revised to provide clarity regarding the
appearance of accessory structures.
Concerns regarding proposed standards being
too restrictive and creating a financial burden on
business owners.
Proposed revisions to existing standards are more
lenient and less restrictive allowing for more
employees, visitors, daily trips, and deliveries and
an increase in the overall size of home
occupations. Existing and proposed standards
may result in financial constraints on a business
owner which are typically incurred with the
opening of any new business.
Concerns with trade uses, including
plumbing, electrical, and building
contracting, not being permitted as a
home occupation.
Existing standards contained within the UDO
have been revised to allow these uses to operate
from a residential property with an approved
home occupation permit.
Concerns regarding setback standards
for accessory structures and outdoor
storage space used in a major home
occupation.
Proposed setback standards for outdoor storage
space have been revised to allow for greater
flexibility in setback standards for accessory
structures and outdoor storage space through
the Special Use Permit process.
19
From:Patricia J. McGuire
To:Perdita Holtz
Cc:Martin Roupe; Christina Moon
Subject:RE: UDO Text Amendment that Applies to the Rural Buffer - Home Occupation Standards
Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2013 7:40:00 PM
Dear Perdita,
Carrboro staff have a few comments and suggestions for the ordinance revisions:
1) There appear to be benefits associated with offering additional economic opportunities to
properties in the Rural Buffer and elsewhere in the county, so long as such uses are
consistent with the purposes of the zoning districts otherwise.
2) You might consider expanding the use of performance standards as a means of limiting
further or reducing entirely the exclusion of specific uses. Such standards could specify
screening, sizing, siting, or parking provisions that would mitigate the impacts that presently
necessitate excluding them entirely.
3) You might consider clarifying the traffic generation provisions to distinguish between traffic
generated by the use and traffic generated in support of the use. Are the regulations
intended to allow or prohibit a resident from operating a single –truck tractor-trailor
business from their home, for example? If only a single driver/single-truck use was
considered acceptable, but a larger trucking operation was not, perhaps the vehicle storage,
number of employees and screening requirements could be modified accordingly?
4) You might consider clarifying whether outdoor storage includes the storage or parking of
vehicles that are used in conjunction with a home occupation.
Thanks for the opportunity to review. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a question.
Trish
Patricia J. McGuire, AICP, CZO, CFM
Planning Director
Town of Carrboro
301 W. Main Street
Carrboro, North Carolina 27510
35° 54’ 41”, -79° 04’ 39”
919-918-7327 (T)/919-918-4454 (F)
pmcguire@ci.carrboro.nc.us http://townofcarrboro.org
20
From: Perdita Holtz [mailto:pholtz@orangecountync.gov]
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 9:14 AM
To: J.B. Culpepper (jbculpepper@townofchapelhill.org); Patricia J. McGuire
Cc: Craig Benedict; Ashley E.. Moncado; Christina Moon; (gpoveromo@townofchapelhill.org)
Subject: UDO Text Amendment that Applies to the Rural Buffer - Home Occupation Standards
Hello JB and Trish,
Pursuant to the JPA Agreement, we are sending the attached proposed UDO text amendment to you
for review and comment. We are proposing to change the existing standards for Home Occupations
allowed in the residential zoning districts, including the RB (Rural Buffer) zoning district. We are also
proposing to have a category of “Minor Home Occupation” and “Major Home Occupation” (we
currently do not have two classes of Home Occupations). Major Home Occupations will not be
allowed in the Rural Buffer; only Minor Home Occupations would be allowed in the RB.
I have also attached a chart you may find helpful that depicts the existing and proposed standards.
This chart is not part of the actual amendments; it’s just used for informational purposes.
These text changes are on the November 25 quarterly public hearing agenda. It would be great if
you could forward any comments to us before the 25th. If you need more time than that to review
this item, please let me know. The JPA Agreement stipulates that the County will not adopt an
amendment affecting the RB until the Towns have had 30 days to review and comment on the
amendment. This amendment is scheduled for adoption consideration in January.
Thanks and please let me know if you have any questions.
Perdita
Perdita Holtz, AICP
Planning Systems Coordinator
Orange County (NC) Planning Department
131 W. Margaret Lane, 2nd Floor (physical)
P.O. Box 8181 (mail)
21
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: (919) 245-2578
Town of Carrboro, NC Website - http://www.townofcarrboro.org E-mail correspondence to and from this
address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
22
PLANNING
Town of Chapel Hill
405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
phone (919) 968-2728 fax (919) 969-2014
www.townofchapelhill.org
December 6, 2013
Ms. Perdita Holtz
Planning Systems Coordinator
Orange County Planning Department
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Subject: Courtesy Review Comments on Proposed Unified Development Ordinance
Amendment Regarding Home Occupation Permits in the Rural Buffer
Dear Ms. Holtz:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding
home occupation permits in the rural buffer area. We do not have any comments on the proposed
ordinance amendment as it relates to the Joint Planning Agreement.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (919) 968-2728.
