HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCPB agenda 0302161
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, March 2, 2016
Regular Meeting – 7:00 pm
No. Page(s) Agenda Item
1. CALL TO ORDER
2.
3 - 4
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. Planning Calendar for March and April
3.
5 – 13
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 6, 2016 Regular Meeting
4. CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
5. 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.
6. CHAIR COMMENTS
1
2
No. Page(s) Agenda Item
7.
14 - 54
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT - To review
and discuss government-initiated amendments to the text of the UDO
regarding sign regulations. This item is scheduled for the May 23, 2016
quarterly public hearing and is expected to return to the Planning Board
in April for a recommendation.
Presenter: Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor
8. 55 - 85 UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON UPCOMING WORK PLAN AND POPULATION AND
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS - To hear an update on the Planning Board’s
Work Plan which was recently reviewed by the Board of County
Commissioners and to review prior Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) population and employment projections.
Presenter: Craig Benedict, Planning Director
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
MICHAEL HARVEY (919-245-2592).
2
< February March 2016 April >
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
Regular BOCC
Meeting
7:00 pm
Whitted
Building
Planning Board
meeting @
7:00 pm
WCOB 004*
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Board of
Adjustment
7:30 pm
WCOB 004
OUTBoard
7:00 pm
WCOB 004
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Regular BOCC
Meeting
7:00 pm
Southern
Human
Services
Center
Holiday/Offices
Closed
27 28 29 30 31
BOCC Work
Session
7:00 pm
Southern
Human
Services
Center
Notes:
* Planning Board Member
Attendance Required or Expected
WCOB = West Campus Office
Building (131 W. Margaret Lane,
Hillsborough)
3 3
< February April 2016 April >
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
Notes:
* Planning Board Member
Attendance Required or Expected
WCOB = West Campus Office
Building (131 W. Margaret Lane,
Hillsborough)
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Regular BOCC
Meeting
7:00 pm
Whitted
Building
ORC – time
TBD
Planning Board
meeting @
7:00 pm
WCOB 004*
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Board of
Adjustment
7:30 pm
WCOB 004
BOCC Work
Session
7:00 pm
Southern
Human
Services
Center
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Regular BOCC
Meeting
7:00 pm
Southern
Human
Services
Center
OUTBoard
7:00 pm
WCOB 004
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
4 4
1
MINUTES 1
PLANNING BOARD 2
JANUARY 6, 2016 3
REGULAR MEETING 4
5
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lydia Wegman (Vice Chair), At-Large Chapel Hill Township; James Lea, Cedar Grove Township 6
Representative; Paul Guthrie, At-Large Chapel Hill Township; Andrea Rohrbacher, At-Large Chapel Hill Township; 7
Maxecine Mitchell, At-Large Bingham Township; Patricia Roberts, Cheeks Township Representative; Laura 8
Nicholson, Eno Township Representative; Herman Staats, At-Large; Lisa Stuckey, Chapel Hill Township 9
Representative; Tony Blake, Bingham Township Representative 10
11 MEMBERS ABSENT: Buddy Hartley, Little River Township Representative 12
13 STAFF PRESENT: Craig Benedict, Planning Director; Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor, Perdita Holtz, 14
Special Projects Coordinator, Meredith Pucci, Administrative Assistant II; Ashley Moncado, Special Projects Planner 15
16 AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER 17
18
Lydia Wegman: Opened the meeting by making sure everybody was there that was coming. 19
20 AGENDA ITEM 2: ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR 2016 21 22
Lydia Wegman: The first thing we have to do is our elections. 23
24
Lisa Stuckey: Lydia, are you interested in being the Chair? 25
26
Lydia Wegman: I am willing to be the Chair if that is the will of our Board. But if others would prefer to be the Chair I 27
have no problem with that. Anybody else interested? 28
29
MOTION made by Laura Nicholson to elect Lydia Wegman as Chair. Seconded by Patricia Roberts. 30
VOTE: Unanimous 31
32
Lydia Wegman: Okay. Nominations for Vice-Chair. 33
34
Maxecine Mitchell: How about Tony? 35
36
Tony Blake: Well I will be Vice-Chair, if that’s the will of the Board. 37
38 MOTION made by Maxecine Mitchell to elect Tony as Vice-Chair, seconded by Laura Nicholson. 39
VOTE: Unanimous 40
41 AGENDA ITEM 3: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 42
a. Planning Calendar for January and February 43
44
Lydia Wegman reviewed the calendar and discussed a change in the rules; the Chair or the Vice-Chair is required to 45
attend the quarterly meeting. Everyone else is expected to attend, but not required. 46
47
Craig Benedict: The quarterly public hearing is a different date than usual in February. Usually it’s later in the month 48
and on Monday but this year it’s on a Thursday, so just make special note of that. 49
50
AGENDA ITEM 4: APPROVAL OF MINUTES 51
5 5
2
December 2, 2015 ORC Notes 52
December 2, 2015 Regular Meeting 53
54
MOTION by Paul Guthrie to approve both sets of minutes. Seconded by Maxecine Mitchell. 55 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 56
57
58 AGENDA ITEM 5: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 59
60
Michael Harvey: Sign regulations are being pulled from tonight’s agenda. 61
62
Paul Guthrie: Do you care to elaborate? 63
64
Michael Harvey: The county attorney’s office has determined they want more time. 65
66 AGENDA ITEM 6: PUBLIC CHARGE 67
68
Introduction to the Public Charge 69
The Board of County Commissioners, under the authority of North Carolina General 70
Statute, appoints the Orange County Planning Board (OCPB) to uphold the written land 71
development laws of the County. The general purpose of OCPB is to guide and 72
accomplish coordinated and harmonious development. OCPB shall do so in a manner 73
which considers the present and future needs of its residents and business through 74
efficient and responsive process that contributes to and promotes the health, safety, and 75
welfare of the overall county. The OCPB will make every effort to uphold a vision of 76
responsive governance and quality public services during our deliberations, decision, and 77
recommendations. 78
79 Public Charge 80
The Planning Board pledges to the residents of Orange County its respect. The Board 81
asks its residents to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner, both with the 82
Board and with fellow residents. At any time, should any member of the Board or any 83
resident fail to observe this public charge, the Chair will ask the offending member to 84
leave the meeting until that individual regains personal control. Should decorum rail to be 85
restored, the Chair will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to 86
this public charge is observed. 87
88 AGENDA ITEM 7: CHAIR COMMENTS 89
90
No comments from the Chair. 91
92 AGENDA ITEM 8: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT - To make a recommendation 93
to the BOCC on government-initiated amendments to the text of the UDO regarding 94
mailed notifications. This item is scheduled for the February 18, 2016 quarterly public 95
hearing. 96 Presenter: Perdita Holtz, Planning Systems Coordinator 97
98
Perdita Holtz reviewed abstract. 99
100
Paul Guthrie: How do you plan to confirm that the applicants have filed by first class mail? I know in certified mail you 101
would have a postal receipt, how are you planning to be able to confirm that if there’s a challenge to lack of notice? 102
103
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3
Perdita Holtz: The planning department is actually involved in the mailed notifications and we do a certificate of 104
mailing that you’ve seen in amendment packets. Whichever staff person is in charge of the mailing signs it to certify 105
it was done as stated. 106
107
Paul Guthrie: We don’t need to do any language in here to make sure that happens? 108
109
Perdita Holtz: Correct…. In the case of governmental uses, which those are most likely going to be your fire 110
departments, we are asking that whoever is heading up that effort for the fire department would give us a statement 111
that certifies that they mailed it when they said they mailed it. 112
113
Paul Guthrie: But you’re going to monitor private individuals who are asking for an action that are required to mail? 114
115
Perdita Holtz: Yes, we actually do the mailing. The planning department does the mailing; they just pay for them. 116
117
Tony Blake: But you guys make a copy of everything that’s sent out anyways, right? 118
119
Perdita Holtz: Well, we have the mailing list of property owners and the actual letter that goes into the file. 120
121
Lydia Wegman: Other comments? 122
123
Tony Blake: I had one from people that have called me, my phones lit up when they heard a story about the airport, 124
and a couple of people were thinking that a broader notification should go out, in light of an airport. Or something that 125
has significant impacts like noise or what have you. So I wanted to float that idea and I wanted to get that in the 126
minutes so that the County Commissioners read it as well. 127
128
Andrea Rohrbacher: I can’t remember what the outcome of this point was, it seems that at one meeting we discussed 129
putting some sort of lettering on the outside of the envelope to indicate that it had to do with development so that 130
people wouldn’t think that it was junk mail. 131
132
Perdita Holtz: Right, and that is in there under the public hearing portion that it’s going to say, “Notice of Hearing” on 133
the outside of the envelope. 134
135
Lydia Wegman: Other comments, questions? 136
137
Paul Guthrie: I have one other. Someone who doesn’t receive notice but hears about the project, will they just come 138
directly to the planning organization and say, “Hey, we heard this was going on. What’s going on?” 139
140
Perdita Holtz: Yes, because there’s still the sign that’s posted on the property so anybody seeing that sign could 141
contact us. 142
143
Paul Guthrie: Because there are certain things that affect well beyond 1000 feet or 500 feet. So you’re able to 144
accommodate that without any problems? You don’t need anything in the code to help you do that? 145
146
Perdita Holtz: No. 147
148
Paul Guthrie: Okay. Thanks. 149
150
Craig Benedict: Perdita, can you explain to the Board the new process a little bit that’s going to be occurring in this 151
amendment that they’re making recommendation and consistency before the public hearing? 152
153
Perdita Holtz: I hit on it earlier tonight, it’s the first time that we’re doing this new process and tonight is making a 154
recommendation in time for the February 18th quarterly public hearing so, it’s the same types of actions, they’re just 155
occurring in a different order than they used to. 156
157
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4
Craig Benedict: So these do not get referred back to you unless the commission determines. 158
159
Lydia Wegman: So the commission could vote in February to approve this and we would not see it again? 160
161
Craig Benedict: That’s correct. So there’s some streamlining that we just accomplished as one of our goals for certain 162
things that are more housekeeping items like this. 163
164
Lydia: All right, any other comments or questions? 165
166
Lisa Stuckey: Okay, so I move approval of the statement of the consistency which is attachment 2 and the proposed 167
amendment package which is attachment 3 and that they be forwarded to the County Commissioners from the 168
Planning Board. 169
170 MOTION made by Lisa Stuckey to approve the text amendment. Seconded by Laura Nicholson 171 VOTE: Passed 9-1 (Tony Blake) 172
173
Tony Blake: I’m opposed. I’m opposed because I think that there’s room for other notification in the event of a major 174
enterprise or undertaking, such as an airport. 175
176
Lisa Stuckey: It occurs to me that that could be part of the airport amendments. 177
178
Tony Blake: Sure, well I don’t know so it’s not clear to me that you could amend the airport thing and have it 179
supersede this or what. That I’m not clear on. It’s my way of highlighting it. 180
181
Lisa Stuckey: I think that’s not a bad idea. 182
183
Lydia Wegman: Yeah. Craig or Perdita, any comments on that? 184
185
Perdita Holtz: That’s something that can be looked at when we go forward with the airport regulations, that the ORC 186
looked at in November. 187
188
Paul Guthrie: I just want to follow up on that. I think that’s right for the point that he’s making. I think there are some 189
issues beyond that that we could stumble into that you may at some point want to give yourself a background policy 190
to help you carry that out and don’t hit them blind without any resource other than the fact that the rules didn’t say we 191
had to do it. I can think of lots or monster projects that don’t take up a lot of ground that could have a great deal of 192
interest in the County as a whole, and so I think you need to think whether you need some kind of framing that will 193
give you the latitude to move ahead and not get stopped with procedural issues at the beginning. 194
195
Perdita Holtz: Well, there have been instances in the past, Paul, when there have been major actions that we’ve 196
gone out and done informational sessions and stuff like that, and that’s done on a case by case basis depending on 197
what the action is. It’s just, we haven’t done anything like that for the past 2 or 3 years because there haven’t been 198
major actions, but there is precedent that we’ve done stuff like that. 199
200
Lydia Wegman: And I’ll just add if I could, that it seems to be that those are projects that would come up as 201
independent or individual projects where it might come up, as opposed to something that would easily generally 202
define in the UDO text amendment. 203
204
Perdita Holtz: Yes, and that’s just something that the County can undertake as part of their discretion in being a 205
government, particularly with the County’ as the instigator. As you know, it gets dicier if it’s a SUP. 206
207
Craig Benedict: When we submit to the commissioners say, an amendment outline form, they ask us to do something 208
and we develop this form to say, “this is how we think we can accomplish it, this is what Boards may be involved, 209
maybe the environmental board is part of the amendment process.” And we also suggest public outreach that may 210
be beyond what the code says and that would be an opportunity for the commission to say, “Well, we think there 211
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5
should be a broader outreach meeting beyond 1,000 feet. So that can occur, especially when it’s government 212
initiated. 213
214
Tony Blake: Yeah, the SUP case I was thinking of is the guy who builds the subdivision with 10 or 15 houses and a 215
runway and everybody’s got their own little hangar; is that a public airport? Is that a private airport? And then if it’s a 216
SUP and you only have to notify people within 1,000 feet that landing and taking off could extend quite a bit beyond 217
there. That’s the just of my concern. 218
219
Lydia Wegman: Okay, great, thank you. 220
221
Patricia Roberts: Is there any airport planned? 222
223
Craig Benedict: No, there are no airports planned. We are in the process of updating our airport regulations. Some of 224
our outreach meetings were occurring around the holidays so it was decided to move it to a less busy time to 225
evaluate the new regulations. The best time to update your regulations is when there are no proposals out there. So 226
we will begin again, we’re going to speak with the commissioners in a work session about the process and the 227
parameters of some of the updates and it probably will not come back until later this year. 228
229
Lisa Stuckey: I think all the schools I dealt with were in the cities of Chapel Hill or Carrboro, their jurisdictions. But 230
typically, we went way beyond 1,000 feet and there was a community meeting and there was a lot of use of various 231
media to get the word out because you don’t want to build a big thing like that and then have all these people angry 232
later. So you know what to incorporate. 233
234
Tony Blake: Yeah, and it may be something that’s already been considered and non-issue. I just couldn’t find it 235
anywhere and I couldn’t find anywhere where this could be superseded by a SUP. 236
237
Lydia Wegman: And the school would be a governmental use, wouldn’t it? 238
239
Perdita Holtz: Schools actually come under a different section, but there’s outreach you have to do. 240
241
242 AGENDA ITEM 9: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT - To make a 243
recommendation to the BOCC on government-initiated amendments to the text of the UDO 244
regarding temporary healthcare structures and other custodial care housing options. This 245
item is scheduled for the February 18, 2016 quarterly public hearing. 246
247 PRESENTER: Ashley Moncado, Special Projects Planner 248 249
Ashley Moncado reviewed abstract 250
251
Patricia Roberts: I was having kind of a hard time visualizing what this would look like. Does anybody have an 252
example? 253
254
Ashley Moncado: At one point we did have a little flyer, unfortunately it’s not included in your packet tonight. It’s a 255
mobile unit, so if you can picture a single wide manufactured home, even smaller than that. A temporary health care 256
structure originally is only about 300 square feet. It’s a mobile unit so it’s basically a room with a bathroom. It can go 257
on any lot where an existing single family home would be permitted. Your only issue with neighborhoods, they are 258
permitted at the county level, but if there’s covenants or restrictions then they trump the Session Law. 259
260
Patricia Roberts: I see 1,000 square feet everywhere here except for the table, on the table it said it can’t exceed 300 261
