HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-1-24 PB Agenda PacketORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
131 W. MARGARET LANE, SUITE 201
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278
AGENDA
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
WHITTED MEETING FACILITY
300 WEST TRYON STREET, SECOND FLOOR
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Regular Meeting – 7:00 pm
No. Page(s) Agenda Item
1. CALL TO ORDER
2.4 - 5
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a.Planning Calendar for May and June
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 3, 2024 Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) Notes
April 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
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 its respect to all present. The Board asks those attending this
meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward each other, County
staff, and Board members. At any time should a member of the Board or the public fail to
observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum. Should it
become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess the
meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed.
The Planning Board asks that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and
computers should please be turned off or set to silent/vibrate.
Please be kind to everyone.
6 - 7
8 - 20
1
No. Page(s) Agenda Item
6. CHAIR COMMENTS
7. ZONING ATLAS AMENDMENT (CONVENTIONAL DISTRICT) - To review and
make a recommendation to the BOCC on an applicant-initiated zoning
atlas amendment to rezone two parcels totaling +/- 9.37 acres from R-1
(Rural Residential) to GC-4 (General Commercial).
The parcels are located at 3009 Forrest Ave., Efland within the Cheeks
Township (PINs: 9854-18-4217 and 9854-18-9274). This item is
scheduled for BOCC public hearing on June 4, 2024.
Presenter: Brian Collie, Planner II
8. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT – TOBACCO
AND HEMP RETAIL USE - To review and make a recommendation to the
BOCC on proposed amendments to the UDO pertaining to “Tobacco
and Hemp Retail” uses. This amendment is in response to a petition
made by the BOCC and was reviewed at the April 3, 2024 ORC
meeting. It is scheduled for BOCC public hearing on June 4, 2024.
Presenter: Cy Stober, Planning Director
9. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT –
REGULATORY REFORM COMPLIANCE AND CONFORMANCE – To review and
make a recommendation to the BOCC on Planning Director-initiated
amendments to the UDO in response and pertaining to NC Session
Laws 2023-108 and 2023-137, which affect the County’s abilities to
regulate residential architecture, as well as densities and impervious
surfaces in water supply watersheds. This amendment was reviewed at
the April 3, 2024 ORC meeting and is scheduled for BOCC public
hearing on June 4, 2024.
Presenter: Cy Stober, Planning Director
10. ADJOURNMENT
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Written Comments
Interested persons who cannot attend the meeting in-person are invited to submit written
comments on agenda items to the Planning Board via email at
planningboard@orangecountync.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. on the afternoon of the meeting.
Please include in the Subject line of the email the title of the agenda item your comment pertains
21 - 87
88 - 95
96 - 131
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to. Emails sent to this address are viewable on Google Groups:
https://groups.google.com/g/ocplanningboard
Written comments can also be dropped off at the Planning Department’s offices at 131 W.
Margaret Lane, 2nd floor, Hillsborough, NC during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday). Written comments will be scanned and sent by staff to the email address
indicated above.
Review Process
The Planning Board is an appointed volunteer advisory board which makes recommendations to
the Board of County Commissioners (the elected officials). The Board of County Commissioners
holds a formal public hearing and makes decisions. Section 2.8 of the County’s Unified
Development Ordinance contains a flowchart depicting the review process for rezoning and text
amendment applications.
Planning Board Member Potential Conflict of Interest
It is the duty of every Board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearances of conflict.
Board members having any conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict with respect to matters
before the Board should identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from undue
participation in the matter involved.
As a reminder, NC General Statute § 160D-109 establishes the following standard: Members of
appointed boards shall not vote on any advisory or legislative decision regarding a development
regulation where the outcome of the matter being considered is reasonably likely to have a direct,
substantial, and readily identifiable financial impact on the member. An appointed board member
shall not vote on any zoning amendment if the landowner of the property subject to a rezoning
petition or the applicant for a text amendment is a person with whom the member has a close
familial, business, or other associational relationship.
If any Planning Board member has any concern about a possible conflict related to an agenda
item, please notify Planning staff and get in touch directly with a member of the County Attorney’s
staff before the meeting time to determine whether a conflict exists – and if so, how best to handle
the potential conflict.
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May 2024
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
Notes:
* Planning Board Member Attendance Required
Planning Board meetings are held in room 230 on
the second floor of the Whitted Building located at
300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough, NC 27278
Planning
Board Meeting
7:00 pm*
Whitted Bldg.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
BOCC
Business
Meeting
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
Board of
Adjustment
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
BOCC
Budget Public
Hearing/Work
Session
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
BOCC
Budget Work
Session
7:00 pm
Southern
Human Serv
Ctr.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
BOCC
Business
Meeting
7:00 pm
Southern
Human Serv
Ctr.