Regards,
Phil Mason, AICP
Principal Planner
23
UDO AMENDMENT PACKET NOTES:
The following packet details the proposed modifications to existing home occupation standards.
Proposed regulations include the establishment of two new home occupation categories
allowing for minor and major (larger scale) home occupations. The amendment package also
proposes the re-numbering and reformatting of Sections 2.22, 5.4.3, and 5.5.3, to accommodate
the new standards.
As the number of affected pages/sections of the existing UDO are being modified with this
proposal, staff has divided the proposed amendments into the following color coded
classifications:
Red Text: Denotes new, proposed text, that staff is suggesting be added to the UDO
Black Strikethrough Text: Denotes existing text that staff is proposing to delete
Green Text: Denotes modifications made following the November Quarterly Public
Hearing and December Planning Board meeting.
Staff has included footnotes within the amendment package to provide additional
information/rationale concerning the proposed amendments to aid in your review.
Only those pages of the UDO impacted by the proposed modification(s) have been included
within this packet. Some text on the following pages has a large “X” through it to denote that
these sections are not part of the amendments under consideration. The text is shown only
because in the full UDO it is on the same page as text proposed for amendment or footnotes
from previous sections ‘spill over’ onto the included page. Text with a large “X” is not proposed
for modification.
Please note that the page numbers in this amendment packet may or may not necessarily
correspond to the page numbers in the adopted UDO because adding text may shift all of
the text/sections downward.
Users are reminded that these excerpts are part of a much larger document (the UDO) that
regulates land use and development in Orange County. The full UDO is available online at:
http://orangecountync.gov/planning/Ordinances.asp
24
Article 2: Procedures
Section 2.22: Home Occupations
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 2-63
(3) Structural stormwater measures that are designed, constructed and maintained
in accordance with the NC DWQ Stormwater BMP Design Manual, approved
accounting tool, and requirements listed in Section 6.14 will be presumed to meet
the required performance standards of Section 6.14. Submittals containing
measures not designed to these specifications, may be approved on a case by
case basis provided the applicant provides adequate data and information
showing how the deviations meet the requirements of Section 6.14.
(C) Plan Approval
The Erosion Control Officer is authorized to approve any Stormwater Management Plan
which is in conformance with the performance standards specified in the NC DWQ
Stormwater BMP Design Manual, and other requirements of this Ordinance.
(D) Approved Plan a Prerequisite
The Erosion Control Officer is not authorized to issue any permits for development on
any land that is defined as new development under Section 6.14 of this Ordinance
unless and until a Stormwater Management Plan in compliance with the requirements of
this Ordinance has been approved.
(E) Design of Permanent Nutrient Export Reduction Structural Stormwater Measures
When a permanent nutrient export reduction structural stormwater measure is required
for new development to meet the requirements of this Ordinance, a North Carolina
registered professional engineer shall prepare the plan with the Engineer’s Certification of
Stormwater Management affixed, signed, sealed and dated.
SECTION 2.22: HOME OCCUPATIONS
2.22.1 Application Requirements
(A) An application for a Home Occupation Permit shall be filed with the Planning Director on
forms provided by the Planning Department.
(B) Application forms shall be prepared so that when completed a full and accurate
description of the proposed use, including its location, appearance, and operational
characteristics are disclosed.
(C) An application for a minor home occupation shall include a plot plan that adheres to the
requirements of Sections 2.4.3 and 5.5.3.
(D) An application for a major home occupation shall require a Class B Special Use Permit
and adhere to the requirements of Sections 2.5.3, 2.7, and 5.5.3.
2.22.2 Conditions of Approval
(A) If conditions are attached to the approval of a permit, they may address deficiencies in
meeting specific Ordinance requirements or they may address specific impacts which
result from the operation of the home occupation.
(B) If conditions address specific impacts which result from the operation of the home
occupation, the conditions may include, but not be limited to the following limitations:
(1) Hours of operation;
(2) Number of vehicles to be parked on the premises;
(3) The location of an accessory building, storage area or parking on the property.
(C) The Planning Director may require greater setbacks and/or additional landscaping or
screening to adequately screen the home occupation from adjoining properties.
25
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.4: Standards for Temporary Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-30
5.4.3 Special Events
(A) Arts and Cultural Special Events
(1) All arts and cultural special events organized, conducted, and affiliated with a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or government entity, including the annual
Orange County Open Studio Tour, shall be exempt from the special event review
and permitting process.1
(B) General Standards of Evaluation2
(1) The application shall include a written description of the type of event planned,
the number of participants for any single event, the frequency of the events, the
anticipated hours of operation, the potential dates for the events, and the method
and adequacy of sewage disposal, recycling and waste disposal, access,
parking, lighting, and signage;
(2) The plot plan shall be accompanied by written approval from the Orange County
Division of Environmental Health regarding the adequacy of the water-supply and
wastewater disposal;
(3) The plot plan shall have written approval from the Orange County Fire Marshal;
(4) The applicant shall submit a copy of notification sent to the Orange County
Sheriff’s Department stating the type of events, number of participants, date(s)
and hours of operation, and emergency contact information. A location map
must be attached to the notice provided to the Sheriff;
(5) Lot size shall be adequate to accommodate all proposed activities including safe
vehicular and pedestrian circulation;
(6) The proposed activity will occur on no more frequently than seven days in a 30-
day period, and on no more than 50 days per year; and
(7) Signs shall be permitted in accordance with Section 6.12.11(D).