square feet. 262
263
Ashley Moncado: I think that is just referencing a temporary health care structure, which this is something from a 264
previous meeting where they wanted to know what other options there are out there for providing care to family 265
9 9
6
members, neighbors, friends. So this table was created to show all the different options that are currently available in 266
the County. 267
268
Patricia Roberts: 1,000 square feet is huge. 269
270
Ashley Moncado: Yes, and there was concerns shared from this Board as well as the BOCC regarding the original 271
proposed size. Originally, it was only 300 square feet and there were concerns that was too small. So, we increased 272
it to 1,000 square feet. 273
274
Patricia Roberts: And what’s temporary? How long is temporary? 275
276
Ashley Moncado: Temporary is not defined by state statute so it could be a week, a year. It’s not allowed to be 277
placed on a permanent foundation, it is to remain on its trailer so it can be pulled back out. 278
279
Patricia Roberts: What about hooking up the septic? 280
281
Ashley Moncado: You’d have to go through environmental health approval so they would be reviewed by Orange 282
County Environmental Health. If they don’t have the capacity to add that, because it’s considered an extra bedroom, 283
they will have to address that. 284
285
Patricia Roberts: So there’s not that many places in the County where you can put one of these. 286
287
Tony Blake: Well, if you have a 5-acre lot. 288
289
Laura Nicholson: I noticed that you changed a lot of the things, but I still see the one person as the occupant 290
requirement. Was there any wiggle room there to allow? I’m just looking at the table and still seeing one. 291
292
Ashley Moncado: Yes, the table is only referencing temporary health care structure standards. But, if you look at the 293
actual amendments, we are allowing up to five unrelated to live in a single family dwelling unit and up to two people 294
to live with a temporary custodial care unit. 295
296
Paul Guthrie: How are you defining family? 297
298
Ashley Moncado: Well, we have to actual definition on page 47 of your packets and it’s exactly as we’ve had it 299
previously, the only thing that we’re changing is a minor grammar error as well as increasing it from three to five. 300
301
Paul Guthrie: The reason I ask the question is, the definition of a family has changed radically. And the only time 302
when the question comes up is when somebody’s unhappy about it being permitted and one of the things you would 303
certify is that it meets this definition; and how do you prove a family? What are the standards of a family? 304
305
Ashley Moncado: I think it’s outlined pretty well in the definition of what we’re defining a family as and that’s 306
something that as it’s brought to our attention. 307
308
Paul Guthrie: Well, let me give you an example, two individuals live together and each individual, one has two 309
children and one has three children. There is no, in my mind, legal definition, of that being a family under the law. Are 310
they able to have a unit brought in for mom when she comes in from one of the mothers from one of the partners? 311
312
Ashley Moncado: Are you talking about the actual family definition of what we’re talking about five unrelated people 313
or are you talking about the temporary health care structure-because there’s no relationship requirement with that 314
anymore. 315
316
Paul Guthrie: I’m talking about that in the context of this whole. 317
318
Ashley Moncado: So the temporary custodial care unit, there’s no relationship requirement . 319
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320
Paul Guthrie: So the original house does not have to related to the individual at all? 321
322
Ashley Moncado: No, that’s been removed. 323
324
Paul Guthrie: Okay. So, why are we defining a family as five? 325
326
Ashley Moncado: Because we have other issues regarding how many people are living within one single family 327
home, or a unit. Which this, the family definition is being changed because that was an issue that was brought by the 328
commissioners. They didn’t like that it was limited to three, they wanted to see it increased. So, to me, it sounds like 329
these are two different things. So, the family definition, we’re addressing that in conjunction with this just because it’s 330
something that’s been discussed previously that we just needed to address. We wanted to address it this time as part 331
of this amendment package. But, there’s no family relationship requirement related to the temporary custodial care 332
units anymore. 333
334
Lydia Wegman: So maybe Paul is raising a good point as far as the family that should be considered independently, 335
from the temporary custodial unit because it is true that now the term family doesn’t mean blood, marriage or 336
adoption. People do choose to live together. 337
338
Ashley Moncado: There’s a possibility you could have a lot of people living in a house without having some sort of 339
standard and structures to it. I understand that there’s a lot of people that have families that they have children, 340
they’re not married or they’re blended families. But, if you’re looking at a family of that situation, I mean you could 341
look at potentially having twenty people living in a house. And we have no way that you have to put some sort of limit 342
on it to avoid that situation because then you could be looking at environmental health concerns where they have 343
twenty people living in a house with four bedrooms. 344
345
Paul Guthrie: And you have adequate definitions in other parts of planning laws and regulations that limits the 346
occupancy of a house? 347
348
Ashley Moncade: Well our family definition is also reflective of the North Carolina State Building Code. Which the five 349
is derived directly from. There’s our standard but there’s another state standard that they have to adhere by. 350
351
Patricia Roberts: Well perhaps if they’re under 18 they don’t count. 352
353
Ashley Moncade: We can’t do that. The state building code doesn’t look at age. 354
355
Tony Blake: Chapel Hill is even more restrictive than this to reduce the number of students and people parking on the 356
lawn and all that stuff. That was directly to address… 357
358
Patricia Roberts: It’s four, right? 359
360
Tony Blake: Yeah, it’s one less. 361
362
Lisa Stuckey: If the parents were not married, it would still be allowed? 363
364
Craig Benedict: Yes, as it’s unrelated by blood. 365
366
Maxecine Mitchell: My understanding of it is, definitely people who are unrelated. So you can have a bunch of people 367
sharing a house less than six people and one of them wants to bring their parents on the property and put this 368
portable unit up, my question would be then that wouldn’t be allowed because you have too many unrelated people 369
there. Am I understanding that right? 370
371
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Ashley Moncado: They would still be able to. You have six people, unrelated, living in the house. Yes, they would still 372
be able to bring that temporary custodial care unit on the property because we’re looking at something separate from 373
the temporary custodial care unit. 374
375
Maxecine Mitchell: I just got confused because I thought that was a point to be a determined fact of whether you 376
could put that portable unit for a parent or parents. But the family relationship has nothing to do with it? 377
378
Ashley Moncade: For bringing the temporary custodial care unit on the property, no. 379
380
Tony Blake: I have one question related to the fire departments. I see this footnote of manufactured homes are built 381
to the standards of the department of housing urban development, HUD certificate, is required by Orange County 382
prior to the placement in the County. Now, before a certain age there are trailers that are extreme fire hazards, built 383
before a certain year. On page 34, at the bottom of the table, there’s a footnote and I’m wondering, does Orange 384
County have an ordinance that is to age out some of these older mobile homes and stuff? 385
386
Michael Harvey: No. 387
388
Patricia Roberts: Doesn’t the state? 389
390
Tony Blake: It’s a problem in the fire department. A lot of people bring in mobile homes from other parts of the state 391
where they’re not allowed and they set them up and they’re extreme fire hazards. They have aluminum wiring, 392
they’ve just reached the end of their duty cycles and they’re a fire trap, they going up like a matchstick and it’s just 393
something to consider, that struck me when I read that because I think these are actually HUD certified. But, that 394
doesn’t necessarily mean much. 395
396
James Lea: I guess what’s interesting Tony is how would you get a manufactured home built to the standards to the 397
department of housing? 398
399
Tony Blake: Well these all existed before HUD and I think they’re pre-existing and as I said it’s been a concern where 400
these things are actually being imported from county to county where the regulations lack. That contributes to North 401
Carolina being in the burn belt. 402
403
Craig Benedict: I’ll check with the division. 404
405
Tony Blake: I think it is ’76. I thought it was as late as ’85 or something. 406
407
Perdita Holtz: It is ’76; I know this unequivocally. 408
409
Tony Blake: Okay. Because there are some in Orange County. 410
411
Perdita Holtz: Technically, they’re mobile homes before that and ’76 and later are manufactured homes. 412
413
Tony Blake: Okay, so you know the rule better than I do. It just kind of set off a little alarm bell to me because it might 414
encourage people to bring these things in and park them close. 415
416
Lydia Wegman: Are there comment, questions? 417
418
MOTION made by Laura Nicholson to approve the statement of consistency and the amendment. Tony Blake 419
seconded. 420 VOTE: Unanimous. 421
422 AGENDA ITEM 10: COMMITTEE/ADVISORY BOARD REPORTS 423
A. Board of Adjustment 424 B. Orange County Transportation 425
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9
426
Lydia Wegman: Do we have any committee or advisory Board reports, Board of adjustments or the OUTBoard? 427
Michael, Craig? 428
429
Michael Harvey: BOA met November to review a Class B SUP for a retreat center and it was denied. 430
431
AGENDA ITEM 11: ADJOURNMENT 432 ___________________________________________
Lydia N. Wegman, Chair
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ORANGE COUNTY
PLANNING BOARD
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 2, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 7
SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment – Sign Regulations
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Comprehensive Plan and Unified
Development Ordinance Outline Form
(UDO & Zoning 2015-01)
2. Future Land Use Map of the
Comprehensive Plan
3. Draft UDO Text Amendment
Michael D. Harvey, Planner III (919) 245-2597
Craig Benedict, Director (919) 245-2575
PURPOSE: To review and make comments on text amendments to the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) initiated by the Planning Director modifying existing sign regulations.
BACKGROUND: As the Board may recall, staff has been working on amendments to existing
sign regulations for approximately 1 year to address concerns over advertising needs for non-
residential development on larger parcels and to ensure our standards are consistent with the
recent Reid versus Town of Gilbert US Supreme Court decision. Please refer to Section B of
Attachment 1 for more background information.
This item was first reviewed by the Planning Board at its April 1, 2015 ORC meeting. Agenda
materials from this meeting can be viewed at:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/4_1_15ORC_Packet.pdf. Meeting notes can be viewed at:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/4_1_15_ORC_Notes.pdf. This item was slated for presentation
at the December 2, 2015 ORC meeting but was pulled so staff could address County Attorney
comments.
Please note there have been significant changes to the proposal since April and December of
2015 to address comments from the County Attorney’s office with respect to revising existing
standards to be ‘content neutral’ in order to be consistent with the Gilbert court case.
It is expected that the proposed final version will be on the April Planning Board agenda for a
recommendation. These amendments are scheduled to be presented at the May 23, 2016
Quarterly Public Hearing.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Please refer to Section C.3 of Attachment 1.
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RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Director recommends that the Board review and offer
comment(s) on the proposed modifications.
15 15
1
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN / FUTURE LAND USE MAP
AND
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO)
AMENDMENT OUTLINE
UDO / Zoning-2015-01
UDO Text Amendment(s) clarifying allowable sign area.
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 6.12 Signs and
2. Article 10 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 Director has
initiated text amendment(s) to modify existing regulations governing allowable
signage.
Current regulations do not offer a suitable distinction between various types of
commercial development allowing for a sign of suitable size to accommodate a non-
Attachment 1 16 16
2
residential project on a larger parcel of property. Existing regulations must also be
refined to address a recent US Supreme Court decision.
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’.
There has been an increase in inquires and interest with respect to development of
large-scale commercial operations within the County, with an emphasis on property
located within the:
a. Commercial Transition,
b. Commercial-Industrial Transition, and
c. Economic Development Transition
Activity Nodes (please refer to Attachment 2 for additional detail).
Current sign regulations limit the total allowable square footage for freestanding and
wall signs for most non-residential general use zoning districts to 32 square feet (8
feet by 4 feet in size) regardless of the property’s location (in or outside of an Activity
Node), size of parcel, or amount of road frontage. The ‘one-size fits all’ sign limit
may, in fact, be a deterrent to non-residential development in the aforementioned
Activity Nodes.
There is also a noticeable lack of clarity within the UDO addressing the development
of large-scale properties with multiple tenants necessitating the need for a larger,
freestanding sign, advertising local businesses and on what constitutes a
blinking/flashing sign leading to enforcement concerns.
Recent court decisions, most notably Reed versus Town of Gilbert, also impact the
County’s current sign regulations. In this case the US Supreme Court sign
regulations cannot be seen as allowing/disallowing a sign based on its content. For
more information on the case and its potential impacts please refer to the
following: http://canons.sog.unc.edu/?p=8167.
The amendments are necessary to address current concerns over advertising needs for
non-residential development on larger parcels within the County and clarify the prohibition
on the use of blinking/flashing signage by incorporating new definitions into the UDO.
Existing regulations also need to be revised to ensure our standards are ‘content neutral’
and consistent with the findings of the Gilbert case. To this end staff will be
recommending maximum allowable signage area for various general use zoning districts
including residential districts (i.e. RB, AR, R-1, etc.).
3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives)
Land Use Goal 4: Land development regulations, guidelines, techniques, and/or
incentives that promote the integrated achievement of all Comprehensive Plan goals.
17 17
3
4. New Statutes and Rules
Reed versus Town of Gilbert, a US Supreme Court Case impacting existing sign
regulations.
d. PROCESS
1. TIMEFRAME/MILESTONES/DEADLINES
a. BOCC Authorization to Proceed
January 22, 2015 – The BOCC authorized staff to proceed with the amendment.
b. Quarterly Public Hearing
February 18, 2016
STAFF COMMENT: This item was originally intended for presentation at
the February 19, 2015 Quarterly Public Hearing, which was cancelled due
to weather.
Further delays were the result of various court proceedings. For more
information on recent court decisions relating to sign regulations please
refer to the following: http://canons.sog.unc.edu/?p=8167.
c. BOCC Updates/Checkpoints
January 22, 2015 – Approval of Amendment Outline form authorizing staff to
proceed with project.
April 1, 2015 Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) meeting (BOCC received
materials).
December 2, 2015 Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) meeting (BOCC
received materials).
STAFF COMMENT: this item was pulled from the ORC agenda the day of
the meeting.
March 2, 2016 – Regular Planning Board meeting (BOCC received materials).
May 23, 2016 – Public Hearing.
d. Other
N/A
2. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
Mission/Scope: Public Hearing process consistent with NC State Statutes and
Orange County ordinance requirements.
a. Planning Board Review:
January 26, 2015 – Planning Board members were e-mailed the amendment
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4
packet for initial review and comment.
April 1, 2015 – ORC. During this meeting the following comment(s) were made:
• A Board member asked if digital signs were dangerous?
STAFF COMMENT: Staff believes digital signs pose several issues for
motorists due to the frequency of the sign’s message being changed as
well as the incorporation of a scrolling message. We believe they
represent a distraction as motorists are frequently looking at the sign to
see the next advertisement.
• A Board member asked how portable signs are addressed.
STAFF COMMENT: Portable signage is addressed in Section 6.12.6 of
the UDO and are specifically banned.
• A Board member asked what constituted a snipe sign.