BOCC
Budget Work
Session
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
26 27 28 29 30 31
HOLIDAY BOCC
Budget Work
Session
7:00 pm
Southern
Human Serv
Ctr.
BOCC
Budget Public
Hearing/Work
Session
7:00 pm
Southern
Human Serv
Ctr.
4
June 2024
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Notes:
* Planning Board Member Attendance Required
Planning Board meetings are held in room 230 on the second floor of the Whitted Building located at 300 W.
Tryon St., Hillsborough, NC 27278
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
BOCC
Business
Meeting
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
Planning Board
Meeting
7:00 pm*
Whitted Bldg.
BOCC
Budget Work
Session
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
BOCC Staff
Eval Closed
Session
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
Board of
Adjustment
7:00 pm
Whitted Bldg.
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
BOCC
Business
Meeting
7:00 pm
S. Human
Services Ctr.
HOLIDAY
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
5
SUMMARY NOTES 1 ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD 2 APRIL 3, 2024 3 ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE 4 5 6
NOTE: A QUORUM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS. 7 8
MEMBERS PRESENT: Adam Beeman (Chair), Cedar Grove Township Representative; Lamar Proctor (Vice-Chair), 9
Cheeks Township Representative; Beth Bronson, At-Large Representative; Marilyn Carter, At-Large Representative; 10
Statler Gilfillen, Eno Township Representative; Chris Johnston, Hillsborough Township Representative; Whitney 11
Watson, At-Large Representative. 12
13
STAFF PRESENT: Cy Stober, Planning & Inspections Director; Perdita Holtz, Deputy Director – Long Range Planning 14
& Administration; Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director – Development Services; Lauren Coffey, Planner I 15
16
AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER 17
Meeting began at 6:02 PM. 18
19
AGENDA ITEM 2: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT – TOBACCO AND HEMP RETAIL USE - To 20
review BOCC-initiated amendments to the UDO pertaining to “Tobacco and Hemp Retail” uses. 21
22 PRESENTER: Cy Stober, Planning & Inspections Director 23
24
Mr. Stober gave a brief presentation on the proposed amendments which were initiated by a BOCC member. 25
26
Chair Beeman confirmed that existing primary sales uses are existing nonconformities. 27
28
Mr. Johnston asked if there were any similar locational restrictions. Mr. Stober provided the example of how the 29
Ordinance handles sexually oriented businesses. 30
31
AGENDA ITEM 3: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT – REGULATORY REFORM COMPLIANCE 32
AND CONFORMANCE – To review Planning Director-initiated amendments to the UDO in response and pertaining to 33
NC Session Laws 2023-108 and 2023-137, which affect the County’s abilities to regulate residential architecture, as 34
well as densities and impervious surfaces in water supply watersheds. 35
36
PRESENTER: Cy Stober, Planning & Inspections Director 37
38
Mr. Stober discussed changes that will occur to bring the UDO into compliance with State law. These include a 39
change of responsibility title of UDO compliance to the Planning Director, broadening the definition of Residential 40
Development, a 5-part test for Residential Density, and modifications to impervious surface ratios. 41
42
Mr. Stober discussed stormwater management applicability of the Ordinance changes. 43
44
AGENDA ITEM 4: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO) TEXT AMENDMENT – LANDSCAPING STANDARDS – To review 45
Planning Director-initiated amendments to the UDO pertaining to Section 6.8 “Landscaping, Buffers & Tree 46
Protection” regulations. 47
48 PRESENTER: Cy Stober, Planning & Inspections Director 49
50
Mr. Stober explained the benefit of these changes to provide clarification, encourage connectivity, and bring the 51
language to reflect current best practices. 52
53
6
Chair Beeman requested that the language of these changes not be worded as “must.” to allow for more flexibility in 54
the event of hardships. 55
56
Mr. Stober explained the changes will move the Protection of Existing Vegetation section, change Land Use Buffers 57
to Landscape Buffers and reduce the number of types of buffers, and eliminate reference to “scenic views.” 58
59
Chair Beeman noted that planting should not be in front of utilities. Mr. Stober stated that standards will be cross 60
referenced with State Building Code. 61
62
AGENDA ITEM 5: ADJOURNMENT 63
The meeting adjourned at 7:03 PM. 64
7
MEETING MINUTES 1 ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD 2
APRIL 3, 2024 3
REGULAR MEETING 4
5
MEMBERS PRESENT: Adam Beeman (Chair), Cedar Grove Township Representative; Lamar Proctor 6
(Vice-Chair), Cheeks Township Representative; Delores Bailey, At-Large Representative; Beth Bronson, 7
At-Large Representative; Marilyn Carter, At-Large Representative; Statler Gilfillen, Eno Township 8
Representative; Chris Johnston, Hillsborough Township Representative; Steve Kaufmann, Bingham Township 9
Representative; Whitney Watson, At-Large Representative. 10
11
MEMBERS ABSENT: Charity Kirk, At-Large Representative; Liz Kalies, Chapel Hill Township Representative. 12
13
STAFF PRESENT: Cy Stober, Planning & Inspections Director; Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director – 14
Development Services; Taylor Perschau, Current Planning and Zoning Manager; Ashley Moncado, Planner III; 15