(C) Standards for Class B Special Use Permit
(1) Submittal Requirements
In addition to the information required by Section 2.7, the following information
shall be supplied as part of the application for approval of this use:
(a) A written description of the exact type of event planned, the maximum
number of participants, the frequency of the event, anticipated dates and
hours of operation, method and adequacy of sewage disposal, recycling
and waste disposal, access, parking, lighting, and signage;
(b) A site plan showing the boundaries of the area to be used for the events,
the locations of access points, parking, service areas, activity areas,
restrooms, solid waste disposal/recycling facilities, lighting, and signage;
(c) Written comments from the Orange County Health Department, Division
of Environmental Health regarding the adequacy of plans restroom
facilities and food preparation/handling arrangements; and
1 Proposed amendments regarding arts and cultural special events will address concerns with
accommodating and permitting community wide events conducted by a nonprofit or government
organization more efficiently. These standards will allow art and studio home occupations that participate
in these events to be exempt from the Class B Special Use Permit process. 2 Adding a new (A) resulted in the automatic renumbering of subsequent subsections.
26
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-33
SECTION 5.5: STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES
5.5.1 Accessory Structures and Uses
(A) General Standards of Evaluation
(1) Accessory structures and uses shall not be located in any required front open
space and shall conform to the principal setbacks of the district where located
unless otherwise provided in this Section.
(2) An attached private garage, or carport, not exceeding 12 feet in height, may
occupy a portion of the required side open space, provided that this does not
result in a required side open space of less than 7% of the lot width, nor a total,
when combined with the required side open space of the lot immediately
adjacent, of less than eight feet.
(3) Mobile homes as accessory structures to residential uses are prohibited.
5.5.2 Efficiency Apartment
(A) General Standards of Evaluation
(1) There shall be no more than one efficiency apartment, whether detached or
attached, on any lot.
(2) The efficiency unit shall contains no more than 800 square feet of gross floor
area.
(3) The residential lot shall meet the minimum lot size requirements of the zoning
district in which it is located.
(4) The efficiency unit shall comply with the N.C. Residential Building Code including
minimum light/ventilation and room sizes.
(5) The efficiency unit shall be accessory to the principal dwelling unit and may be
attached or detached.
(6) The efficiency unit shall be served by an approved water supply and sanitary
facilities.
(7) The efficiency unit shall remain in the same ownership as the primary residence.
5.5.3 Home Occupations
(A) General Standards
(1) Submittal Requirements
In addition to the completed application form, applicants for a minor or major
home occupation shall submit the following to the Planning Department:
(a) Minor Home Occupations
(i) A plot plan of the property on which the home occupation is to be
located. The plot plan shall show:
a. The location of the residence and/or accessory building
in which the home occupation is to be located in relation
to existing property lines and adjacent homes;
b. The location, number, and means of access to required
off street parking areas; and
c. The location and type of required landscaping and/or
screening.
(ii) A floor plan of the residence and/or accessory building in which
27
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-34
the home occupation is to be located showing the location, size,
and use of each room or area within the residence and/or
accessory building.
(b) Major Home Occupations
(i) A site plan of the property on which the home occupation is to be
located. The site plan shall show:
a. The location of the residence and/or accessory building
in which the home occupation is to be located in relation
to existing property lines and adjacent homes;
b. The location, number, and means of access to required
off street parking areas; and
c. The location and type of required landscaping and/or
screening.
(ii) A floor plan of the residence and/or accessory building in which
the home occupation is to be located showing the location, size,
and use of each room or area within the residence and/or
accessory building.
(2) Standards of Evaluation
(a) All Home Occupations
(i) No home occupation may be operated in a residence except as
permitted under this Ordinance and only after a Home
Occupation Permit has be issued in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.21 2.22 of this Ordinance.
(ii) Home based business operations that conduct only online retail
sales and do not include nonresident employees located onsite,
signage, or onsite students, customers, and/or clients do not
require a home occupation permit.3
(iii) Uses Not Permitted
a. Except for the office component of the business
operation, the following activities are explicitly prohibited
as home occupations:
i. Automotive repair,
ii. Automotive service,
iii. Automotive detailing,
iv. Body shop, and
v. Hauling, and
vi. Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical,
grading or other construction contracting.4
3 Revisions have been made to address Planning Board comments regarding onsite retail sales.
Proposed standards will exempt home occupations conducting retail sales through the internet if the
operation has no onsite employees, signage, and visitors from the home occupation permit process. 4 Based on comments received at the Quarterly Public Hearing, revisions to this Section will allow
building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and other construction contracting to operate from a
residential property with an approved home occupation permit. Revisions are proposed to additional
Sections of the UDO to address potential traffic impacts as a result of these uses being permitted as a
home occupation. The revisions also make it clearer that an office related to the types of uses in i.
through v. may be allowed, however, it is the actual activities that are not allowed as a home occupation.