STAFF COMMENT: As detailed in Article 10 Definitions of the UDO a
snipe sign is a small sign advertising services (i.e. ‘We Buy Houses’) or
off-site signage advertising homes for sale.
December 2, 2015 – ORC. This item was pulled from the ORC agenda as staff
was still working to address comments from the Attorney’s office.
March 2, 2016 – Regular Meeting.
b. Advisory Boards:
N/A
c. Local Government Review:
N/A
d. Notice Requirements
Legal advertisement published in accordance with the provisions of the UDO.
e. Outreach:
3. FISCAL IMPACT
Modification of existing language will not require the outlay of additional funds by the
County. Processing of the amendment shall be handled by staff utilizing existing
budgeted funds.
General Public:
Small Area Plan Workgroup:
Other:
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5
e. AMENDMENT IMPLICATIONS
The amendment will allow for larger freestanding and wall signs for projects where there
is adequate road frontage necessitating the development of additional advertising space
and clarify what constitutes a blinking/flashing sign to aid in enforcement efforts. It will
also ensure County sign regulations are legally sufficient given the recent Gilbert US
Supreme Court case.
f. SPECIFIC AMENDMENT LANGUAGE
Please refer to Attachment 4.
Primary Staff Contact:
Michael D. Harvey
Planning
(919) 245-2597
mharvey@orangecountync.gov
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TKINSRD
Future Land Use Mapof the Orange County Comprehensive Plan
01234Miles
1 in = 2.75 miles
.
Adoption Date: Nov 18,2008
Amended through September 2012
Legend:
Watershed Critical Areas
Water Supply Watersheds
OC/CH/CA Joint Planning Area
Resource Protection Areas
Public Interest Areas
10 Year Transition
20 Year Transition
Rural Residential
Rural Buffer
Agricultural Residential
City Limits
ETJ
Activity Nodes
Rural Neighborhood
Commercial Transition
Commercial-Industrial Transition
Economic Development Transition
Rural Community
Rural Industrial
Orange County and Planning and Inspections Department.
This copy printed May 03, 2013.
Map is for reference use only.
Contact Planning staff for verification of data.
21 21
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-79
It is the intent of this section to require minimum light levels during established business
hours or in those instances where members of the general public will be on-site to ensure
public safety.
(B) Pedestrian walkways and plazas must be lighted and fixtures mounted at a lower height
for security and to create an inviting pedestrian environment.
(C) Accent lighting must also be provided to illuminate such key locations as building and
driveway entries, and activity areas.
(D) Lighting for the purpose of illuminating landmarks and unique features of the site is also
encouraged.
(E) All light fixtures are to be concealed source fixtures except for pedestrian-oriented accent
lights.
(F) Security lighting fixtures or floodlights must not project over the fascia or roof line of the
building(s).
(G) Parking area and driveway fixtures should be mounted at or below a maximum height of
25 feet above the surface of the parking area or driveway.
(H) The design of light fixtures and structural supports must be compatible with the
architecture of the principal building(s) and identification signs.
(I) Where building faces are illuminated, lighting fixtures must be integrated within the
architectural design of the buildings.
(J) Ground-mounted lighting fixtures must be weather-proof and vandal resistant.
(K) Hillsborough EDD
In addition to the standards established above, the following standards shall apply within
the Hillsborough EDD:
(1) Lighting must be high efficiency lighting systems and lighting levels must be
reduced during non-use hours to promote energy conservation.
(2) 12:1 minimum/maximum glare ratio.
(3) Maximum footcandles = 80
SECTION 6.12: SIGNS
6.12.1 Purpose and Intent
The purpose of this Section is to regulate the type, placement and physical dimensions of all
signs in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, while recognizing the their need for signs
within the business community.1
It is the intent of this section to regulate signs on a per lot basis in conjunction with the zoning
designation of the lot as described on the current tax roll the Official Zoning Atlas 2weather a sign
is directly visible from a street right-of-way or not.
1 Signs are allowed throughout the County for various reasons having nothing to do with the ‘business community’.
The language is unnecessary and is being recommended for deletion.
2 The ‘current tax roll’ does not display zoning information.
22 22
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-80
6.12.2 Outdoor Advertising Signs3
The provisions of this Article establish standards and review criteria relating to the location,
erection, maintenance, lighting, setbacks, and use of signs. This includes regulations pertaining
to outdoor advertising (i.e. Billboards) signage.
The regulation and permitting of outdoor advertising is also subject to State requirements,
including the State Outdoor Advertising Control Act, and Federal requirements. In cases where
there is a conflict between County regulations and State or Federal regulations, relating to the
location, erection, maintenance, lighting, setbacks and use of outdoor advertising signage, the
corresponding State or Federal law shall take precedent.
In cases where there is no applicable State/Federal standard, then existing County regulations
shall be enforced.
6.12.3 General Requirements
(A) No sign of any type nor any part thereof shall be erected, painted, posted, reposted,
placed, replaced, or hung in any zoning district except in compliance with these
regulations.
(B) No person shall erect or maintain a sign, and no property owner shall allow a sign to be
erected or maintained on his their 4property, except in conformity with these regulations.
(C) Unless otherwise permitted, aA Zoning Compliance Permit approved in accordance with
the provisions of this Ordinance shall be required prior to erecting a sign, unless
otherwise permitted.
(D) A permit shall be required when a sign face is altered due to a change in the use the
property or for change of copy of an existing signthe alteration of an existing sign
structure, for any sign when the use of the premises changes, or when an existing sign is
altered., however noThis does not include permit will be required forthe changinge of
copy on a changeable message or reader board sign.5
(E) In no case shall decorative features or landscaping at the base of a sign obstruct the view
of motorists.
(F) Sign Locations
(1) All signs shall be located outside the sight visibility triangle (see Section 6.2.10).
(2) No sign, including supporting frames or base, shall be located within five feet of a
public right-of-way.
(3) No sign may be attached, affixed, or painted upon any utility poles, governmental
signs, trees, rocks, or other similar natural object within the public right-of-way.
(4) No sign shall be permitted on the side street frontage of a corner lot if the lot is
located within 100 feet of a residential district.
(G) Illuminated Signs
(1) No illuminated sign shall be so designed or placed that direct or reflected light or
glare constitutes a hazard or annoyance to motorists or occupants of adjoining
properties.
(2) Signs shall be illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
3 Staff is adding the word ‘Signs’ to ensure consistency within the UDO with respect to our references to a
‘billboard’.
4 Staff is changing language to eliminate gender specific references.
5 Staff is attempting to clarify and simply the requirements of this section.
23 23
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-81
6.12.4 Determination of Sign Area
(A) For the purposes of this Ordinance, the area of display surface of a sign shall be
computed as including the entire area visible from any one point, within a regular
geometric from or combination or forms, comprising all of the display area of the surface
and including all of the elements within the display area and the sign frame, including the
lattice work, frame, border molding, lettering and display area incidental to the sign’s
decoration. This does not include structural members or other support mechanisms not
bearing advertisement material.
(B) In the case of wall-mounted signs without a border or frame, the surface area shall
include such reasonable and proportionate space as would be required if a border or
frame were used:
(C) Examples:
Figure 6.12.4: Sign Size Measurement
All three of these signs would have the same size sign face, as measured by the smallest rectangle
encompassing the outer limits
6.12.5 Exempt Signs
The following permitted signs are considered exempt and do not require the issuance of a Zoning
Compliance Permit:
(A) Signs erected by a governmental agency to regulate, control, or direct vehicular or
pedestrian traffic;
(B) Legal notices, warnings, regulatory or informational signs erected by a public government
agency;6
(C) Signs erected within a public right-of-way maintained by the North Carolina Department
of Transportation (NC DOT);7
(D) Signs required by law;
(E) “No trespassing” signs, not exceeding six square feet in area; 8
(F) Real estate signs, not exceeding four square feet in area;8
(G)(E) Flags, emblems or insignia of any national, state or political subdivision;8
6 We do not use the term ‘public agency’ within this section of the UDO. We make reference to ‘government
agency’. The amendment is necessary to ensure consistency.
7 As we have no enforcement capability within NC DOT rights‐of‐way we cannot require a Zoning Compliance
Permit for signage erected within same.
8 Language is being eliminated as this could be construed as establishing regulations based on the ‘content’ of the
sign, which is no longer allowed per the recent Reed versus Town of Gilbert US Supreme Court decision.
24 24
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-82
(H)(F) Property number signs not exceeding two four square foot in area with no more than 2
individual signs allowed per propertya and bearing only address numbers of premises or
other identification of premises not having commercial connotations;9
(I)(G) Holiday decorations in season that do not contain or display a commercial message;9
(J)(H) Signs on trash receptacles, indicating the owner or party responsible for maintenance;
(K)(I) Hazardous chemical identification/notification signs on residential and non-residential
structures;
(L)(J) Signs on newspaper boxes;
(M)(K) Private drive signs, one per drive entrance, not exceeding two square feet in area, with
the message content limited to the words "Private Drive" and the address of any
residences utilizing the private roadway;9
(N)(L) Security and warning signs posted on private property warning the public against
trespassing, or similar messages, provided that any such sign does 9not exceeding two
square feet in area; and.
(O) Political Signs, in accordance with the following standards:9
(1) Political Signs are allowed in all zoning districts.
(2) A Zoning Compliance Permit shall not be required to allow for the placement of a
political sign on private property.
(3) There shall be no limit to the number of political signs that can be placed on
private property so long as the placement of these signs complies with the
provisions of this Ordinance and the signs do not create a public safety hazard.
(4) Within residential zoning districts, political signs shall not exceed nine square feet
in area or four feet in height.
(5) Within non-residential zoning districts, political signs shall not exceed the
maximum allowable sign area permitted for freestanding signs.
(6) Political signs shall only be erected 90 days prior to the established date of a
general election, school board election, referendum, special election, primary, or
other similar political activity.
(7) Political signs shall be removed within 21 days after an election.
(8) Political signs shall be allowed within rights-of-way of the State highway system
only in accordance with State law.
(9) Political signs shall not be allowed on telephone poles, utility poles, trees, other
similar natural objects, and other signs or sign structures.
6.12.6 Prohibited Signs
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(A) Advertising signs Signs resembling or mimicking traffic signals, traffic signs, emergency
vehicles’ flashing lights, non-governmental sanctioned signs utilizing the words ‘stop’,
‘slow’, ‘caution’, ‘danger’, 10or any sign that is likely to be misconstrued by the traveling
public as being official governmental signs or emergency warnings, or which by their
distracting nature create a hazard to motorists;
9 Again, language is being eliminated to ensure compliance with the recent Reed versus Town of Gilbert US
Supreme Court decision.
10 In consultation with the Attorney’s office any regulation of wording would be inconsistent with the findings of
Reed versus Gilbert and ought to be eliminated.
25 25
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-83
(B) Signs, except for off-premises signs allowed under this Section, advertising an activity,
business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is
located. Such signage shall be removed within 90 days from the date of termination of
such activity. Upon failure of the owner to remove such signs within the prescribed time,
the Planning Director shall take appropriate legal action to have such sign removed;11
(C) Flashing, blinking, pulsating, signs or signs with moving parts except for signs showing
time of day and temperature that are part of an approved sign advertising a permitted
business activity on a parcel of property;12
(D) Signs with electronic moveable copy, scrolling messages, or other similar electronic
displays designed to chage display more than once an hour or a maximum of 8 times in a
24 hour period;13
(E) Signs, other than traffic, governmental, street name signs, political signs erected in
accordance with State law, or other official governmental or public agency signs, shall not
be permitted within any street private street right-of-way;14
(F) Roof signs;
(G) Snipe signs;12
(H)(G) Beacon lights, animated signs, and trailer signs and snipe signs;12
(I)(H) Portable signs, unless approved for a special event in accordance with Section
6.12.11(D)13(C);15
(J)(I) Signs supported in whole or in part by water, gas, air, or could otherwise be designated
as inflatable signs; Individuals erecting an inflatable sign shall be subject to an immediate
notice of violation and shall be required to remove the sign within the time frame it would
normally take to deflate the sign, unless approved for a special event in accordance with
Section 6.12.11(D)13 (C);15
(K)(J) Signs mounted on a single pole or mast;
(L) Signs that contain rotating sign panels or objects;16
(M)(K) Signs that obstruct ingress and egress to any door, window, fire escape, stairway, ladder,
or other opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any room or building;
and
(N)(L) Signs that violate any provision of any law of the State of North Carolina relative to
outdoor advertising.
(O)(M) Signs erected on telecommunication facilities or support structures other than those
required by local, State, or Federal law.17
11 Language within the highlighted section is still being evaluated.
12 In consultation with the County Attorney we are eliminating language that could be construed as establishing
prohibitions or allowances based on a signs content.
13 Staff is proposing a universal standard for what constitutes electronic changeable copy to ensure proper
enforcement. In reviewing the standard with the Attorney’s office there does not appear to be concern over
establishing limits on the number of times in a given day the display can change.
14 As we have no authority to regulate signage within NC DOT rights‐of‐ways we are amending the language within
this section accordingly.
15 Regulations governing special event displays has been moved. This is the new section reference.
16 Staff is recommending this provision be deleted as it is redundant given the wording of Section 6.12.6 (C).
17 From time to time staff receives requests to allow signage on telecommunication facilities. To date we have
forbidden such placement. We are including language within the UDO formalizing this prohibition.
26 26
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-84
6.12.7 Submittal Requirements
In order to erect a sign, other than exempt signs, a Zoning Compliance Permit application must
be submitted and approved in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.4 and the following
specific submittal requirements:
(A) A drawing to scale showing the design of the sign, including dimensions, method of
attachment or support, source of illumination. If attached to a structure, the drawing must
indicate where on the structure it will be installed;
(B) A plot plan drawn to scale indicating the location of the sign relative to property lines,
easements, buildings, streets and other on-premise signs;
(C) Sign copy shall be submitted for all proposed signs to the Planning department for review
and approval. No sign shall have lewd or lascivious letters, words, or characters
designating the same; and 18
(D)(C) Sign plans shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval prior to the
Building Inspector issuing a Building Permit. A record of such applications and actions
taken shall be kept in the Planning Department.
6.12.8 Expiration of Permits
(A) Notwithstanding other provisions of this Section, zoning compliance permits for signs
shall expire within 180 days from the date of issuance unless within that time the work
authorized by the permit has been completed.
(B) If a zoning compliance permit for a sign expires, no further work to construct, erect,
move, enlarge, illuminate, or alter the sign may take place unless a new zoning
compliance permit is obtained. The applicant shall be subject to all regulations applicable
at the time a new application is submitted.
(C) No person may continue to operate, maintain, or leave standing any sign or part or
component thereof for more than 30 days after the permit authorizing such sign has
expired, unless a new sign application has been submitted and the Planning Director
authorizes the sign, or portion thereof to remain
6.12.9 Permit Revocation
(A) The Planning Director may revoke any zoning compliance permit for a sign issued in
accordance with this Section and Section 2.4 for any of the following reasons:
(1) Issuance of the permit under a mistake of material fact when, had the correct fact
been known, the permit would not have been issued;
(2) Misrepresentation of a material fact by the applicant for a sign permit; and
(3) Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Section, except that a permit
for a nonconforming sign may not be revoked so long as the nonconforming
situation is allowed to continue pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance.