Lauren Coffey, Planner I. 16
17 OTHERS PRESENT: Phil Koch, EarthCentric Engineering, Inc.; Shawn Sidener, EarthCentric Engineering, Inc.; 18
Jamie Cox. 19
20
21
AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 22
The meeting began at 7:04 PM. 23
24
25
AGENDA ITEM 2: INFORMATION ITEMS 26
None. 27
28
29
AGENDA ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES 30
March 6, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes 31
32
MOTION BY Lamar Proctor to approve the minutes with corrections to line 59 and line 251. Seconded by Marilyn 33
Carter. 34
35
36
AGENDA ITEM 4: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 37
None. 38
39
AGENDA ITEM 5: PUBLIC CHARGE 40
41 INTRODUCTION TO THE PUBLIC CHARGE 42
The Board of County Commissioners, under the authority of North Carolina General 43
Statute, appoints the Orange County Planning Board (OCPB) to uphold the written land 44
development law of the County. The general purpose of OCPB is to guide and accomplish 45
coordinated and harmonious development. OCPB shall do so in a manner, which 46
considers the present and future needs of its citizens and businesses through efficient and 47
responsive process that contributes to and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the 48
overall County. The OCPB will make every effort to uphold a vision of responsive 49
8
governance and quality public services during our deliberations, decisions, and 50
recommendations. 51
52
53
PUBLIC CHARGE 54
The Planning Board pledges to the citizens of Orange County its respect. The Board asks 55
its citizens to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner, both with the Board 56
and with fellow citizens. At any time, should any member of the Board or any citizen fail to 57
observe this public charge, the Chair will ask the offending member to leave the meeting 58
until that individual regains personal control. Should decorum fail to be restored, the Chair 59
will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is 60
observed. 61
62
63
AGENDA ITEM 6: CHAIR COMMENTS 64
None. 65
66 AGENDA ITEM 7: MAJOR SUBDIVISION CONCEPT PLAN – To review and take action on a Concept Plan 67
application for a Major Subdivision named Stonewall. The proposal is for an 18-lot subdivision on approximately 68
36.36 acres with 47.9% (17.42 acres) of dedicated open space. The parcel is located on Miller Road in the 69
Hillsborough Township, PIN 9875-64-5097. 70
71
Taylor Perschau overviewed the Standard Major Subdivision process and the timeline of review. She explained 72
that there will be two major subdivisions to review, beginning with the Stonewall Subdivision, which does not 73
include a preliminary plat at this time. 74
75
Ashley Moncado: Ashley Moncado, Planner III with the Planning Department. And the first item tonight for the 76
Board review is Concept Plan for a Major Subdivision on approximately 36 acres. The site is currently 77
undeveloped and located within the Rural Residential and Agricultural Residential zoning districts. It is located in 78
the Lower Eno Unprotected Watershed. Surrounding parcels are zoned as R1 and AR and include undeveloped 79
parcels, as well as single-family homes. Based on the Future Land Use Map, the parcel is classified as Rural 80
Residential and Agricultural Residential in the Central Orange Coordinated Area Land Use Plan, it is classified 81
as Rural Living. The applicant is proposing a Flexible Major Subdivision including 18 lots. The average lot size 82
is a little over 40,000 square feet. Based on the Conservation Cluster Flexible Development Option, applicants 83
are required to provide a minimum of 33 percent open space. This applicant is proposing 47.9 percent, or 17.42 84
acres of open space. The applicant is requesting reduced front and side setbacks for this proposed subdivision, 85
which is allowed based on the Flexible Development Option. They are also providing a 30-foot, Type B 86
landscape buffer along the western property line, which runs along Miller Road. Access to the site is proposed 87
via a 50-foot public right of way, and lots will be served by individual wells and septic systems. The majority of 88
the existing site is cleared. An eastern portion of the site includes trees and some existing vegetation. A stream 89
is located in a floodplain along the northern and then the eastern partial part of the site. In addition, there is also 90
a 100-foot-wide Duke Power utility easement that runs directly through the site here and has three utility towers. 91
The site analysis sheets detail the environmental features on the site, as well as identifies the Primary and 92
Secondary Open Space Areas. Again, existing trees and a stream, floodplain, and buffer areas are all contained 93
along the northern and eastern parcel. The different colors are the varying slopes on the site. The lighter yellow 94
includes areas with a slope of 7.5 to 15 percent. The darker yellow includes areas with a slope of 15 to 25 95
percent, and then the darker, the pink-reddish color here are areas with a slope greater than 25 percent. The 96
Primary Open Space totals almost 13 acres, and includes the stream, flood, buffer areas, as well as the slopes 97
greater than 15 percent. The Secondary Open Space Areas total 4.52 acres and include the buffer areas along 98
the western property line, as well as includes a gap here that runs along the southern portion of the site up 99