28
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-35
b. The above list is not intended to include all uses which
may be unsuitable as a home occupation. Home
Occupation applications for other uses may be denied if
the Standards of Evaluation listed herein are not fully
met.
(iv) No equipment or process shall be employed that will cause
noise, vibration, glare, odor or electrical interference detectable
to the normal senses at the lot lines in the case of detached
dwelling units or outside the dwelling unit, in the case of attached
dwelling units.
(v) The on-premises sale and/or delivery of goods which are not
produced or modified in a manner that adds value to the product
on the premises is prohibited, except in the case of the delivery
and sale of goods incidental to the provision of a service. No
goods, products, or commodities purchased and secured for the
main purpose of onsite resale shall be permitted.
(vi) All events conducted in connection with the home occupation
and exceed the number of permitted daily students, customers,
and/or clients contained within Sections 5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(i)d and
5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(i)g must adhere to Section 5.4.3, Special Events.5
(b) Minor Home Occupations
(i) General Operations
The following requirements apply to minor home occupations in
all residential districts:
a. The owner or operator of the home occupation must live
in a residence located on the same zoning lot as the
home occupation. No more than two individuals not
living in the residence may work in the home occupation.
Minor home occupations shall not exceed three
nonresident employees onsite at any one time.
b. In all residential districts except RB, AR and R-1, no
more than 35% of the floor area of the dwelling unit or
500 750 square feet, whichever is less, may be used for
the home occupation.
c. Up to three students, customers, and/or clients shall be
permitted onsite at any one time, not to exceed a total of
six students, customers, and/or clients per day.
(ii) Limitations on Traffic Generation
a. Traffic generated by visitors, customers, or deliveries
employees, students, customers, and/or clients shall not
exceed more than two business trips per hour, more
than eight twenty trips per day. or more than two
deliveries of products or materials per week. All
deliveries must be made by vehicles of a size normally
used for household deliveries.6
5 Approved home occupations that conduct special events onsite are required to adhere to Section 5.4.3
Special Events. Home occupations that participate in a nonprofit or government organized event including
the annual Orange County Open Studio Tour shall be waived from the special event review process as
proposed within Section 5.4.3 Special Events. 6 Existing standards regulating the number of hourly and daily trips were found to be inconsistent with
proposed language regulating the number of students, customers, and/or clients permitted onsite per day.
29
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-36
b. Parking generated by the home occupation shall be met
off the street and other than not in a required yard area.
c. There shall be no use of a vehicle with a load capacity in
excess of one ton a gross vehicle weight in excess
of14,000 pounds used in connection with the home
occupation7. including vehicles used for delivery or pick-
up. Vehicles with the permitted load capacity generally
include large pick-up trucks, and delivery trucks and
vans such as those used by UPS, but would not include
vehicles such as tractor trailers or dump trucks.8
(iii) Use of Accessory Structures
a. An accessory building containing up to 1000 1,500
square feet may be utilized in the RB, AR and R-1
residential zoning districts, detailed in Section 3.3,9
provided that the building structure is built with suitable
residential construction materials to resemble has the
appearance of a residential accessory structure.10
b. The accessory structure must be screened from view of
the road and adjacent property by a densely planted
evergreen hedge of shrubs or trees. In lieu of an
evergreen hedge, a six foot stockade fence and
deciduous plant materials vegetation planted along the
outside of the fence may be used for screening
purposes. Screening will not be required when:
i. The accessory structure is located 40 feet or
more from all property lines; or
ii. Existing vegetation provides suitable screening
of the accessory structure from all adjacent
properties.11
As a result, revisions will allow for an increase in the number of daily trips resulting from the operation of
the home occupation. Proposed standards are to regulate the number of daily trips generated from
employees and visitors associated with the home occupation and not the number of daily trips generated
from the residential use of the property. Please note that a “trip count” is one direction only (a round trip,
in and out, is counted as two trips in traffic engineering calculations). Additional revisions shall allow for
an increase in deliveries while limiting the type of vehicle to a size normally used for household deliveries.
7 Weight standards have been modified replacing load capacity with the more common and familiar
vehicle gross weight standard. The proposed weight of 14,000 pounds will allow for the use of standard
and larger sized pick-up trucks in connection with all home occupations. 8 Staff recommends the existing language to be revised in order to a avoid a potential inconsistency with
standards contained within item a.