(B) Before revoking a zoning compliance permit for a sign, the Planning Director shall give
the permit holder 20 days notice by certified mail of his/her intent to revoke the permit
and shall inform the permit holder of the reasons for the proposed revocation and of
his/her right to obtain an informal hearing on the allegations.
(C) If the permit is revoked, the Planning Director shall provide to the permit holder owner a
written statement of the decision and the reasons thereof. The Planning Director shall
also inform the permit holder of his/her right to appeal the decision to the Board of
Adjustment.
18 In consultation with the County Attorney we are eliminating language that could be construed as establishing
prohibitions or allowances based on a signs content.
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Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-85
(D) No person may continue to operate, maintain, or leave standing any sign or part or
component thereof for more than 30 days after the permit authorizing such sign has been
revoked in accordance with this Section.
6.12.10 Maintenance
All signs, together with braces, guys and other supports shall be kept in good repair. If at any
time a sign should be abandoned, declared unsafe, or deemed poorly maintained, the Planning
Director shall notify the owner of the sign of such condition. Failure of the owner to correct the
maintenance condition shall cause the Planning Director to take appropriate legal action to have
the sign removed.
6.12.11 Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts19 Signs Permitted in Residential Zoning Districts
The following sign alottments shall be permitted within the zoning districts indicated, in
accordance with all other provisions of this Section and specific standards for each sign
established herein:
(A) Table of Allowable Sign Area – Residential Land Uses
RB AR, R-1, R-2, R-3,
R-4, R-5, R-8, R-13
MPD-CZ (Residential
Development Only)
Cumulative
Allowable Sign
Area Per
Parcel
48 sqare
feet 64 square feet 96 square feet
(B) Specific Sign Standards
(1) No sign in a residential zoning district shall be more than 12 sqare feet in area.
(2) There shall be no more than 6 signs allowed on a property either zoned or used
to support a residential land use.
(3) Signs shall be setback ten feet from all property lines or the edge of any existing
or projected street right-of-way.
.
The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts with the issuance of a zoning compliance
permit, in accordance with the requirements of this Section and the additional standards for each
sign established herein:
(a) Permanent Identification Signs for Subdivisions, Multi-family Developments,
Mobile Home Parks, and Schools
(2) Identification signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
(3) Developments shall be limited to two signs at each point of ingress/egress.
(4) Signs shall be placed outside of the site visibility triangle so as not to obstruct the
view of traffic.
(5) Signs may be illuminated in such a fashion so as not to affect the view of
motorists. 20
19 After reviewing with the County Attorney’s office it has been determined this entire section is written from the
standpoint of establishing regulations based on the ‘content’ of a sign. As a result we have deleted the existing
language and will relocate several provisions to a new Section of the UDO as detailed herein. This revised section
will address allowable signage within residential zoning districts only.
28 28
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-86
(B) Signs for Non-profit Organizations on Premise 21
(1) Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(2) Signs may not display any advertising matter or logo.
(3) Signs may not be illuminated.
(C) Off-Premise Religious Facility Signs 22
(1) Signs shall identify the name and/or location of a religious facility.
(2) Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and may not be illuminated or
contain moving parts.
(3) Signs must be placed on a legal lot of record and the applicant shall provide a
notarized statement from all owners of property allowing the off-premise sign to
be erected on their property. There shall be only one off-premise religious facility
sign permitted per parcel and a maximum of two per intersection.
(4) The placement of a off-premise religious facility sign shall be treated as an
accessory use of property.
(D) Special Event Displays
(1) Signs or banners shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(2) All displays must be located outside of the right-of-way and have approval of
property owners when located on private property.
(3) Pennants
(a) Pennants may be displayed during the special event to attract attention
but only within 30 feet of the principal area where the special event is
occurring.
(b) Pennants must be installed at a minimum height of 18 feet above grade
to ensure adequate height clearance for vehicles underneath.
(4) Portable Signs
(a) Sites shall be limited to one portable sign per right-of-way frontage.
However, there shall be no more than two portable signs permitted on-
site at one time.
(b) Signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area, per sign face.
(c) Signs shall be located in accordance with Section 6.12.3(F).
(5) Inflatable Signs
(a) No more than one inflatable sign shall be permitted on-site at one time.
(b) Inflatable signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(c) Signs shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from all property lines.
(6) Special Event Displays may only be erected for a two week period and must be
removed within five days following the event.
(E) Signs Advertising Agricultural Products Produced on the Premises
(1) Shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(2) Shall be limited to two signs per parcel.
(F) Temporary Construction and Financial Institution Signs
23 Moved from Section 6.12.14 of the existing sign ordinance.
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Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-87
(1) Shall not exceed 24 square feet in area, per sign;
(2) May not to exceed two signs per building site;
(3) Signs shall be erected only after a Building Permit authorizing construction on-
site has been issued; and
(4) Signs must be removed within seven days after construction work has been
completed and the certificate of occupancy has been issued.
(G) Directional/Informational Signs
(1) May be displayed on parcels of property utilized for non-residential purposes.
(2) May not exceed two square feet in area.
(3) May contain corporate logos or other similar graphical displays so long as they
provide some necessary information to patrons (i.e. entrance and exit locations,
one-way entrance ways, drive through entranceways, ATM location, etc.).
(4) A maximum of three directional/informational signs may be displayed on a non-
residential parcel of property.
(H) Temporary Real Estate Signs, in excess of four square feet in area
(1) One sign shall be permitted per building site, not to exceed 24 square feet in
area.
(2) Signs shall not be placed within any public street right-of-way.
(3) Signs must be removed after property has been transferred.
(I) Landmark Signs
Signs shall be erected only after the historical significance of the particular site has been
verified and that proposed location of the sign has been approved by the Orange County
Planning Department and all other related agencies (i.e. NC Department of
Transportation).
6.12.12 Signs Permitted in Specific Non-Residential Zoning Districts
The following signs cumulative sign alottments shall be permitted within the zoning districts
indicated, in accordance with all other provisions of this Section and specific standards for each
sign established herein:
(A) Table of Allowable Sign Area – Nonresidential Land Uses
LC-1, NC-2,
EC-5, E-I
CC-3, GC-4,
I1,
EDB-1, EDE-
1, REDA-CZ
OI, 1-2,
1-3, AS,
ASE-CZ
EDB-2,
EDE-2,
MPD-CZ
EDH-1,
EDH-2,
EDH-3
EDH-4,
EDH-5
Cumulative
Allowable Sign
Area Per
Parcel
140 square
feet
200 square
feet
240
square
feet
300
square
feet
160 square
feet
200
square
feet
(A)(B) On-Premise Commercial Specific Signs Standards
(1) Freestanding or Ground Monument Signs
(2)(a) These signs sShall comply with all state and county building codes and
the National Electric Code. Clearance of signs is required from high
voltage power lines and signs shall be located in such a way that they
will maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical
conductors in accordance with the National Electric Code specifications,
30 30
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-88
provided that no sign shall be installed closer than ten feet horizontally or
vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire.
(3) On-premise commercial signs shall be permitted within the following zoning
districts: LC-1, NC-2, CC-3, GC-4, EC-5, OI, EI, I-1, I-2, I-3, AS, MPD-CZ, MHP-
CZ and all of the Economic Development zoning districts.
(b) Sign(s) must be placed perpendicular to approaching vehicular traffic so
that it is clearly visible and does not obstruct the view. 23
(c) Required Setbacks:
(i) All on-premise commercial signsSigns shall be setback ten feet
from the front, side, and rear propertyall property lines or the
edge of any existing or projected street right-of-way line
whichever is greater.
(ii) Signs greater than 32 square feet in area, as allowed herein,
shall be setback an additional 10 feet.
(4)(iii) In cases where a property abuts a residential zoned parcel of
property, the side or rear yard setback requirement shall be
doubled.
(5) Number of Signs Permitted
(d) Number of Signs Permitted:
(a)(i) One on-premiseOne freestanding sign commercial sign shall be
permitted per parcel. However, oneAn additional on-premise
commercial sign may be permitted for parcels with frontage on
more than one publicly maintained right-of-way in accordance
with the provisions of this Section.
(b)(ii) Under no circumstances shallNo more than one three-
dimensional sign shall be permitted on-site.
(c)(iii) For multi-tenant buildings and/or sites permitted as a conditional
use or conditional zoning district, additional on-premise
commercial signs or sign area may shall be permitted by the
Board of County Commissioners with the approval of a master
sign plan.
(6)(e) Height of Signs:
(a)(i) Pole signsFreestanding signs shall be limited to a height of 24
feet with a mandatory ground clearance of eight feet from the
normal or finished grade elevation of the property at the base of
the sign
(b)(ii) Ground signsGround monument signs shall not exceed six feet
in height from the normal or finished grade elevation of the
property at the base of the sign
(7)(f) The allowable area for on-premise commercial signs shall be determined
as followsAllowable sign area:
(i) Single or double-faced signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in
area, per sign face. For parcels zoned CC-3, GC-4, OI, I-2, I-3,
AS, EDB-2, EDE-2, EDH-4, EDH-5, MPD-CZ that:
a. Are larger than 60,000 square feet in area, and
23 Moved from Section 6.12.14 of the existing sign ordinance.
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Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-89
b. Have more than 300 feet of linear frontage along a NC
Department of Transportation (NC DOT) maintained
roadway.
(a) signage shall not exceed 72 square feet in area.
(b)(ii) Three-dimensional signs shall not exceed a maximum volume of
54 cubic feet with no dimension exceeding six feet.
Figure 6.12.12.A.6: 6.12.12 (B) (1) (e) (ii) Three-Dimensional Sign Allowable Volume
NOTE: L x W x H may not exceed 54 cubic feet with no dimension exceeding 6 feet.
(8) An on-premise commercial sign may contain a changeable copy sign as defined
in this Ordinance. However, the total sign area, including the area of changeable
copy, shall not exceed the maximum allowable area established in Section
6.12.12(A)(6)(a) above.
(9)(g) No on-premise commercial sign shall be oriented is such a manner as to
be directly visible from a major transportation corridor as established in
this Ordinance.
(B)(2) Off-Premise Commercial Signs Outdoor Advertising Signs
(1)(a) These signs shall Shall comply with all state and county building codes
and the National Electric Code. Clearance of signs is required from high
voltage power lines and signs shall be located in such a way that they
will maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical
conductors in accordance with the National Electric Code specifications,
provided that no sign shall be installed closer than ten feet horizontally or
vertically from any conductor or public utility guy wire.
(b) Off-premise commercial signs (billboards)Outdoor advertising signage
shall be permitted within the GC-4, EC-5, I-1, and I-2 general use zoning
districts and is prohibited for location within the Major Transportation
Corridor (MTC) Overlay District.
(2)(c) No electric tap outs allowing for an independent light source to receive
power shall be allowed.
(3)(d) Off-premise commercial signsOutdoor advertising shall be considered
the principal use of property and shall not be permitted as an accessory
32 32
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-90
use. There shall be no additional principal uses allowed on the same
parcel. Off-premise commercial signs shall not be permitted as
accessory uses.
(4)(e) No off-premise commercial signOutdoor advertising shall not be located
closer than 200 feet to the right-of-way of major thoroughfares (i.e. US
70, NC 86, NC 40, and NC 57) and 600 feet to the right-of-way for all
other thoroughfares and streets.
(5)(f) The height of an off-premise commercial signSigns shall not exceed 25
feet in height as measured from the grade of the right-of-way or surface
grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. The clearance of an off-
premise signOutdoor Advertising sign shall not be less than eight feet
from the grade of the right-of-way or surface grade beneath the sign,
whichever is less.
(6)(g) Off-premise commercialOutdoor Advertising signs shall be limited to 480
square feet of sign area.
(7)(h) In no case shall an off-premise commercialOutdoor Advertising sign be
located closer than 1,000 feet to an existing off-premise commercial sign.
(8) Off-premise commercial signs are prohibited within the Major Transportation
Corridor (MTC) overlay district.
(9)(i) No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility
of any off-premises commercial sign, damage, trim, destroy, or remove
any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation in the following locations:
(a)a. Within the right-of-way of any public street or road,
unless the work is done pursuant to the express written
authorization of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation;
(b)b. On property that is not under the ownership or control of
the person responsible for such work, unless the work is
done pursuant to the express authorization of the
property owner where the vegetation is located; and,
(c)c. In any area where such vegetation is required to remain
under a permit issued in accordance with this Ordinance.
(C)(3) Wall Signs
(1)(a) Shall either be mounted or painted on a building.
(2)(b) Wall signs may be internally illuminated and shall comply with all
applicable state and county building codes and the National Electric
Code.
(3) Wall Signs shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: LC-1, NC-2,
CC-3, GC-4, EC-5, OI, EI, I-1, I-2, I-3, AS, MPD-CZ and all of the Economic
Development zoning districts.
(4)(c) All wall signs shall be offset a minimum of ten feet from the corner of the
building on which it is mounted.
(5)(d) Wall signs shall not protrude more than 12 inches from the face of
building on which it is mounted.
(6)(e) Number of Signs Permitted
(a)(i) Only one wall sign shall be permitted per building facade. In
cases where a building is located on a corner lot, an additional
wall sign may be permitted on the building wall facing the second
street right-of-way, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance.
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Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-91
(b)(ii) For multi-tenant buildings permitted as a conditional use or
conditional zoning district additional wall signs may shall be
permitted by the Board of County Commissioners with the
approval of a master sign plan.
(7)(f) The allowable sign area shall be determined as follows:
(i) One square foot of sign area for every ½ foot of building length
facing a public right-of-way, not to exceed 32 square feet. For
parcels zoned CC-3, GC-4, OI, I-2, I-3, AS, EDB-2, EDE-2, EDH-
4, EDH-5, MPD-CZ that:
a. Are larger than 60,000 square feet in area, and
b. Contain a structure with more than 100 linear feet of
building length facing a public right-of-way, and
c. Has more than 300 feet of linear frontage along a NC
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) maintained
roadway.
signage shall not exceed 64 square feet in area
(8)(g) A changeable copy sign may be utilized as a wall sign.
(9)(h) Wall signs shall not extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line of the
building to which it is attached.
(D)(4) Projecting Signs
(1)(a) Projecting signs shall be mounted on a building.
(2)(b) Projecting signs may be internally illuminated and shall comply with all
applicable state and county building codes and the National Electric
Code.
(3) Projecting signs shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: LC-1, NC-
2, CC-3, GC-4, EC-5, OI, EI, I-1, I-2, I-3, AS, MPD-CZ and all of the Economic
Development zoning districts.
(4)(c) Projecting signs shall adhere to the minimum setback requirements
established for all structures within the zoning district in which it is
located.
(5)(d) Only one projecting signs shall be permitted per building facade even in
cases of a building located on a corner lot.
(6)(e) The allowable sign area shall be determined as follows: one square foot
of sign area for every ½ foot of building length, facing a public right-of-
way, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.