9
against that private road. The Secondary Open Space also includes the remaining areas of slope with less than 100
15 percent. The proposed Concept Plan in front of you all tonight, which includes the 18 lots. It gives an 101
approximate location of building footprint and location of the future homes. Wells are also identified by the blue 102
dots, as well as approximate septic areas are identified with the green. The blue kind of looking ponds are the 103
approximate location of stormwater control measures on this site. Again, the 30-foot Type B Landscape Buffer is 104
shown here along the western part of the site, and the proposed 50-foot public right of way is shown providing 105
access to the 18 lots with a cul-de-sac at the end. The cul-de-sac does meet NC Fire Code. The proposed 106
public road is subject to NCDOT design and construction standards, no roadway improvements are being 107
required by NCDOT; however, a driveway permit will be required. The subdivision was presented at the 108
February 1st Development Advisory Committee meeting. Comments are provided in Attachment 5. The 109
Neighborhood Information Meeting was held by the applicant on February 13th. The NIM report is contained in 110
Attachment 4 of your packets, and then tonight, here we are at the Planning Board Meeting for you to receive and 111
review the Concept Plan, approving the Flexible Development Option, and then, as this moves forward, the 112
Preliminary Plat will be coming back to you all on some time in the future for your recommendation to the BOCC. 113
Per Section 2.15.2 of the UDO, the Planning Director is required to prepare and submit a recommendation on the 114
Concept Plan to the Planning Board for consideration. This analysis from the application has been deemed 115
complete in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.2 and 2.15.2 of the UDO. Staff has determined that 116
the property is of sufficient size to support the proposed subdivision. Staff has determined that the Concept Plan 117
should conform with the Development Standards of Article 6 and Subdivision Standards of Article 7 of the UDO, 118
and staff supports the approval of the Flexible Development Option contained in Attachment 1. The Planning 119
Director recommends the Board receive and discuss the Concept Plan application and approve the Flexible 120
Development Option contained in Attachment 1. At this time, I don't know if you have any questions for staff or 121
questions for the applicants. 122
123
Phil Koch: My name is Phil Koch, EarthCentric Engineering. We're out of Mebane. We've worked with 124
Orange County for almost 30 years at this point, so, we're really happy to kind of be back in the area and do some 125
additional work with the County. Most of the things that I do are 12-lot subdivisions or lower. So, I don't end up 126
in front of you very often. This particular subdivision, I think, Ashley has presented very well. One of the things 127
that the applicant was very good about doing, and chose to do from the very beginning of this, was to turn around 128
and only utilize area that, for the most part, was already cleared. There are some trees that will be cleared. At 129
the very end there's a cul-de-sac that's kind of unavoidable, but in order to make up for that, he's also providing 130
that 49 percent plus open space. The entire Duke Power easement that's there is all part of the open space as 131
well, so, none of the lots will extend back there. There is no reason for those lots to go back beyond that, so 132
we've been able to maintain basically the entire stream buffer in the area there, all as part of the open space, and 133
that will remain as is. Any trails that would be placed back there would be basically foot trails, and we would be 134
working with the County in order to actually place those trails. So, with that in mind, if you have any questions, I'm 135
happy to address them. 136
137
Statler Gilfillen: I have one simple question, I'm not sure I'm understanding. As I look at the plan here, over 138
on this side up in the corner, it says “wall.” What is the wall? 139
140
Phil Koch: I believe there is an existing wall out there. That is not something that was put there. 141
142
Statler Gilfillen: When you say an existing wall, are we talking archaeological, 20th Century? Any idea what 143
we’re talking about here? 144
145
Phil Koch: It's an old, like an old piece of a structure that's back that way. We are not touching that. 146
That's in the open space. It will be maintained as it is and left there. 147
148
Statler Gilfillen: Has anybody contacted the Orange County Historic Board? 149
10
150
Phil Koch: They have actually reported on that the Clearinghouse. It's an old retaining wall. Nobody 151
really seems to know what that was related to but it's not on the Historical Registry and it’s noted in the 152
Clearinghouse that there's nothing of archaeological importance there. This site had been used for agricultural 153
purposes, so, it's possible it was just something from some of that work out there. 154
155
Beth Bronson: And this is by that 25 percent slope? 156
157
Phil Koch: That I'd have to look at again, but it's, it's actually on the opposite side of where the 158
development is going. The stream actually runs between us and that wall, but that wall is on the property. Yes. 159
160
Marilyn Carter: I just wanted to ask about the boundaries of the, the site and just to confirm my 161