9 Revised standards are proposed to allow the use of accessory structures up to 1,500 feet in all
residential districts contained within Section 3.3, Residential Districts, instead of limiting this use to only
the RB, AR, and R-1 districts. 10 Revisions will clarify concerns raised at the Quarterly Public Hearing regarding existing language
addressing the appearance of accessory structures. Standards require accessory structures to be
constructed with suitable residential construction materials in order to avoid commercially designed
structures to be located in a residential zoning district. Existing and proposed standards do not require
accessory structures to take on the exact appearance of the residential structure. 11 Existing standards regarding screening of accessory structures have been revised to addre ss
comments received at the Quarterly Public Hearing . Proposed revisions will allow accessory structures
located at least 40 feet from all property lines or sites providing screening with the use of existing
vegetation to be exempt from screening requirements.
30
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-37
c. New structures built for the purpose of conducting a
home occupation shall not exceed 1000 1,500 square
feet in area.
d. An existing accessory structure which is larger than
1000 1,500 square feet may be used for the home
occupation provided that no more than 1000 1,500
square feet is used for the home occupation and the
area is physically separated by walls or other barriers.
In order to qualify as an existing accessory structure for
the purpose of conducting a home occupation, the
structure must have been constructed to meet building
code requirements applicable to a residential accessory
structure, and must have been in existence for at least
36 months.
(iv) Use of Outdoor Storage
a. Up to 500 square feet of outdoor storage area may be
used shall be permitted only in the RB, AR and R-1
zoning districts provided that it:
i. Is clearly defined on the site plan and on the
ground.
ii. Is located at least 40 feet from any lot line or
road right-of-way; and
iii. Is totally screened from the view from the road
and from adjacent property in the same manner
as is required for accessory buildings.
(c) Major Home Occupations
(i) General Operations
The following requirements apply to major home occupations:
a. Major home occupations shall be permitted only in the
AR and R-1 zoning districts.
b. All major home occupations shall be located on parcels
at least five acres in size.
c. The owner or operator of the home occupation must live
in a residence located on the same zoning lot as the
home occupation. Up to six permanent and/or
temporary nonresident employees may be permitted
onsite at any one time with the exact number established
in the Special Use Permit.
d. The total amount of square footage permitted for a
residential dwelling unit used in conjunction with a major
home occupation, which exceeds standards referenced
in Section 5.5.3.A.2(b)(i)b, shall be determined with the
approved Special Use Permit, but in no case shall the
total exceed 50% of the floor area of the dwelling unit.
e. Up to eight students, customers, and/or clients shall be
permitted onsite at any one time, not to exceed a total of
fifteen students, customers, and/or clients per day.
(ii) Limitations on Traffic Generation
a. Traffic generated by employees, students, customers,
and/or clients shall not exceed more than fifty trips per
31
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-38
day. All deliveries must be made by vehicles of a size
normally used for household deliver ies.
b. All major home occupations shall conform to the
standards of Section 5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(ii)c.
c. Parking generated by the home occupation shall be met
off the street and set back at least 40 feet from all
property lines.
d. Major home occupations located on public roadways
may be required to submit a driveway permit prior to
approval.
e. Major home occupations located on shared private
roadways shall be required to submit a private road
maintenance agreement prior to approval.
(iii) Use of Accessory Structures
a. An accessory building containing up to 2,500 square feet
may be utilized, with the approval of a major home
occupation, on tracts totaling five to ten acres in size. An
Accessory building containing up to 3,000 square feet
may be utilized, with the approval of a major home
occupation, on tracts greater than ten acres in size.
b. All accessory structures shall be built with suitable
residential construction materials to resemble the
appearance of a residential accessory structure.
c. Setback standards for all accessory structures shall be
determined with the approved Special Use Permit and in
no case be less than 40 feet from all property lines.12
d. The accessory structure must be screened from view of
the road and adjacent property by a densely planted
evergreen hedge of shrubs or trees. In lieu of an
evergreen hedge, a six foot stockade fence and
deciduous vegetation planted on the outside of the fence
may be used for screening purposes. Screening will not
be required when:
i. The accessory structure is located 80 feet or
more from all property lines; or
ii. Existing vegetation provides suitable screening
of the accessory structure from all adjacent
properties.
e. New accessory structures built for the purpose of
conducting a home occupation shall not exceed square
footage allowances referenced in Section
5.5.3.A(2)(e)(iii)a.
f. An existing accessory structure which is larger than the
permitted size referenced in Section 5.5.3.A(2)(e)(iii)a
may be used for the home occupation provided that no
more than the permitted amount of square feet is used
12 Proposed setback standards for accessory structures have been revised to address comments
received at the Quarterly Public Hearing. Proposed revisions will allow setbacks to be determined on a
case-by-case basis through the Special Use Permit process, but will still require a minimum setback of 40
feet from all property lines.
32
Article 5: Uses
Section 5.5: Standards for Residential Uses
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-39
for the home occupation and the area is physically
separated by walls or other barriers. In order to qualify
as an existing accessory structure for the purpose of
conducting a home occupation, the structure must have
been constructed to meet building code requirements
applicable to a residential accessory structure, and must
have been in existence for at least 36 months.