(a) One square foot of sign area for every ½ foot of building length, facing a
public right-of-way, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.
(7)(f) Projecting signs shall clear sidewalks and pedestrian paths by a height of
at least ten feet above finished grade.
(8)(g) Projecting signs shall not extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line of
the building to which it is attached.
(9)(h) Projecting signs shall not be located at the corner of a building except at
right angles to the building façade.
(E)(5) Window Signs
(1) Window signs shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: LC-
1, NC-2, CC-3, GC-4, EC-5, OI, EI, I-1, I-2, I-3, AS, MPD-CZ and all of
the Economic Development zoning districts.
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Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-92
(2)(a) Window signs shall be limited to a maximum of 30% of the total window
area where the sign is to be located.
(3) Window signs may be utilized for advertising specials or sales within the
business, or displaying the name and other pertinent business information
associated with the principal use.
(4)(b) Signs may be etched, painted or otherwise attached to be made a
permanent addition to the pane of glass.
(F)(6) Awning Signs
(1) Awning signs shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: LC-1, NC-2,
CC-3, GC-4, EC-5, OI, EI, I-1, I-2, I-3, AS, MPD-CZ and all of the Economic
Development zoning districts. See Section 6.12.14(E) for additional standards
for Awning Signs located in Economic Development Districts.
(2)(a) Awning Signs shall be located above the main entrance to a
nonresidential land use and shall contain the name of the use.
(3)(b) Awning Sign area shall be limited to a maximum of 50% of the total
awning area erected over the entrance of a nonresidential land use.
Where an awning sign is utilized at a multi-use development, the amount
of sign area shall be computed as part of the overall sign area allotted to
wall signs, not to exceed 50% of the total awning area.
(4)(7) Changeable Copy Signs24
(a) Shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(b) Bulletin boards/reader boards may be internally illuminated.
(5)
(G) Drive-Through Menu Signs25
(1) Applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the Planning Director that a drive-
through menu sign is considered a customary accessory use to the principal
business on the property and is necessary for the normal operations of the
commercial operation.
(2) Signs shall be limited to 32 square feet in area.
(3) No external illumination shall be permitted.
(4) A land use that utilizes such a sign shall also be permitted an independent
speaker box, no greater than 12 square feet in area with a height no greater that
four feet.
6.12.13 Sign Standards for Specific Uses
In addition to the requirements contained herein, the following land uses shall adhere to these
additional standards:
(A) Subdivisions, Multi-family Developments, Mobile Home Parks, and Schools
(1) Regardless of its location, land uses shall have a cumulative sign allotment of
140 square feet further restricted as follows:
(a) Freestanding or ground monument signage shall not exceed 32 square
feet in area.
24 Originally located in Section 6.12.13 and moved here.
25 After reviewing existing language with the Attorney’s office, is has been determined existing regulations
concerning drive‐thru signs are content based and have to be deleted. Staff will be reviewing other enforcement
options.
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Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-93
(b) Ground mounument signage shall not exceed six feet in height from
finished grade. Freestanding signage shall comply with the height
requirements as detailed herein.
(c) For subdivisions and multi-family developments, there shall be a limit of
2 freestanding or ground monument sign(s) at each point of
ingress/egress.
(d) For all other uses 1 freestanding or ground monument sign shall be
permitted.
(e) All other signage shall not exceed 12 square feet in area
(B) Churches
(1) Regardless of its location, a church shall have a cumulative sign allotment of 120
square feet further restricted as follows:
(a) There shall be a limit to one freestanding and one changeable copy sign
per property each limited to 32 square feet in area.
(b) Wall signs shall be limited to 32 square feet in area.
(c) All other signage shall be limited to 12 square feet in area.
(C) Special Event Displays26
(1) Shall only be allowed within a non-residential zoning district.27
(2) Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(3) All displays must be located outside of public or private rights-of-way and have
approval of property owners when located on private property.
(4) Pennants
(a) Pennants may be displayed during the special event to attract attention
but only within 30 feet of the principal area where the special event is
occurring.
(b) Pennants must be installed at a minimum height of 18 feet above grade
to ensure adequate height clearance for vehicles underneath.
(5) Portable Signs
(a) Sites shall be limited to one portable sign per right-of-way frontage.
However, there shall be no more than two portable signs permitted on-
site at one time.
(b) Signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area, per sign face.
(c) Signs shall be located in accordance with Section 6.12.3(F).
(6) Inflatable Signs
(a) No more than one inflatable sign shall be permitted on-site at one time.
(b) Inflatable signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(c) Signs shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from all property lines.
(7) Special Event Displays may only be erected for a two week period and must be
removed within five days following the event.
(A) Changeable Copy Signs Utilized by Churches or Public Entities 28
26 Originally located in Section 6.12.11 and moved here.
27 Staff has added the provision to avoid having special event displays in residential districts.
36 36
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-94
(1) Shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(2) Bulletin boards/reader boards may be internally illuminated.
(B)(D) Service Stations/Gas Station
(1) Signs may be erected above gas pumps shall be subject to the following
standards:
(a) No internal or external illumination shall be permitted; and
(b) Signs shall be limited to four square feet in area.; and
(c) Signs must advertise items for sale on the property. Under no
circumstances may a sign advertise a sale, activity, business, or product
not associated with the principal use of property.
(2) Signs may be erected on the canopy covering gas pumps shall be subject to the
following standards:limited to 12 square feet in area per sides facing right-of-way.
(a) Advertising material shall be limited to trademarks, logos, and the name
of the service station or other similar display.
(b) Such displays shall be limited to six square feet of area.
(E) Yard Sales/Garage Sales
(1) Regardless of location, yard and/or garage sales shall have a cumulative sign
allotment of 16 square feet further restricted as follows:
(3)(a) Signs shall be erected on the property where the sale is taking place.
(4)(b) Signs shall be limited to four square feet of area.
(5)(c) No off-site displays shall be permitted.
(6)(d) Signs shall be removed no later than sunset of the day the event occurs.
(C)(F) Institutional Uses and Private ParksRecreation Facilities Located within
Residential Zoning Districts
(1) One ground and one wall sign shall be permitted;
(2) Maximum sign area shall be 32 square feet per sign face; and
(3) No ground monument sign shall exceed six feet in height.
(D)(G) Home Occupations
(1) The Home Occupation shall have a valid Zoning Compliance Permit issued by
Orange County;
(2) There shall only be one sign limited to eight square feet in area and four feet in
height;
(3) Such sign shall not be illuminated by any means;
(4) Sign shall not be located within any public street right-of-way, sight visibility
triangle, easement, vehicular area or other similar area; and
(5) The sign message shall be limited to the business name and telephone number.
(E)(H) Parks, Public and Non-profit; Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit; Recreational
Facilities, Golf Courses; and Recreational Facilities, Profit Parks, Public
(1) Purpose and Intent
28 Moved to Section 6.12.12.
37 37
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-95
(a) Unlike signs for non-residential development(s), signs for recreational
land uses are intended to serve a different function and purpose. Signs
within these types of land uses are intended to provide essential
information concerning:
(i) Rules and regulations governing the operation of the facility;
(ii) Educational information identifying unique aspects of the facility,
the property itself, or significant environmental features that are
located on the property; and
(iii) Identification of sponsors or public/private partnerships that are
responsible for the development, upkeep, and maintenance of
existing recreational amenities.
(b) While some of this information could be construed as being advertising
material, the County views such signs as identifying those responsible
for the existence of the facility and allows for recognition of entities that
have entered into partnerships with the operator of the facility to provide
local residents with recreational opportunities.
(2) Applicability
The regulations included herein govern the erection of signs at the following:
(a) Parks, Public and Non-profit,
(b) Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit,
(c) Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses, and
(d) Recreational Facilities, Profit within the County.
(1) Regardless of location Parks, Public shall have a cumulative sign allotment limit
of 300 square feet.
(3)(2) Permitted SignsSpecific Sign Standards
(a) Freestanding or ground monument identification signs announcing the
name of the facility/land use are subject to the following standards:
(i) There shall be only one freestanding or ground monument
identification sign per property. One additional sign shall be
allowed for parks having frontage on more than one right-of-way,
(ii) Freestanding identification signs shall be limited to 20 square
feet of sign area. In Economic Development Districts, a
maximum sign area of 32 square feet shall be permittedSign(s)
shall be limited to 32 square feet of sign area,
(iii) The sign may be either a ground or pole sign,
(iv)(iii) Freestanding identification signsSign(s) shall be set back a
minimum of ten feet from all property lines, and
(v)(iv) Illumination of freestanding identification signs shall be permitted
in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance,
(b) Wall Signs
(i) Shall either be mounted or painted on a building.
(ii) All wall signs shall be offset a minimum of five feet from the
corner of the building face on which it is mounted.
(iii) Wall signs shall not protrude more that 12 inches from the side of
building on which it is mounted.
38 38
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-96
(iv) Only one wall sign shall be permitted per building except as
follows:
a. In cases where a building is located on a corner lot, a
second wall sign may be erected on the building wall
facing the second street right-of-way subject to the
requirements of this Ordinance.
b. If a building façade faces athletic fields or other similar
recreational areas on the property, a second wall sign,
up to 32 square feet in area, may be erected facing
these facilities, not to exceed the allowable sign area as
calculated herein,
c. Under no circumstances may more than one wall sign be
located on the same building façade.
(v) The maximum sign area shall be determined as follows:
a. One square foot of wall sign area for every ½ linear foot
of building length along a right-of-way or facing an
athletic field or similar recreational use, not to exceed 32
square feet in area.
(vi) A changeable copy sign can be utilized as a wall sign.
(vii) Wall signs shall not extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line
of the building to which it is attached.
(viii) The sign may be internally illuminated or have external
illumination installed consistent with the provisions of this
Ordinance.
(c) Informational Signs
(i) Shall be allowed in an effort to provide information concerning
individual recreational amenities available on the property and
are limited to those signs necessary to identify the name of a
specific recreational facility, amenity, or use.
(ii)(i) Signs shallShall be no larger than 20 square feet in area.
(iii) The sign shall contain information identifying the recreational
amenity.
(iv)(ii) The number of signs shall be directly proportional to the number
of individual recreational amenities present on the site.
(v) Informational signs may contain the name, logo, or slogan of a
sponsor that is responsible for the
development/upkeep/maintenance of the recreational amenity
subject to the following limitations:
a. The name and/or logo of a sponsor shall not take up
more than 80% of the total sign area.
b. No other advertising material shall be permitted on the
sign,
(vi)(iii) Maximum height of an informational sign regulated under this
section shall be seven feet.
(vii)(iv) Informational signs shall be located a minimum of five feet from
any active recreational activity fields (i.e. soccer, baseball,
football, etc) or one foot from any established nature, man-made
trail, and/or passive recreational area.
(viii)(v) Informational signs regulated under the provisions of this section
shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from all property lines.
39 39
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-97
(ix)(vi) Informational signs regulated under this section shall not be
illuminated.
(d) Informational Kiosks
(i) Shall be permitted in an effort to provide information concerning
operational requirements, contact numbers for services or
emergency situations, and educational information on the park
itself or any significant site features.
(ii)(i) A maximum of eight informational kiosks shall be permitted per
100 acres of property.
(iii)(ii) Informational kiosks shall be limited to 32 square feet of sign
area exclusive of architectural supports or housing,.
(iv)(iii) Informational kiosks may be internally illuminated or have
external illumination installed consistent with the provisions of
this Ordinance.
(v)(iv) Informational kiosks shall be ground mounted, not to exceed
seven feet in height, exclusive of architectural supports or
housing.
(vi)(v) Informational kiosks shall be located a minimum of five feet from
any active recreational activity fields (i.e. soccer, baseball,
football, etc) or one foot from any established nature, man-made
trail, and/or passive recreational area.
(vii)(vi) Informational kiosks shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from
all property lines.
(viii) An informational kiosk may contain the name, logo, or slogan of
a sponsor that is responsible for the
development/upkeep/maintenance of the recreational amenity
subject to the following limitations:
a. The name and/or logo of a sponsor shall not take up
more than 20% of the total kiosk area.
b. No other advertising material shall be permitted on the
kiosk.
(e) Directional Signs
(i) Shall be allowed in an effort to provide information to visitors on
the location of recreational amenities or offices located on the
property.
(ii) Directional signs shall be limited to six square feet in area.
(iii) Directional signs shall not include any advertising material.
(iv) All directional signs shall be ground mounted signs not
exceeding seven feet in height.
(v) All directional signs shall be located a minimum of five feet from
any active recreational activity field or one feet from any
established nature or man-made trail, and shall be set back a
minimum of ten feet from all property lines,
(f)(e) Scoreboards
(i) One scoreboard, not to exceed 144 square feet, shall be
permitted for each athletic field and shall not be counted as part
of the cumulative sign allotment for the park.
(I) Golf Course
40 40
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-98
(1) Regardless of location a Golf Course shall have a cumulative sign allotment limit
of 320 square feet further restricted as follows
(a) Freestanding or ground monument signage shall not exceed 32 square
feet in area.
(b) Ground mounument signage shall not exceed six feet in height from
finished grade. Freestanding signage shall comply with the height
requirements as detailed herein.
(c) Only one freestanding or ground monument sign shall be permitted.
(d) All other signage shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(i)(e)
6.12.14 Additional Standards for Economic Development Districts
In addition to the overall sign standards established herein, the following specific standards shall
apply in the Economic Development Districts:
(A) General Standards
(1) A sign plan must be submitted and approved as part of the comprehensive site
plan or master plan.29
(2) For multiple use sites or buildings, unified directional/informational signs and the
use of coordinated individual wall signs is the preferred approach to business
identification.30
(3)(1) Sign colors must not be overpowering but must accent the building which the
sign identifies or on which it is mounted.31
(4)(2) The light from an illuminated sign must not be permitted to shine into any road
right-of-way or across property lines.
(5)(3) In addition to the prohibited signs in Section 6.12.6, the following types of signs
are specifically prohibited for location within the individual Economic
Development Districts: off premises advertising signs, billboardsoutdoor
advertising32, inflatable, and portable signs.
(B) Identification Signs33
(1) Freestanding Identification Signs
(a) Only one freestanding identification sign is permitted for each
development. However, a second sign may be permitted where a site
has more than one vehicular entrance on different sides of the building.
(b) A freestanding identification sign must be placed perpendicular to
approaching vehicular traffic so that it is clearly visible and does not
obstruct the view of any other identification or information sign.
(c) A freestanding identification sign must be located at least 10-feet from
any property line or driveway.
(2) Buckhorn EDD & Eno EDD Only34
29 Already required for all sign permits – see Section 6.12.3 General Requirements of the UDO.
30 As this regulation is content based, meaning staff will have to read the sign to determine how it should be
classified and regulated, the provision is not longer viable based on recent court rulings.
31 While we have not recommended modification of this existing standard, staff is not sure how it could be
enforced given its nebulous and subjective nature.
32 Outdoor advertising is now the ‘defined’ term within the UDO referencing a billboard. Staff is changing the
language to be consistent with its reference.