understanding. The boundaries are just to the north of that Duke Power easement or do the boundaries extend 162
further north past the Panther Court section? 163
164
Ashley Moncado: This is the existing parcel line, and the Duke Power easement runs here. All the proposed 165
lots and single-family homes are going to be located south outside the utility easement, but the parcel does go all 166
the way up here. This is the area where there's flood, there's 500 Year Floodplain. There is the stream, the 167
80-foot stream buffer is all within that northern area. And there is a little neighborhood here that's off of Panther 168
Court. There's some single-family homes there, and the parcel line is here, and before it heads back north again. 169
170
Statler Gilfillen: Quick question long term. Five years from now you've got this built. Each of those houses 171
are owned by an individual, different family. However, who controls or is responsible for the additional land 172
surrounding each one of the – 173
174
Phil Koch: That, that's all part of the HOA. That's a requirement. There has to be an HOA also from 175
the standpoint of stormwater control measures on this, so that's all rolled into the HOA documents. Those have 176
not been put together and should be coming with the plat. 177
178
Delores Bailey: We received a letter from a young woman who wasn't able to make the meeting tonight, and 179
she was concerned about the safety in this area. Particularly, she said she'd like to urge in an effort toward 180
building community stewardship to consider ways to make these roads safer for all of us. I'd like to urge you to 181
recommend to the developers and Orange County Commissioners that the proposed trail in the Stonewall 182
Development be open to the community and around it. And then the other question she talked about was safety 183
issues as they walk to school. Can you address that for me? 184
185
Phil Koch: Well, in the first instance regarding walking to school, my understanding is they are walking 186
up the roadway now. There is nothing along that roadway. There is no sidewalk – 187
188
Delores Bailey: But I think what she is concerned about is if you put 18 more families there, and they have 189
cars, then it's going to become ever more dangerous. 190
191
Phil Koch: Let me address that from the DOT standpoint real quick. This road currently is limited at 192
10,000 travel trips a day. That's actually in your report. That's your average daily travel. Currently, the road 193
sees 1,600 trips per day, and this development, at best, will put in another 150 trips per day. We're not even 194
coming close to the current standard that this road is listed for capacity from that standpoint. Additionally, in 195
terms of safety, one of the concerns that was raised to us was that they were walking up the roadway. In all 196
honesty, this is the safest part of the roadway. We are actually sitting at the high point, and we have provided 197
additional space back from the roadway, a 30-foot buffer, in order to be able to see better along it, so I believe we 198
have done what's necessary from the standpoint of safety in terms of that. 199
11
200
Whitney Watson: So, I'm just looking and trying to determine where the property line is on the south, and if 201
Minnick Road, which is a private road, is impacted by the property line, or if there's any kind of easement there? 202
203
Phil Koch: It's actually not impacted by the property lines. Property lines were actually pulled away 204
slightly from Minnick Road to allow for that area that was part of this parcel. This parcel originally went to the 205
center line of Minnick Road, so the open space now extends from the centerline back into the property to where 206
the back of the property lines, and that's been provided as open space to make that essentially act as if it were a 207
public open space. Or a private right of way that had full right of way. 208
209
Whitney Watson: And so will there be landscaping buffers, plantings required along that line? 210
211
Phil Koch: No. There's not any that I know of that are required on that. Now, whatever is required by 212
the County would have to be there as part of the full design. But again, I want to point out, that's a private road 213
right now, and in fact, this property was subdivided out in order to help the neighbor who lives there actually have 214
a full access right of way to his house. 215
216
Marilyn Carter: Just following on Delores' question about road safety, can you talk about how the proposed 217
private road meets Miller? And what is the topography where the road meets the private road – 218
219
Phil Koch: But the road that we are currently putting in is a public road, not a private road. 220
221
Marilyn Carter: My apologies. So, the road that you would put in for the development, can you talk about 222
that road and how it interacts with the main road, and what's the topography of that junction? 223
224
Phil Koch: That is actually at roughly the high point there. That has been reviewed thoroughly by the 225
DOT. We have walked that with them. They actually asked for a sight distance study out there which has been 226
done, and they agree that this is, in fact, not only the best, but it does provide full sight distance for the 227
intersection south, as well as the roadway toward the north. 228
229
Marilyn Carter: Is there any visibility issue on that turn? 230
231