(iv) Use of Outdoor Storage Space
a. Up to 500 square feet of outdoor storage area may be
used in conjunction with major home occupations
provided that it is:
i. Clearly defined on the site plan and on the
ground.
ii. Setback standards for outdoor storage space
shall be determined with the approved Special
Use Permit and in no case be less than 40 feet
from all property lines; and 13
iii. Totally screened from the view from the road
and from adjacent property in the same manner
required for accessory buildings.
5.5.4 Mobile Home Parks
(A) Standards for MHP-CZ
(1) Permitted Uses and Structures
In addition to Mobile Homes, as defined by this Ordinance, the following
accessory structures and uses shall be permitted:
(a) Caretaker's or manager's home or office.
(b) Service buildings and areas necessary to provide washing and drying
machines for domestic laundry, sanitation, rest rooms, storage, vending
machines, and other similar services provided by the facility for the use
and convenience of the mobile home park tenants.
(c) Recreation buildings/facilities and areas serving only the mobile home
park in which they are located.
(d) Customary accessory buildings and facilities necessary for operation of
the mobile home park in which they are located.
(e) Storage buildings for individual mobile home spaces and intended for the
exclusive use of the occupants of the mobile home space.
(f) Fenced, communal storage areas provided by the park operator for
boats, campers, and other accessory vehicles belonging to park
residents.
(g) Sales of mobile homes already located on approved and established
mobile home stand spaces.
(2) Mobile Home Stand Space Requirements
13 Proposed setback standards for outdoor storage space have been revised to address comments
received at the Quarterly Public Hearing. Proposed standards will allow setbacks to be determined on a
case-by-case basis through the Special Use Permit process, but will still require the minimum setback
standard of 40 feet currently contained in Section 5.5.3(A)(2)(f)(i)b of the UDO.
33
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-14
High-Density Option
One of two approaches available for development in some watershed overlay districts. Generally, the
high-density option relies on density limits and engineered stormwater controls to minimize the risk of
water pollution.
Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG)
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to construction, next to the proposed walls of
the structure.
Historic structure
Any structure that is:
a) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the U.S.
Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of Interior as meeting the
requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
b) Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of Interior as contributing to the historical
significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary
to qualify as a registered historic district;
c) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic landmarks in communities with a “Certified Local
Government (CLG) Program,” which has been approved by the Department of the Interior; or
d) Certified as contributing to the historical significance of a historic district designated by a
community with a “Certified Local Government (CLG) Program”. (CLG Programs are approved
by the US Department of the Interior in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of
Cultural Resources through the State Historic Preservation Officer as having met the
requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended).
Holiday Decoration
Holiday displays, decorations and greetings, which relate to any federally designated holiday, legal
holiday or religious holiday.
Home Occupation, Major
An accessory business use which is owned and operated by the resident of the property, located on a
single parcel of land at least five acres in size in the AR and R-1 zoning districts, and is clearly incidental
and subordinate to the principal residential use of the property. Major home occupations , which do not
meet the standards of a minor home occupation, shall accommodate for larger scale accessory business
uses by allowing for an increase in square footage, number of onsite employees, students, customers,
clients, and annual events with an approved Class B Special Use Permit.
Home Occupation, Minor
An accessory business use which is owned or operated by the resident of a residentially-zoned property
which business and is clearly incidental and subordinate to the principal residential use of the property.
Hotel, Motel, Motor Lodge, Motor Inn, Inn, Tourist Court
A building or group of attached or detached buildings containing, in combination, ten or more lodging
units, or ten or more dwelling units intended primarily for rental or lease to transients by the day or week,
as distinguished from multi-family dwellings, rooming houses and residential hotels in which rentals and
leases are for weekly or longer periods and occupants are generally residents rather than transients.
Hotel, Residential
A building or group of attached or detached buildings containing, in combination, ten or more lodging
units available for occupancy only for periods of thirty days or longer, provided, however, that temporary
lodging units for guests of regular tenants may be provided in any residential hotel, with number of such
units limited to 10% of the number of tenant lodging units.
Immediate Neighborhood
A subdivision or area of the county which distinguishes it from other subdivisions or areas by virtue of its
location within the service area of a park site or sites as shown on the adopted “Recreation Service Area
Boundaries Map” on file in the Planning Department.
34
Proposed Amendments Planning Board – January 8, 2014
Existing language to remain within the referenced section of the UDO Existing language to be revised within the referenced section of the UDO Proposed language to be added within the referenced section of the UDO
Revised Standards
Existing Language Proposed Language
Minor Home Occupations Major Home Occupations
Application
Requirements
Section
2.22.1
An application shall include a plot plan that adheres to
the requirements of Sections 2.4.3 and 5.5.3.
An application for a minor home occupation shall include a plot plan that adheres
to the requirements of Sections 2.4.3 and 5.5.3.
An application for a major home occupation shall require a Class B Special Use Permit
and adhere to the requirements of Sections 2.5.3, 2.7, and 5.5.3.