33 These regulations are already located within Section 6.12.12. There is no reason to repeat them.
41 41
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.12: Signs
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-99
The following criteria shall govern the number, size, and height of identification
signs in the Buckhorn and Eno EDDs:
TABLE 6.12.14.B.3: BUCKHORN AND ENO EDD
IDENTIFICATION SIGN STANDARDS
Maximum Number of Signs 3 per use
Maximum Number of Freestanding Signs 1 per use
Maximum Total Square Footage of All Signs 200 sq. ft.
Maximum Size of Any Sign 75 sq. ft.
Maximum Height of Any Sign 12 ft.
(C) Directional/Informational Signs35
In lieu of the requirements contained in Section 6.12.11(G), the following requirements
shall apply to Directional/Informational signs located in Economic Development Districts:
(1) Information signs must be placed perpendicular to approaching traffic so that
they are visible and legible.
(2) Signs must be located outside of the site visibility triangle.
(3) Information signs must be positioned to avoid confusing backgrounds,
particularly when they are intended to direct vehicular traffic on or to-and-from
the site.
(4) Information signs may be placed no closer than six feet to the edge of a road or
drive, and, in no case, may they be located within a street right-of-way unless
they are erected by a governmental agency.
(5) Information signs may not exceed four feet in height.
(6) Information signs may not contain advertising material or exceed six square feet
in area.
(D) Temporary Signs
(1) Temporary signs may be used for construction and real estate information, and
future tenant identification, in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(B) Specific Sign Stanadrds
(E)(1) Awnings
(1)(a) The form and color of the awnings must be consistent.
(2)(b) A minimum eight-foot vertical clearance must be maintained.
(3)(c) Signs on awnings must be painted on or screen printed and limited to the
awning’s flap (valance) or end panels.
(4)(d) Canvas, treated canvas, matte finish vinyl, and fabric awnings are
permitted.
(5)(e) Plexiglas, metal, and glossy vinyl illuminated awnings are prohibited in
the Hillsborough EDD and strongly discouraged in the Buckhorn and Eno
EDDs.
(F) Signage for Parks, Public and Non-profit; Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit;
Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses; and Recreational Facilities, Profit
34 Staff believes this is already captured within Section 6.12.12 as revised herein.
35 This entire section has been deleted as it would require staff to review the content of the sign to determine if
rules are applicable. As previously indicated on the advice of the County Attorney’s office we can no longer have
standards giving the appearance we are regulating signage based on content.
42 42
Article 6: Development Standards
Section 6.13: Stream Buffers
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-100
Total sign area shall be limited to 500 square feet for all signs permitted herein, not
including Directional Signage erected in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(G)(C) Basic Sign Design Schedule forSpecific Sign Standarads - Hillsborough EDD
The following design schedule has been approved for the Hillsborough EDD:
TABLE 6.12.14.G: HILLSBOROUGH EDD SIGN DESIGN SCHEDULE
SIZE OF DEVELOPMENT
(ACRES)
MAXIMUM SYMBOL OR LETTER HEIGHTS (INCHES) GROUND OR
MONUMENT
SIGNS
(SQ. FT.)
SIGN HEIGHT
(FEET) FASCIA LETTER
SIZE BORDER MONUMENT LETTER
SIZE
0 - 4.9 24 6 18 50 6
5.0 – 19.9 30 9 24 100 8
Over 20 36 12 36 150 10
(Dev. Name)
Major Tenants 72 24 - - -
Additional
Information 24 6
Wall Signs
32 square feet of wall sign allowed per tenant unless building façade exceeds 64’ wide. For
frontages exceeding 64’, ½ square foot of building frontage. No wall shall exceed 100 square
feet.
SECTION 6.13: STREAM BUFFERS
6.13.1 Purpose
The purpose of the regulations included in this Section is to protect County water resources by
establishing minimum buffers adjacent to streams, rivers, water bodies and other water features
and limiting development and other land disturbing activities within those buffers.
6.13.2 Applicability
The stream buffer regulations and standards contained herein shall be applicable to all streams
and water features, as follows:
(A) Streams identified by any of the following means:
(1) Shown as solid blue lines or as broken blue lines on the USGS Quadrangle
maps,
(2) Shown as water feature in the Orange County Soil Survey, or
(3) A water feature identified by a field determination of County staff trained in
surface water identification through the North Carolina Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ).
(B) Steam buffers shall extend around the perimeter of all water features if any portion of the
stream buffer of a stream touches the water feature. Disputes pertaining to water feature
decisions by County staff shall be filed directly to the NCDWQ.
6.13.3 Calculating Width of Stream Buffer
(A) Special Flood Hazard Area Zoning Overlay Districts & FEMA Floodplains
(1) Those streams identified by FEMA as having floodplains shall have stream
buffers calculated from the outside edges of the 100-year floodplain.
(B) Calculating Slope Value
(1) Draw 250’ length perpendicular lines, at 200-foot horizontal intervals along the
entire length of the outside edges of the stream, or the outer edge of the FEMA
floodplain, whichever is greater.
43 43
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-37
customary accessories, ornaments, furniture and landscaping shall be permitted in any setback if they do
not constitute substantial impediments to free flow of light and air across the setback or violate provisions
of these or other regulations regarding visibility.
Sign
Any letter, figure, character, mark, plane, point, marquee, design, poster, pictorial, picture, stroke, stripe,
line, trademark, reading matter, or illuminated surface which is constructed, placed, attached, painted,
erected, fastened or manufactured in any manner so that the same shall be used for the attraction of the
public to any place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article, machine, or
merchandise, which are displayed in any manner, including out-of-doors.
Sign, Abandoned
A sign for which no legal owner can be found or any sign face or sign structure that advertises a business
not conducted on the premises for over 90 days. In making the determination that a sign advertises a
business no longer being conducted, the Planning Director shall consider the following: the existence or
absence of a current occupational license, utility service deposit, or account; use of the premises; and
relocation of the business.
Abandoned Sign shall also include the following:
a) Through age and/or obsolescence a sign that no longer conforms to structural or maintenance
specifications of Section 6.12, or
b) Any pole, pylon, or structure expressly installed for the purpose of affixing a sign that bears no
sign or copy.
Sign, Advertiser
Any person who is a lessee or owner of a sign, an agent of same, or anyone that has beneficial use of a
sign.
Sign, Advertising Display Area
The advertising display surface area encompassed within any polygon that would enclose all parts of the
sign. The structural supports for a sign, whether, they be columns, pylons, or a building, or a part thereof,
shall not be included in the advertising area. Also known as Sign Area.
An example of how advertising display area or sign area is calculated is as follows:
In most cases the rectangular shape of a sign equals the sign area.
In this example, the sign area was determined by enclosing the letters in an imaginary rectangle:
44 44
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-38
In cases where there
may not be any formally
‘enclosed’ area, the
surface area shall
include such reasonable
and proportionate space
as would be required if
a border or frame were
used.
Sign, Alteration of
Includes, but is not be limited to, the addition of sign surface area, the changing or relocation of light
source or the relocation of an outdoor advertising display from of a sign structureone position to another.
This term shall include structural changes in the sign, but shall not include the changing of copy on a sign
that is designed as a changeable copy sign.
Sign, Animated
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene.
Sign, Architectural Feature of
Any construction attendant to, but not an integral part of the sign, which may consist of landscaping,
building, or structural forms that enhance the site in general; also, graphic stripes and other architectural
painting techniques applied to a structure that serves a functional purpose, or when the stripes or other
painting techniques are applied to a building provided such treatment does not include lettering, logos or
pictures.
Sign Area
That area enclosed by one continuous line, connecting the extreme points or edges of a sign. The area
shall be determined using the largest sign area or silhouette visible at any one time from any one point.
This area does not include the main supporting sign structure, but all other ornamental attachments, inner
connecting links, etc., which are not a part of the main supports of the sign are to be included in
determining sign area. Also see “Sign, Advertising Display Area.”
Sign, Awning
A structure supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid materials
(except for the supporting framework) upon which a signadvertising material is indelibly drawn, painted or
printed.
Following are examples of an awning signs:
45 45
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-39
Sign, Banner
A sign intended to be hung either with or without
frames, possessing characters, letters,
illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper,
plastic, or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags
of political subdivisions, and symbolic flags of any
institution or business Flags shall not be
considered banners for the purposes of this
Ordinance. Banner signs are regulated under the
Special Event Display section of Section 6.12.
Following is an example of a banner sign:
Sign, Changeable Copy
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or
illustrations can be changed or rearranged without
altering the face or the surface of the sign. This shall
also include the changing of copies of billboards.
Changeable copy signs, for the purposes of this
Ordinance, shall mean signs on which the copy is
changed manually. Also referred to as a reader
board sign.
Example of Changeable Copy Sign:
Sign, Construction
A sign that gives the name or names of principal contractors, architects,
and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where
the sign is placed.
Sign Copy
The wording on a sign surface in either
permanent or removable letterform.
46 46
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-40
Sign, Digital; Digital Display
A form of electronic display that shows information, advertising, and otheror messages utilizing LCD
(Liquid Clear Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), plasma displays, or involves the projection of an image
onto a building or the surface area of a structure, which shall include a sign as defined herein.
Sign, Directional/Informational, On-site
An on-premise sign giving directions, instructions or facility information and which may contain the name
or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy (e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs).
Examples of on-site directional/information signs include:
Sign, Directory
A sign on which the names and locations of
occupants or the uses of a building is given. This
shall include office buildings and church directories
Sign, Double-Faced
A sign with two faces.
Sign, Drive-Through Menu Board
An outdoor menu for establishments offering service
via a drive through window. These signs shall not be
considered a ground or monument sign.
Sign, Electronic Changeable Message
An electronically activated sign whereby the message content or display, either wholly or in part, may be
changed by means of electrical, electronic, or computerized program.
Sign, to Erect
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix a sign.
Sign, Exempt
All signs for which permits are not required but which must, nonetheless, conform to the other terms and
conditions of Section 6.12.
47 47
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-41
Sign, Flashing
A sign on which any portion of it changes light, intensity, switches on and off in a constant pattern, or
contains moving parts or the optical illusion of motion caused by use of electrical energy or illumination.
Sign, Government
Any sign erected and maintained by a municipal, County, State, or Federal government for traffic direction
or for designation of or direction to any school, park, hospital, historic site, or public service, property or
facility.
Sign, Ground; Monument Sign
A sign supported on the ground by pillars, posts,
masonry wall, or other similar approved structure
erected on the ground, and not attached to any part of a
building.
Sign, Hazardous Identification/Notification
A sign designed to provide essential public safety
information concerning the storage or hazardous materials
on a parcel of property. There shall be no limit on the
number of signs that are erected for this purpose so long as
the signs do not contain commercial advertising material,
company logos or names.
Sign Height
The vertical distance measured from
the top of the sign, including any
supporting structure, frame, or
architectural feature, to the grade of
the land at the base of the sign or the
grade level of the adjacent right-of-
way providing access, whichever is
less.
Example of how height shall be
determined:
48 48
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-42
Sign, Identification
A sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a
building, institution, development, community name, or
person. This definition shall include signs identifying names
of residential subdivisions, school sites,
apartment/condominium developments, business/industrial
parks, and other similar uses. Identification Signs can
contain logos, art work, mascots, renderings, and other
graphic representations designed to accentuate the
advertisement.
An example of identification sign includes:
Sign, Illegal
A sign that does not meet the requirements of this Ordinance and which has not received legal non-
conforming status and which does not have permit authorization, if required, under the terms of previous
ordinances.
Sign, Illuminated
A sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source.
Sign, Indirectly Illuminated
A sign that is lighted by a light source not seen directly.
Sign, Inflatable
A sign that is inflated to take on a specific
shape or figure that is utilized to attract
attention to a business event or location,
special event, or parcel of property for
commercial purposes. Inflatable signs are
commonly utilized to announce special
sales or events. As per the Orange County
Sign Ordinance, Inflatable Signs shall be
prohibited throughout the County. Any
individual erecting an inflatable sign shall be
subject to an immediate notice of violation
and be required to remove the sign within
the time it would normally take to deflate the
sign.
Examples of inflatable signs include:
Sign, Internally Illuminated
A sign whose light source is concealed or contained within the sign itself, and which becomes visible in
darkness by shining through a translucent surface.
49 49
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-43
Sign, Landmark
A sign advertising that a specific structure or site is considered historically
significant and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, U.S.
Department of Interior, or designated by local ordinance in accordance with
guidelines issued by the U. S. Department of Interior.
Sign Maintenance
The cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter
the basic copy, design or structure of the sign.
Sign, Nonconforming
A sign that was erected legally but that does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and
regulations or a sign which does not conform to the sign code requirements but has received approval
from the Board of Adjustment.
Sign, Off-Premise Commercial
A sign structure advertising an establishment,
merchandise, service, or entertainment that is not sold,
produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property
on which said sign is located. This definition includes
billboards and other similar outdoor advertising
mechanisms.
Example of an off-premise commercial sign
includes:
Sign, Off-Premise Religious
A sign located off the property of a religious facility intended to provide directional information as to the
location of a specific religious facility. Such signs shall only be erected at major roadway intersections
and contain the name and address of the facility as well as a directional arrow to provide motorists an
idea of which road is necessary to access the facility.
Sign, On-Premise Commercial
A sign that pertains to the use of the
premises where it is located. On-
Premise Commercial Signs can
contain changeable copy or a reader
board so long as the total square
footage allowed for the sign is not
exceeded. For the purpose of this
ordinance, pole mounted signs shall
not be permitted. Pole mounted signs
shall be considered signs mounted on
a single pole or mast rather than on
two posts or poles or ground mounted.
Examples of on-premise
commercial signs include:
50 50
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-44
Sign Owner
A person recorded as such on official records. The owner of property on which a sign is located is
presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise
brought to the attention of the Planning Director (e.g., a sign leased from a sign company).
Sign, Pole
A sign that is elevated above the ground by one or more upright supports placed upon the ground and not
attached to any part of a building.
Sign, Political
For the purposes of this Ordinance, a sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or
referendum.
Sign, Portable
An example of a portable sign:
A sign that is mobile and that may or may not have wheels.
Portable signs advertise services offered by a non-residential
operation on the parcel of property on which they are located.
Sign Prohibited
A sign that is not permitted by the sign provisions contained in this Ordinance.
Sign, Projecting
A sign that is attached to a building wall and
extending perpendicular to, or approximately
perpendicular to, the building wall and 12 inches or
more beyond the face of the building wall.
Sign, Real Estate
A sign that is used to offer for sale,
lease, or rent the property upon which
the sign is placed.
Examples of real estate signs include:
51 51
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-45
Sign, Roof
A sign, or any portion thereof, erected,
constructed, or projecting upon or over the roof
or parapet wall of any building whether the
principal support for the sign is on the roof,
wall, or any other structural element of the
building. Where a building has more than one
roofline, the roofline shall be considered to be
highest roofline located directly behind the
sign, as viewed from the business frontage.
Sign, Scrolling Display
The vertical, horizontal, flashing, or intermittent movement of a static message or display on an electronic
changeable message sign.