Phil Koch: No. The only visibility issue they have asked us to do some additional work on would be 232
there's a couple of trees out there that will require some pruning. That's it. But the sight distance itself is, I want 233
to say, it's 400 feet. Don't quote me on that right off hand. I can pull that analysis out. I think we actually 234
measured it out to 500 feet, and at that point the DOT was fine with it. It meets all AASHTO standards. 235
236
Beth Bronson: Does it include that turning lane in? They determined you did not need that. Correct? 237
238
Phil Koch: We do not need a turning lane out here, any type, no. 239
240
Statler Gilfillen: The property to the north, it's open land. Is that going to be available to the public for people 241
to walk through there, or be part of, or not? Or is that to be closed for this group? 242
243
Phil Koch: Well, I mean, technically it's part of this subdivision, but I know that neighbors are already 244
on the land regularly walking dogs, et cetera. I don't know that there would be a way to prevent that anyway, but 245
I do know they cross over the stream there and actually do walk their dogs there. So, I would imagine the trails 246
themselves would remain there. 247
248
12
Statler Gilfillen: Looking at the land as a practical matter, I'm looking at the end of the driveway, there's a 249
circle there. It's going to a pond, and it goes immediately to the owner's property's line. If somebody were 250
walking a dog back there were injured, an emergency vehicle had to get in, that pond would restrict their access 251
up to there. 252
253
Phil Koch: There's going to be some modifications and find a way out just from the standpoint of 254
addressing items with the County there, but honestly, there is room between that pond to actually have the trail 255
system come directly off that and still beside the property line there and have adequate width. 256
257
Delores Bailey: Were the work that the DOT did and the studies that they did, they were done during busy 258
times and slow times as well? 259
260
Cy Stober: The trip generation, they take a baseline and they look at peak volume, and so peak hours 261
are rush hour. I think it's 4 to 6 in the afternoon, and I can't remember if 7 to 9 or 6 to 8 in the morning, and then 262
that's when they generally look at road conditions, and then there's a baseline for off-peak conditions, and that's 263
how they calculate the volume on the road, the current traffic that's generated on the road. They put out the 264
rubber tubes, and they do that on a cycle. I think it's every 3 years. I don't know when Miller Road was last 265
counted. 266
267
Lamar Proctor: So, Minnick Road is the private road to the south. And that just remains a private road, and 268
then the Department of Environment identified Stroud’s Creek that runs along the north and the eastern edge of 269
the property. And it delineates it as highest conservation value, 10 of 10, so I'm just wondering if you could 270
describe what measures and how did you design this site plan to avoid interference with Stroud’s Creek and 271
preserve its biodiversity and integrity. 272
273
Phil Koch: So, they have a specific distance they prefer you to try stay off of that. We exceed that 274
in virtually every spot except for right at the very corner with where the one SCM is, SCM being structural or 275
stormwater control measure, that's by the cul-de-sac, and again, it may still not go into that distance with it's 276
finally designed. I overestimated in general the size of the SCMs because I typically take into account the 277
amount of water that we're required to hold, plus what I expect for back slopes. So, rather than turning around 278
and doing what a lot of people do and just take the amount of water, throw that on there and that's it. 279
280
Lamar Proctor: Are there trails back there, and will they be open to the public? 281
282
Phil Koch: There is nothing back there right now. The intent is work with the County. They have 283
already spoken someone in the County about this. Any trails that would go back there, we would work with the 284
County on where they should be placed in order to prevent any damage to wildlife, et cetera that might be back 285
there. 286
287
Lamar Proctor: I just imagined that as people move in with the surrounding houses that are there that that 288
space may actually get more use as walking trails, or low impact or – 289
290
Phil Koch: And that's probable. I mean, that's what has happened at my house as well. But again, the 291
one thing that helps here is the separation of the Duke Power easement of the lots from that area. It helps protect 292
that area because there's nothing they can do from a standpoint of building back that way, or creating anything 293
other than pedestrian traffic back there. 294
295
Lamar Proctor: So you're unable to develop or build on the north and the far eastern portion. 296
297
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Phil Koch: Yeah. There's nothing that we could do north of the stream because we simply can't access 298
it, but even on the southern part of the stream that Duke Power easement is going to act as our hard break from 299
going back there with any kind of lot, or any kind of structure. 300
301
Lamar Proctor: So, this plan, as it's presented, will be like the final development for this parcel. 302
303
Phil Koch: Yes. That's the intent of the Concept Plan is to give you. You’re looking at probably about 304