Special Events
Section
5.4.3
All proposed Special Events must follow the Class B
Special Use Permit process.
All special events planned, conducted, and affiliated with a nonprofit or government organization including county wide tours such as the annual Orange County Open Studio
Tour shall be exempt from the special event review and permitting process.
Standards of
Evaluation
Section
5.5.3(A)(2)
Uses Not Permitted - The following activities are
explicitly prohibited as home occupations:
Automotive repair, automotive service, automotive
detailing, body shop, hauling, and building, electrical,
plumbing, mechanical, grading or other construction
contracting
Uses Not Permitted – Except for the office component of the business operation, the following activities are explicitly prohibited as home occupations:
Automotive repair, automotive service, automotive detailing, body shop, and hauling
The on-premises sale and/or delivery of goods which
are not produced on the premises are prohibited,
except in the case of the delivery and sale of goods
incidental to the provision of a service.
The on-premises sale and/or delivery of goods which are not produced or modified in a manner that adds value to the product on the premises is prohibited, except in the
case of the delivery and sale of goods incidental to the provision of a service. No goods, products, or commodities purchased and secured for the main purpose of onsite
resale shall be permitted.
Home based business operations that conduct only retail internet sales and do not include nonresident employees located onsite, signage, or onsite students, customers,
and/or clients do not require a home occupation permit.
All events conducted in connection with the home occupation and exceed the number of permitted daily students, customers, and/or clients contained within Sections
5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(i)d and 5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(i)g must adhere to Section 5.4.3, Special Events.
No equipment or process shall be employed that will cause noise, vibration, glare, odor or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses at the lot lines in the case of
detached dwelling units or outside the dwelling unit, in the case of attached dwelling units.
General
Operations
Sections
5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(i)
and
5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(i)
The owner or operator of the home occupation must
live in a residence located on the same zoning lot as the
home occupation. No more than two individuals not
living in the residence may work in the home
occupation.
The owner or operator of the home occupation must live in a residence located on
the same zoning lot as the home occupation. Minor home occupations shall not
exceed three nonresident employees onsite at any one time.
The owner or operator of the home occupation must live in a residence located on the
same zoning lot as the home occupation. Up to six permanent and/or temporary
nonresident employees may be permitted onsite at any one time with the exact number
established in the Special Use Permit.
General
Operations
Sections
5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(i)
and
5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(i)
In all residential districts except RB, AR and R-1, no
more than 35% of the floor area of the dwelling unit or
500 square feet, whichever is less, may be used for the
home occupation.
In all residential districts no more than 35% of the floor area of the dwelling unit or
750 square feet, whichever is less, may be used for the home occupation.
The total amount of square footage permitted for a residential dwelling unit used in
conjunction with a major home occupation, which exceeds standards referenced in
Section 5.5.3.A.2(b)(i)b, shall be determined with the approved Special Use Permit, but
in no case shall the total exceed 50% of the floor area of the dwelling unit.
Up to three students, customers, and/or clients shall be permitted onsite at any
one time, not to exceed a total of six students, customers, and/or clients per day.
Major home occupations shall only be permitted in the AR and R-1 zoning districts.
All major home occupations shall be located on parcels at least five acres in size.
Up to eight students, customers, and/or clients shall be permitted onsite at any one
time, not to exceed a total of fifteen students, customers, and/or clients per day.
35
Proposed Amendments Planning Board – January 8, 2014
Existing language to remain within the referenced section of the UDO Existing language to be revised within the referenced section of the UDO Proposed language to be added within the referenced section of the UDO
Revised Standards
Existing Language Proposed Language
Minor Home Occupations Major Home Occupations
Limitations on
Traffic
Generation
Sections
5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(ii)
and
5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(ii)
Traffic generated by visitors, customers, or deliveries
shall not exceed more than two business trips per hour,
more than eight trips per day, or more than two
deliveries of products or materials per week.
Traffic generated by employees, students, customers, and/or clients shall not
exceed more than twenty trips per day. All deliveries must be made by vehicles of
a size normally used for household deliveries.
Traffic generated by employees, students, customers, and/or clients shall not exceed
more than fifty trips per day All deliveries must be made by vehicles of a size normally
used for household deliveries.
There shall be no use of a vehicle with a load capacity in
excess of one ton in connection with the home
occupation, including vehicles used for delivery or pick-
up. Vehicles with the permitted load capacity generally
include large pick-up trucks, and delivery trucks and
vans such as those used by UPS, but would not include
vehicles such as tractor trailers or dump trucks.
There shall be no use of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 14,000 pounds used in connection with the home occupation.
Parking generated by the home occupation shall be met
off the street and other than in a required yard area.
Parking generated by the home occupation shall be met off the street and not in a
required yard area.
Parking generated by the home occupation shall be met off the street and setback at
least 40 feet from all property lines.
Major home occupations located on public roadways may be required to submit a
driveway permit prior to approval.
Major home occupations located on shared private roadways shall be required to submit
a private road maintenance agreement prior to approval.