Sign, Snipe
Any sign of any size, made of any material, including paper, cardboard, wood, vinyl, and metal, when
such sign is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to a tree, utility pole, fence,
existing sign, other similar object or is placed directly into the ground, and the advertising matter
appearing thereon is not applicable to the premises upon which said sign is located. Also includes any
sign installed without permission of the owner of the property upon which the sign is located. Snipe signs
primarily advertise services, location of off-site developments or homes for sale, or other similar activities.
Snipe signs are not permitted in Orange County.
Examples of snipe signs include:
52 52
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-46
Sign, Special Event Displays or Signs
Signs or other attention grabbing devices such as pennants, flags, streamers, and other similar items that
are designed to call attention to a special event and are only intended to be utilized on a temporary basis.
Examples of special event displays or signs include:
Sign, Three-Dimensional
A sign that has height, depth and breadth that incorporates an
object into an advertising sign (e.g., a three dimensional
hamburger or life-sized pig advertising a food place).
An example of a three-dimensional sign includes:
Sign, Time and Temperature
A sign containing illuminated numerals, which may flash alternately, to show the time and/or temperature.
Sign, Trailer
A sign mounted on a vehicle normally licensed by the state of North Carolina as a trailer and used
principally for advertising or promotional purposes.
Sign, Wall
A sign painted or mounted on the wall of a building
or structure. Wall signs can be comprised of reader
boards or changeable copy signs. A wall sign can
contain letters, symbols, trademarks, or other similar
graphic representations designed to represent the
name of an operation normally erected on the front
or side of a structure.
Sign, Window
A sign erected on the interior side of a window of a place of business advertising any service, product,
special, or sale conducted within the business where it is located. Window signs can also include the
53 53
Article 10: Definitions
Section 10.1: Definitions
Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-47
stenciling of the name of a non-residential establishment and may include hours of operation, phone
numbers, and other pertinent information associated with the non-residential land use.
An example of a window sign includes:
Site Specific Development Plan
A plan approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in accordance with the Class A Special
Use Permit process and which describes, with reasonable certainty, the type and intensity of use for a
specific parcel or parcels of property located within the County's zoning jurisdiction. A Site Specific
Development Plan shall be deemed approved upon the effective date of the Board of Commissioners'
action.
Site Plans, Special Use Permits, Conditional Use Districts, Conditional Zoning Districts, and Preliminary
Subdivision Plats may be approved as Site Specific Development Plans in accordance with the provisions
of this Ordinance. Site Specific Development Plans are required only where an applicant wishes to vest
his property rights for a period longer than that otherwise permitted by this Ordinance.
Solar Array – Accessory Use
Include any photovoltaic, concentrated solar thermal, or solar hot water devices that are accessory to,
and incorporated into the development of an authorized use of the property, and which are designed for
the purpose of reducing or meeting on-site energy needs.
Solar Array – Large Facility
A solar facility located on a developed or undeveloped parcel of property producing more than 20 but less
than 100 kilowatts of power that converts sunlight into electricity, whether by photovoltaics (PV),
concentrating solar thermal (CST) devices, or various experimental solar technologies, with the purpose
of supplying power to existing land use(s) as well as the wholesale or retail sale of generated electricity
Solar Array – Public Utility
A utility-scale commercial facility that converts sunlight into electricity, whether by photovoltaics (PV),
concentrating solar thermal (CST) devices, or various experimental solar technologies, producing more
than 100 kilowatts of power with the primary purpose of wholesale or retail sales of generated electricity.
Solid Waste Disposal Facility
Any facility involved in the disposal of any hazardous or non-hazardous refuses or sludge from a waste
treatment plant, water supply treatment plant or air pollution control facility, domestic sewage and sludges
generated by the treatment thereof in sanitary sewage collection, treatment and disposal systems, and
other material that is either discarded or is being accumulated, stored or treated prior to being discarded,
or has served its original intended use and is generally discarded, including solid, liquid, semisolid or
contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, institutional, commercial and agricultural operations,
and from community activities.
Solid Waste Disposal Site
Any place at which solid wastes are disposed of by incineration, sanitary landfill or any other method.
54 54
1
ORANGE COUNTY
PLANNING BOARD
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 2, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 8
SUBJECT: Upcoming Work Plan and 2045 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Population and Employment Projections
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. PowerPoint on Population and Employment
Projections
Craig N. Benedict, Director, 919-245-2592
2. 2016 Planning Board Work Plan
3. Most Recent BOCC Goals
PURPOSE: To briefly discuss the BOCC review of the 2016 Planning Board and staff work
program and BOCC upcoming goals.
Tonight’s focus: Prior County 2040 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) population and employment projections.
BACKGROUND: Every 5 years the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) MPO develops new
projections of population and employment to input into a model that gauges traffic. The projected
traffic volumes are compared to roadway infrastructure capacity and Metropolitan Transportation
Improvement Program (MTIP) and State Transpiration Improvement Plan (STIP) decisions are
made where deficiencies are realized.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Director recommends the Board:
1. Hear the presentation.
2. Provide feedback as desired.
55 55
1
SE Data Use in Travel Modeling
SE Data Forecast
Households and jobs by
County
CommViz Land Use
Model
Distributes households and
jobs to parcels
Travel Demand
Model Input
Households and jobs
by TAZ
Travel Demand Model Output
Highway volume and congestion, transit
ridership, etc.
56 56
2
Method – 2040 Forecast –
Guide Totals at County Level
Dwelling Units (Population)
Use N.C. Office of State Management and Budget
County-level population forecasts up to year 2031
Project county-level population to year 2040
Trend in years 2026-2031
Employment
Calculate county-level employment growth from 2010 to 2040 using Woods & Poole Economics forecasts.
Apply resulting growth factors to current county-level Employment Security Commission (ESC) estimates.
Hey, these are reliable sources. What can
go wrong?
57 57
3
Results – 2040 Forecast –
Guide Totals at County Level
Population
--Guide Totals--
Jurisdiction 20052035
Annual
Rate 20102040
Annual
Rate
Durham County 242,207 355,639 1.3%268,925 432,571 1.6%
Orange County 121,992 171,453 1.1%134,325 197,675 1.3%
Chatham County (1)(2)34,067 117,130 4.2%38,991 71,672 2.0%
Person County (1)N/AN/AN/A 31,845 44,784 1.1%
Total 398,266 644,222 1.6%474,086 746,702 1.5%
2035 LRTP 2040 LRTP
Wait a minute! Orange County growth rate
increased from previous plan. Should we
be concerned?
Old Plan New Plan
26,222 Increase
Change 2035 vs 2040 LRTP
58 58
4
Results – 2040 Forecast –
Guide Totals at County Level
Employment-2
--Guide Totals--
Jurisdiction 20052035
Annual
Rate 20102040
Annual
Rate
Durham County 184,130 285,761 1.5%194,770 306,637 1.5%
Orange County 68,680 116,669 1.8%70,491 119,787 1.8%
Chatham County 8,199 23,863 3.6%10,011 19,509 2.2%
Person County N/AN/AN/A 8,791 13,093 1.3%
Total 261,009 426,293 1.6%284,063 459,026 1.6%
2035 LRTP 2040 LRTP
Looks like employment growth rate
matches the old plan. Must be good!
Old Plan New Plan
Increase 49,296
30 years
59 59
Let’s Check it!
-- Orange County Population
Source Population Forecast
2040 MTP 197,675
Orange 2030 Comp Plan (linear) 193,728
Orange 2030 Comp Plan (exponential) 230,770
Woods and Poole 245,380
Note: Orange Comprehensive Plan is from April 2011
Orange
1970-1980 2.9%
1980-1990 2.0%
1990-2000 2.3%
2000-2010 1.2%
2010-2040 1.3%
Historical Population Growth Rates
Forecasted growth rate is
generally lower than
historical growth rate in
Orange County
Compare Population Forecasts
2040 MTP forecast is lower
than most other forecasts.
5
60 60
Let’s Check It!
-- Orange County Population
Compare Population Growth Rates
These are population
annual growth rates (2010
to 2040) for county areas
inside TRM boundary.
County Annual Rate
Harnett 2.6%
Johnston 2.3%
Wake 2.1%
Franklin 1.9%
Granville 1.8%
Chatham 1.8%
Durham 1.6%
Nash 1.6%
Orange 1.3%
Person 1.1%
Orange County has 2nd
lowest annual growth rate.
So, the population
forecast must be good!
6
61 61
Let’s Check It!
-- Orange County Employment
Historical Employment Growth Rates
Forecasted growth rate is
generally lower than
historical growth rate in
Orange County
Orange
1970-1980 7.0%
1980-1990 2.4%
1990-2000 3.2%
2000-2010 1.0%
2010-2040 1.8%
So, the employment
forecast must be good!
7
62 62
Reality Backup!
Here is what these forecasts
translate to in residential units
and commercial square
footage...
8
63 63
9
Employment Growth Reality?
▪50,000 Employees
▪ 568 Average Square Foot per Employee
assuming six job sectors build equally
28,400,000 Square Feet over 30 Years
÷ 30 Years
947,000 Square Feet per Year
÷ 130,000 Sq. Ft. Per Walmart Shopping Building
7.3 Walmarts per Year
64 64
PER YEAR?
10
65 65
50,000 New Employees
30 Years
1,670 New Employee per Year
÷ 100 Employees per one $40 million
investment of 100,000 square feet
16.7 Development Projects
11
66 66
947,000 Square Feet per Year
$105 Average Building Value per Sq. Ft.
Assuming all 6 Sectors Develop Equally
$100,000,000 Per Year
12
67 67
70,000 People
÷ 30 Years
2,350 People Per Year
Single Family
2,350 People
65% Single Family
1,528 People
2.8 People per Unit
546 Single Family Homes
÷ 2 Units per Acre Gross (Urban)
273 Acres per Year Needed
OR
x3 Acres per Unit (Rural)
1,638 Acres Needed
13
68 68
70,000 People
÷ 30 Years
2,350 People per Year
2,350 People per Year
35% Multifamily
823 People
2.0 Persons per Unit
412 Units per Year
÷ 5 Units per Acre Gross Urban
82 Acres per Year Needed
14
69 69
Ongoing Activities
-- Orange County Population
SupplyDemand Net SupplyDemand Net
611611 0 31926059
1,7311,731 0 9,7786,1433,635
2,0442,044 0 2,6431,654989
74361113263260572
198198 0 0 0 0
14,16611,1563,0101,368687681
Countywide Totals 19,49316,3513,14214,7408,8045,936
Jurisdiction Single Family D.U.'s Multifamily D.U.'s
Town of Carrboro
Town of Chapel Hill
Town of Hillsborough
City of Mebane
Unincorporated Orange County
City of Durham
Jurisdiction Dwelling Units
(per year)
Orange County 25,155
(839)
Unincorporated
Orange County
11,843
(395) (47%)
63,350 pop. increases translates to…
Why so much growth in
unincorporated Orange?
Single family build out
in jurisdictions.
Growth pushed to areas
immediately outside
jurisdictions. 15
372 SF
23 MF
70 70
16
City Um:H:s
1=:1 ETJ 1::::1 FLU M Rur al Buffer-
T AZ
~ Carrboc-o
c::=J C hape l H ill
-CO<J nty
£:===:] Hillsborough
-~ane~ftand
-R ural Bu1re r
-Transition
l..ocatJo<> 2010 Emplovtnent
Carrbor o 4879
Chao.el H ill 53.0<10
Counry 3,.317
H i l lsbo,.ough 6.935
Meb ane 1.453
Rural Buffe r 1.360
Total 70984
•rnagine 2040 Data Sou.-ce:
Imagine 2040-C ornmunityViz Model
(Dece mber 20"1 3)-r\.4a tt Noonkeste.-
2040 EmJ>I ovment Emolovrnent lncrea.se
8060 3J.81
81325 28,285
7,704 4,.387
18763 .11828
1 ,996 543
2 ,426 1 ,066
1.20.Z74 49.290
%I ncrease
65.20
53.33
132.26
170.56
37.37
78.38
69.44
•• ~5 .. ::•
c.-ange Ccunty PIB"I,_-.9 and lnspeoc:lJcns
Bnan Canon 42i2212016)
71 71
Location 2010 Employment 2040 Employment Employment
Increase
% Increase
Carrboro 4,879 8,060 3,181 65.20
Chapel Hill 53,040 81,325 28,285 53.33
County 3,317 7 7,704 4,387 132.26
Hillsborough 6,935 18,763 11,828 170.56
Mebane 1,453 1,996 543 37.37
Rural Buffer 1,360 2,426 1,066 78.38
Total 70,984 120,274 49,290 69.44
17
72 72
18
Lo<:atlon 2010Poo 2040 PoD Pooul atlon Increase %Increase
Carrboro
C hOlPcl Hill
County
H i l lsborouAh
IVIebane
Ru rD I Buffer
Total
c::::J City Ltmtt s
c::J E TJ
19,978
5!),512
29,852
10,579
4070
11,106
us 097
22 ,425
79.523
44.158
22,973
6 541
25.161
2 00 781
\
2,4<'17
20.011
14.306
12.394
2 471
14.055
65,684
\ \
\
\
\
E:::J F LUM Rur·al B uffe r
TAZ
~Carrboro
Chapel Hill
C oonty
H illsb orough
-Meban e/Efla n d
-R u ral Buffer
-Trans ition
Im agine 2040 Dat a Source:
Imagine 2040 .. Commun lty'\/IZ MOdel
(Decem ber 2 01 3) • Matt Noonkester
12.25
33.&3
4 7.92
117.16
60.71
126.55
48.62
2010 Dwelllna Units 2040 Dwell Ina U nits
10,341 10,428
2 1 ,885 30,685
12,177 18,300
5,073 10,068-
1725 2743
4,712 10.183
SS9U 82407
Dwelllna Units Increase % tncrease
ff] 0.84
8,800 40.21
6 1 23 50 .28
4,995 98.46
1018 5 9.01
5,471 116.11
26 4 94 4 7.38
~ j, ~··-•~mooe
~T" -=;~Moi•IJ
Otonoe County Plonn•no ond lnsl)e<:l•ons
t~r•on C O,....An {.!1.?212016)
73 73
19
Location 2010 Pop 2040 Pop Population
Increase
% Increase 2010
Dwelling
Units
2040
Dwelling
Units
Dwelling
Units
Increase
% Increase
Carrboro 19,978 22,425 2,447 12.25 10,341 10,428 87 0.84
Chapel Hill 59,512 79,523 20,011 33.63 21,885 30,685 8,800 40.21
County 29,852 44,158 14,306 47.92 12,177 18,300 6,123 50.28
Hillsborough 10,579 22,973 12,394 117.16 5,073 10,068 4,995 98.46
Mebane 4,070 6,541 2,471 60.71 1,725 2,743 1,018 59.01
Rural Buffer 11,106 25,161 14,055 126.55 4,712 10,183 5,471 116.11
Total 135,097 200,781 65,684 48.62 55,913 82,407 26,494 47.38
Note: These location areas are approximated by matching census tracks to
corporate limits and ETJ.
74 74
What lies…
Behind the
numbers?