90 percent of what this layout is going to end up being. The other 10 percent are little things that would have to 305
change just as we work through design. 306
307
Lamar Proctor: And the green spaces on each individual parcel, I assume that there's regulations within the 308
HOA that prohibit development of those or building of sheds or things. Like how does that all work? 309
310
Phil Koch: The green spaces that are shown there are representative of the septic areas that are in 311
there. 312
313
Lamar Proctor: So you can't do anything with it. 314
315
Phil Koch: Well, you don't want to do anything in there. You know, if a lot actually has more septic area 316
than is required for that lot, somebody could possibly put an accessory dwelling in there, but they would have to 317
still have septic space to accommodate that. I mean, that would be the only structures that I can think of, some 318
kind of an accessory dwelling or shed. 319
320
Statler Gilfillen: Did you individually do the septic check each in front of those? 321
322
Phil Koch: These septic soils were originally identified by Alan Clapp. He’s pretty knowledgeable on 323
this. He's way more knowledgeable than I am, but we feel pretty comfortable that the space that's allotted for the 324
septic provides for three to five bedroom homes throughout that area. 325
326
Cy Stober: Mr. Chair, if I may, I just want to remind you of what this is tonight. So, to Mr. Proctor's point 327
on Stroud’s Creek and the continued dialogue between the Department of Environment Agricultural Parks and 328
Recreation about the possible trails networks and so on, so, this is the Concept Plan. It's not the Preliminary 329
Plat. You can make a recommendation to the applicant. You can also make a recommendation to the Board of 330
Commissioners, external to the entire subdivision process on a possible partnership or a role for DEAPR to have 331
in either preserving and protecting or minimally developing that area for public access. So, that would be just 332
initiated by this Board. It would need a separate motion and so forth, but when this comes back as a Preliminary 333
Plat, just as a point of process, I would just offer you that guidance. There are things within the Major Subdivision 334
review process that you can interact with the applicant on, but there's also maybe a recommendation about a 335
significant resource that you may want to make a separate recommendation to the Board on, so just offering that 336
feedback. 337
338
Chris Johnston: Our purpose isn't to make suggestions to the applicant. It's more to approve or deny based on 339
UDO conformance and that sort of thing. We're not here to do the design. We can make suggestions, but in 340
terms of what we're here to do, it either fits or it doesn't. 341
Marilyn Carter: The UDO requires a Neighborhood Information Meeting which appears to have been well 342
attended, and so I'm interested to know at that meeting what was the primary feedback? What specific actions, 343
if any, were taken as a result of that feedback at that meeting? 344
345
Phil Koch: The majority of the design work in all honesty was pretty much in relation to comments from 346
the DAC. The biggest thing that came up again, well there were two things, stormwater, which always comes up 347
14
at every meeting. I'm just going to tell you that's honest to God truth. Everybody always thinks that we're going 348
to end up creating more stormwater on them. The truth is there are State regulations regarding that, and we 349
have to meet that, and the County has regulations involved with that and that's one of the reasons why the 350
stormwater control measures are shown on the plan as they are. Again, the County knows me very well. I do a 351
lot of stormwater work in this County, and we try to be very cognizant of what the County actually needs from that 352
standpoint. The other one that came up was traffic, but again, many of the comments regarding traffic, the DOT 353
outright has stated clearly do not apply. We were told that it is far too heavy a traffic out here, that the road has 354
more traffic than it can bear out there, and again, the DOT is saying that we actually have less than 20 percent of 355
the capacity of the roadway up there right now. So, in their mind, there really was no reason to do anything 356
beyond verify the sight distance, and they have asked for some things regarding clearing some of the trees, 357
making it more appropriate to improve the sight distance where the trees were encroaching on that and that has 358
been handled. So, but those were the major questions, or comments, and the other was to ask again for 359
additional open space beyond what we had preferably saving a group of trees that were in the middle of the site, 360
and frankly, we're already providing almost 50 percent open space which is almost 20 percent more than was 361
required to begin with. Now, admittedly, that open space is down by the stream, and that was one of the things. 362
Well, of course, it's down by the stream. You know, you can't use the stream. Well, that's actually how your 363
Ordinance requires us to set aside open space is to use that open space first, and we would have done that 364
anyway because we would prefer to protect the stream, so we attempted to do those things ahead of time in our 365
design work. 366
367
Mr. Koch discussed NCDOT limitations on sidewalk provision and the lack of impact the development may have 368