Use of
Accessory
Structures
Sections
5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(iii)
and
5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(iii)
An accessory building containing up to 1000 square feet
may be utilized in the RB, AR and R-1 zoning districts,
provided that building has the appearance of a
residential accessory structure.
An accessory building containing up to 1,500 square feet may be utilized in the
residential zoning districts, detailed in Section 3.3, provided that the structure is
built with suitable residential construction materials to resemble the appearance
of a residential accessory structure.
An accessory building containing up to 2,500 square feet may be utilized with the
approval of a major home occupation on tracts totaling five to ten acres in size.
An accessory building containing up to 3,000 square feet may be utilized with the
approval of a major home occupation on tracts totaling eleven acres or more in size.
All accessory structures must be built with suitable residential construction materials to
resemble the appearance of a residential accessory structure.
Setback standards for all accessory structures shall be determined with the approved
Special Use Permit and in no case be less than 40 feet from all property lines.
The accessory structure must be screened from view of
the road and adjacent property by a densely planted
evergreen hedge of shrubs or trees. In lieu of an
evergreen hedge, a six foot stockade fence and
deciduous plant materials may be used for screening
purposes.
The accessory structure must be screened from view of the road and adjacent
property by a densely planted evergreen hedge of shrubs or trees. In lieu of an
evergreen hedge, a six foot stockade fence and deciduous plant materials
vegetation planted along the outside of the fence may be used for screening
purposes. Screening will not be required when:
- The accessory structure is located 40 feet or more from all property lines; or
- Existing vegetation provides suitable screening of the accessory structure from all
adjacent properties.
The accessory structure must be screened from view of the road and adjacent property
by a densely planted evergreen hedge of shrubs or trees. In lieu of an evergreen hedge,
a six foot stockade fence and deciduous vegetation planted on the outside of the fence
may be used for screening purposes. Screening will not be required when:
- The accessory structure is located 80 feet or more from all property lines; or
- Existing vegetation provides suitable screening of the accessory structure from all
adjacent properties.
36
Proposed Amendments Planning Board – January 8, 2014
Existing language to remain within the referenced section of the UDO Existing language to be revised within the referenced section of the UDO Proposed language to be added within the referenced section of the UDO
Revised Standards
Existing Language Proposed Language
Minor Home Occupations Major Home Occupations
Use of Outdoor
Storage Space
Sections
5.5.3(A)(2)(b)(iv)
and
5.5.3(A)(2)(c)(iv)
Use of Outdoor Storage - Up to 500 square feet of
outdoor storage area may be used in the RB, AR and R-1
zoning districts provided that it:
- Is clearly defined on the site plan and on the ground.
- Is located at least 40 feet from any lot line or road
right-of-way; and
- Is totally screened from the view from the road and
from adjacent property in the same manner as is
required for accessory buildings.
Use of Outdoor Storage - Up to 500 square feet of outdoor storage area may be
used shall be permitted only in the RB, AR and R-1 zoning districts provided that it:
- Is clearly defined on the site plan and on the ground.
- Is located at least 40 feet from any lot line or road right-of-way; and
- Is totally screened from the view from the road and from adjacent property in the
same manner as is required for accessory buildings.
Use of Outdoor Storage Space - Up to 500 square feet of outdoor storage area may be
used in conjunction with major home occupations provided that it is:
- Clearly defined on the site plan and on the ground.
- Setback standards for outdoor storage space shall be determined with the approved
Special Use Permit and in no case shall be less than 40 feet from all property lines; and
- Totally screened from the view from the road and from adjacent property in the same
manner required for accessory buildings.
Definitions
Article 10
An accessory business use, which is owned or operated
by the resident of residentially-zoned property, which
business is clearly incidental and subordinate to the
principal residential use of the property.
An accessory business use which is owned or operated by the resident of a
residentially-zoned property and is clearly incidental and subordinate to the
principal residential use of the property.
An accessory business use which is owned and operated by the resident of the property,
located on a single parcel of land at least five acres in size in the AR and R-1 zoning
districts, and is clearly incidental and subordinate to the principal residential use of the
property. Major home occupations, which do not meet the standards of a minor home
occupation, shall accommodate for larger scale accessory business uses by allowing for
an increase in square footage, number of onsite employees, students, customers, clients,
and annual events with an approved Class B Special Use Permit.
37
Exempt Minor Home
Occupation
Major Home
Occupation
Conditional
Use Permit
Commercial
Zoning
District
Existing standards
contained within the UDO
narrowly defined home
based business
opportunities
(Staff approval)
Residential
(Rural)
Non-Residential
(Urban)
Increase in Intensity
Proposed standards have
EXPANDED HOME BASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
throughout Orange County
Proposed standards to be
added to the UDO
(Class B SUP – Board of
Adjustment)
Existing process can
be used for
residential property
(Rezoning and
Class A SUP – BOCC)
Existing process for
only specified areas
of the county
(Activity Nodes)
38