20
75 75
NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Planning Board
Report Period: 2015 calendar year for annual report; 2016 calendar year for
work plan
ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on
their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various advisory boards
and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following
information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background
materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this
form.
Board/Commission Name: Planning Board
Person to address the BOCC at work session- if applicable- and contact
information: Pete Hallenbeck, Chair, (919) 732-6551, pete@eflandfd.org
(please note the Chair is expected to change in January when the Planning
Board holds elections since Mr. Hallenbeck’s second term has expired so
he is not eligible for reappointment – the Chair at the time the work
session is held will address the BOCC)
Primary County Staff Contact: Craig Benedict, Planning Director; secondary
contact: Perdita Holtz, Planner III (Planning Systems Coordinator)
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any
special meetings and sub-committee meetings? Once or twice per month (12
regular meetings + 4 Quarterly Public Hearings + special or sub-committee
meetings such as the Ordinance Review Committee [ORC] which meets
prior to the regular meeting several times a year).
Brief Statement of Board/Commission’s Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
Under the authority of NC General Statute, the BOCC created the Planning
Board to embark upon a continuing planning program, including but not
limited to the preparation and maintenance of a Comprehensive Plan for
Orange County, in protection of the public health, safety, and general
welfare of present and future residents and businesses, landowners and
visitors. The duties of the Planning Board are listed in Section 1.6.3 of the
Unified Development Ordinance.
What are your Board/Commission’s most important accomplishments?
Within last 2 years:
• UDO text amendment to require a neighborhood information meeting
prior to public hearings for Special Use Permit applications.
• UDO text amendment to establish a new conditional zoning district for
Attachment 2 76 76
Agricultural Support Enterprises, both within the Rural Buffer and in the
remainder of County planning jurisdiction, and various accompanying
changes to the text.
• UDO text amendment to change standards related to home occupations
which liberalized the ability to have home businesses.
• Pleasant Green Woods Phase IV major subdivision concept plan and
preliminary plat.
• Triple Crown Farms major subdivision preliminary plat.
• Stroud’s Creek major subdivision concept plan and preliminary plat.
• Class A SUP for a solar facility in Cheeks Township.
More recently:
• UDO text amendments for revisions to the public hearing process to
enhance public input opportunities, streamline when possible, and
improve legal integrity.
• UDO, Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Atlas Amendments to adopt two
new zoning overlay districts in Efland that recognize community
character and add flexibility to target development.
• In 2015, two property-owner initiated applications for non-residential
rezonings were processed. The Planning Board reviewed these and
issued a recommendation to the BOCC on each application.
• UDO text amendments related to temporary health care structures.
• Henderson Woods major subdivision concept plan and preliminary plat.
• UDO text amendments related to impervious surface matters.
• Class A SUPs for a solar facility in Bingham Township and for Emerson
Waldorf School.
• UDO text amendments related to recreational land uses.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Monthly Planning Board meetings
• Quarterly Public Hearings (4)
• Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) meetings and special meetings as
required
• Review applications for ordinance amendments, major subdivisions,
and Class A special use permits and provide recommendations to the
BOCC
• Develop and recommend policies, ordinances, administrative
procedures and other means for carrying out plans
• Coordinate with staff on ongoing planning updates, changes, and new
techniques
Describe this board/commission’s activities/accomplishments in carrying out
BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
The Planning Board is involved in the ongoing implementation of the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. Potential projects listed in the “Implementation
77 77
Bridge,” such as updates to home occupation standards, continue to be
worked on as do small area plan implementation measures, such as the
Efland zoning overlay districts. The Implementation Bridge is a list of
topics that were raised during the UDO adoption process in 2010-11 that
further the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan through the
UDO.
The Planning Board also works with the BOCC, usually at an annual dinner
meeting prior to the quarterly public hearing in November, to discuss joint
goals (2009 and forward) and coordination with other advisory boards.
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other
advisory boards and commissions?
The Planning Board includes members who also serve on the Orange
Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard), Efland-Mebane Small Area Plan
Implementation Focus Group, Commission for the Environment, and
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. There is also a position on the Board of
Adjustment for a Planning Board member but that position is currently
unfilled. In 2015, there was not direct collaboration with other advisory
board (e.g., joint meetings) but the Planning Board Chair attended the joint
advisory board training held by the BOCC/County Clerk.
If your board/commission played the role of an Element Lead Advisory Board
involved in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan preparation process, please indicate
your board’s activities/accomplishments as they may relate to the
Comprehensive Plan’s goals or objectives.
(The Element Lead Advisory Boards include: Planning Board, EDC, OUTBoard,
Commission for the Environment, Historic Preservation Commission, Agriculture
Preservation Board, Affordable Housing Board, Recreation and Parks Advisory
Council)
The processing of small area plan recommendations specifically addresses
an objective included in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Following are
specific Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives that have been part of
the Planning Board’s recent work:
Land Use Overarching Goal: Coordination of the amount, location,
pattern and designation of future land uses, with availability of County
services and facilities sufficient to meet the needs of Orange County’s
population and economy consistent with other Comprehensive Plan
element goals and objectives.
Objective LU-1.1: Coordinate the location of higher intensity / high
density residential and non-residential development with existing or
planned locations of public transportation, commercial and
community services, and adequate supporting infrastructure (i.e.,
water and sewer, high-speed internet access, streets, and
78 78
sidewalks), while avoiding areas with protected natural and cultural
resources. This could be achieved by increasing allowable
densities and creating new mixed-use zoning districts where
adequate public services are available.
Objective LU-1.2: Evaluate and report on whether existing and
approved locations for future residential and non-residential
developments are coordinated with the location of public
transportation, commercial and community services, and adequate
supporting infrastructure (i.e., water and sewer services, high-
speed internet access, streets and sidewalks).
Land Use Goal 3: A variety of land uses that are coordinated within a
program and pattern that limits sprawl, preserves community and rural
character, minimizes land use conflicts, supported by an efficient and
balanced transportation system.
Objective LU-3.1: Discourage urban sprawl, encourage a
separation of urban and rural land uses, and direct new
development into areas where necessary community facilities and
services exist through periodic updates to the Land Use Plan.
Land Use Goal 4: Land development regulations, guidelines, techniques
and/or incentives that promote the integrated achievement of all
Comprehensive Plan goals.
Land Use Goal 6: A land use planning process that is transparent, fair,
open, efficient, and responsive.
Objective LU-6.1: Undertake a comprehensive effort to inform and
involve the citizens of Orange County in the land use planning
process.
Objective LU-6.2: Maintain a cooperative joint planning process
among the County municipalities and those organizations
responsible for the provision of water and sewer services to guide
the extension of service in accordance with the Comprehensive
Plan, the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Joint Planning
Agreement and Land Use Plan, and the policies of the
municipalities.
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.
79 79
Objective ED-1.5: Identify barriers to development of desirable
businesses and local businesses, and mitigate these barriers.
Transportation Goal 3: Integrated land use planning and transportation
planning that serves existing development supports future development,
and is consistent with the County’s land use plans which include
provisions for preserving the natural environment and community
character.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2016 as they
relate to established BOCC goals and priorities.
If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources)
associated with these proposed activities (please list).
The Board will continue its work in partnership with staff to further
implement recommendations contained within small area plans and the
UDO Implementation Bridge and to implement existing and new BOCC
priorities, some of which may emerge at the January 2016 BOCC retreat:
1. Airport Regulations: Work related to revising airport regulations began in
late 2015 and is expected to be completed in 2016.
2. Sexually Oriented Businesses: Work related to adopting regulations for
sexually oriented businesses is underway and is expected to be completed in
the first half of 2016.
3. Affordable and Senior Housing, including Co-Housing: On-going need
for affordable housing opportunities, including senior housing, in the county.
The UDO amendments currently being worked on related to temporary
healthcare structures and other custodial care options address a small portion
of the larger affordable and senior housing topic.
4. Emergency Access: Continue to work with appropriate staff/departments to
better ensure properties can be reached by emergency personnel (e.g.,
driveway width and clearance, bridge weight limit signage and sufficiency to
allow a fire truck to pass, gate width, curve radii sufficient for emergency
vehicles). Amendments currently being worked on related to private road
standards address a portion of this topic.
5. Clustering in Rural Areas: Consider rural village concepts. Examine
innovative septic systems whether in individual or community settings.
Clustering does not increase density in rural areas but creates a higher
percentage of open space.
6. Population Projections: Analyze regional population and employment
projections (including MPO 2040 and the development of the MPO 2045
MTP). Rationalize and offer ‘ground truth’ (i.e. what can realistically be built)
to the amount and location of new development noted from population
modeling (i.e. Community VIZ). Work with municipalities to aggregate their
80 80
projected ceiling density totals based on their densification efforts and create
composite countywide total by adding unincorporated projections. Use in
update to Comprehensive Plan Data Element.
7. New and/or Revised Zoning District: UDO text amendment to adopt a new
general use zoning district and/or “fine tune” existing ED zoning to match
locational attributes for targeted research and development industry and
applied light manufacturing. Consider appropriate mixed use areas (includes
high density residential) acknowledging the other areas will have a stronger
non-residential use program.
8. Parks and Recreation Dedications and Payment in Lieu Fees: Now that
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is complete, jointly work with the
Department of Environment, Agriculture, and Parks & Recreation (DEAPR) to
evaluate level of service standards and how they would be implemented
through the subdivision process included in the UDO. Also include hiking
and/or preservation corridors in the land use plan so land dedications can
occur where necessary.
9. Fiscal Impact Analysis: Work with the Manager’s office and Finance and/or
a consultant to analyze the impacts of development to County services
(revenues and expenditures) and to the cities as necessary.
10. Legislative Changes: Amend regulations as necessary in response to
legislative changes at the State level
11. Streamline Regulations: Continue to streamline regulations where possible
12. 2016 BOCC Retreat: Any priorities that emerge at the January 2016 BOCC
retreat
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the
upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners’
attention?
1. Rural Enterprises: Determine need to address water & sewage disposal
issues in the Rural Activity Nodes to encourage development in these nodes.
Evaluate non-residential thresholds and determine if changes are necessary.
2. Mass Gathering/Special Events: Revisions to UDO regarding mass
gathering and special events (must wait until after Emergency
Services/Attorney’s Office enacts a Mass Gathering Ordinance)
3. Pre-zoning for Economic Development Projects: Continue to “prezone”
areas where possible to focus growth in appropriate areas with consistent
land uses, thereby improving the review and approval process.
4. Nuisance Ordinance: Consider a nuisance ordinance for Economic
Development, Commercial, and Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity
Nodes and areas adjacent to these land use classifications to “protect” these
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areas slated for economic development projects. In addition, consider these
“city-like” rules in “urban” transition land use classifications of the county to
protect existing community value.
5. Transportation Issues: Evaluate the need for better public transit in rural
areas, including senior citizen mobility. Determine if rural “transit oriented
development” could be hubs of transit located in the rural community nodes.
Accent focus on transit dependent populations and their connection to other
transit infrastructure.
6. Wireless and Broadband Access: The County (IT Department) is currently
undertaking a study regarding wireless and broadband access in rural areas.
Many rural areas lack reliable access to these services and solutions to
providing areas with these services should be sought.
7. Long-Term Planning for Potable Water and Waste: Planning for potable
water and waste (wastewater and solid waste) should continue to be a topic
for study and discussion as growth in Orange County continues.
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APPROVED 9/15/09
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
GOALS AND PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 20092010
Goal One: Ensure a community network of basic human services and
infrastructure that maintains, protects and promotes the well
being of all County residents.
Priority 4: Review services to identify and protect ‘safety net’ programs
and services.
Priority 5: Encourage for profit investments in affordable housing and
review available tools.
Goal Two: Promote an interactive and transparent system of governance
that reflects community values.
Priority 6: Develop plan and tools to improve how County and citizens
communicate with each other; foster twoway exchange.
Priority 7: Improve intra and intergovernmental coordination, cooperation
and collaboration. (a)Work with Town of Hillsborough on:
Joint land use planning approaches, policies/ordinances, and annexation,
and Economic Development Districts. (b) Work with City of Durham on:
Economic Development Districts
Priority 8: Examine advisory boards and commissions to: (a) Ensure they
are meeting their missions; (b) Determine how boards relate to each other
and how their work can best be integrated with the BOCC; (c) Ensure
sustainability goals; (d) Ensure fit with overall County vision; and (e)
Recognize (and be sensitive to) consistencies represented by boards,
commissions when framing this review
Priority 26: Clarify and communicate to public how and why County
funding is allocated the way it is
Goal Three: Implement planning and economic development policies
which create a balanced, dynamic local economy, and which
promote diversity, sustainable growth and enhanced revenue
while embracing community values.
Priority 2: Implement Comprehensive Plan (a) Rewrite zoning and
subdivision regulations (Unified Development Ordinance).
Priority 3: Develop economic plans for three (3) districts.
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Priority 9: Update economic development plan for County: (a) Clarify
economic development plan for each district; (b) Identify spectrum of tools;
(c) Identify other stakeholders; and (d) Identify what the County wants to
see happen.
Priority 10: Develop an energy plan that includes economic development
strategies to attract, retain, and grown ‘green’ business
Priority 19: Be actively involved and informed about UNCCH decisions
and intentions
Priority 20: Support transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities and other
alternatives to the single passenger automobile.
Priority 21: Amend County zoning to address and modernize airport and
related issues.
Goal Four: Invest in quality County facilities, a diverse work force, and
technology to achieve a high performing County government.
Priority 11: Invest in technology to increase work efficiencies; e.g. web
streaming, paperless agendas, integrated tracking systems between field
and office.
Priority 22: Review and update County personnel and operational
policies and procedures.
Priority 23: Design and fund space for County Attorney Offices. Manager
and BOCC to discuss concept and staffing
Goal Five: Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that
includes clean water, clean air, wildlife, important natural
lands and sustainable energy for present and future
generations.
Priority 1: Conserve high priority natural areas, wildlife habitat, and prime
forests.
Priority 12: Implement County’s Environmental Responsibility goals
Priority 15: Complete stewardship and management plans for Lands
Legacy.
Priority 16: Develop an accounting and assessment system of water and
air pollution: (a) In conjunction with ICLEI; Set emissions reduction target
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for 2030; Conduct public education campaign; and Link public with
opportunities to improve energy efficiency and use sustainable energy
sources; (b) Begin multiyear implementation of Observable Well Network
Priority 24: Plan to acquire/land bank for future park development.
Priority 25: Develop a policy/update current plan about how parks will be
developed, appropriate ratio of parks to population, length of time to
develop, and incorporation of such into the Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
Goal Six: Ensure a high quality of life and lifelong learning that
champions diversity, education at all levels, libraries, parks,
recreation, and animal welfare.
Priority 13: Plan to provide ‘equitable’ library services for Orange County
residents.
Priority 14: Fulfill remainder of bond issuance approved by voters in
2001 for soccer and Twin Creeks
Priority 17: Review the Schools and Adequate Public Facilities
Ordinance: (a) Is it doing what it was originally intended to do? (b) Does it
have application for Durham and Mebane?
Priority 18: Address inequities between old and new schools. Older
schools are in need of capital improvements. Building new schools has
been the funding priority.
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