on safety-improving measures for Miller Road. 369
370
Beth Bronson: I just have one more question about the lot size, the requirement for septic and well, is that 371
meeting the threshold of 1 acre? 372
373
Phil Koch: This exceeds the threshold. We're staying at the 40,000 square foot mark. We could 374
actually have gone down lower on this. 375
376
Beth Bronson: And I would assume that it also was in the report, but that all of the percing has been 377
performed so that you could guarantee 18 homes. 378
379
Phil Koch: They do a soil study out there. Nobody's going to actually set the entire perc sites and septic 380
sites up until lots have essentially been agreed on, and then Orange County will go out and analyze each one 381
and tell them exactly what they would have to do to move a line if they feel like there's not enough, but that will be 382
evaluated at that time. 383
384
Chair Beeman agreed to accept public comment. 385
386
Jamie Cox: I appreciate it. Hi I'm Jamie Cox. You'll see my name on there. We lived at the end of 387
Minnick Road, so we're adjacent to this property, participated in the public meeting, and I am a recovering city 388
planner and a land use and zoning lawyer. I did want to take the opportunity, we've asked the question, and I 389
think it's appropriate and within the authority of this Board to ask the question, will 18, and actually it's 19, wells 390
being drilled there have any negative impact on the adjacent property and our water quality or water pressure? If 391
the answer is “I don't know,” can we please find out? And if the answer is “no,” that's awesome. We love that. 392
And if the answer is “yes,” what is our recourse? This seems like the appropriate time for this body to make that 393
determination. It seems like a lot of wells and a lot of septic tanks in an area where there are historically poor 394
soils and a rural transition. Other than that, we're not opposed to development. We're excited about having new 395
neighbors, and we did ask, just for point of clarification, we did ask that the existing trees, which are – I mean, I 396
love the fact that they're staying off of the non-buildable area. That's awesome. There is an area of mature trees 397
15
that we didn't ask be included in open space but ask that the design consider maintaining those trees as lot 398
features, like not put them in septic or roadway. Simply mature trees, very few of them, on the property and 399
would probably increase the property value as well. That's our primary concern, the number of wells and septic 400
tanks, seems like an awful lot in that area. We've asked the question to staff and to the developer, and so far it 401
doesn't sound like there is an answer. Will that many wells being drilled in that area have an impact on our 402
water? That's our question. Thank you for letting me speak. 403
404
Chair Beeman explained his personal experience of going through septic permitting and Mr. Koch reiterated that 405
the a soil study was preformed to determine the preliminary information on septic sites and that permitting will be 406
required for each lot. 407
408
Phil Koch: I would like to address one thing in regards to the trees. The trees that will have to get taken 409
out, and the only thing that we would be actually, definitely taking out is what's in the roadway and right of way to 410
build the road and what has to come out for the SCMs. Whatever's on the lot, if it can stay there, they have not 411
set the house locations. Those house locations are conceptual in nature right now, so it is possible that they 412
could, in fact, fit houses in between trees. So, by no means are we saying we're tearing out all the trees that exist 413
there. We can only show that area is subject to development because it's part of a lot. 414
415
Lamar Proctor: And, to ask the question directly, has there been any hydrology study to determine the 416
answer to Mr. Cox's question? Regarding wells. 417
418
Phil Koch: No. Because, again, you're using guidelines. I'm relying on Alan Clapp's judgment. Right? 419
His professional judgment. I have no reason to suspect Mr. Clapp's judgment is not good given that he worked 420
for the County for years. We don't anticipate any problem. In fact, even if you look at the State guidelines for how 421
close wells can be together, this would not typically be a problem. So, the Orange County's guidelines for well 422
placement in relation to each other, is actually stricter than the State guidelines. 423
424
Mr. Stober explained that there is a USGS ground water assessment for the County providing some guidance. 425
426
Lamar Proctor: Got it. I didn't know if there were any examples of multiple well drillings that affected 427
adversely surrounding properties in Orange County. 428
429
Cy Stober: Not to my knowledge. I do know of wells going dry, but they're on a case-by-case basis, 430
and they're all in different locations in the County, and seem to be situational. But I will say with a caveat, I'm not 431
a hydrogeologist. I don't work at the Department of Environmental Health. 432
433
Adam Beeman: People visualize it as a giant lake under the ground, and we've put 19 straws in it, and that's 434
not what we're doing. We're not putting 19 straws in the same pool. You're crushing the rock and that water's 435
filtrating and piling up in that tube and you're not necessarily tapping into the same pool that everybody's into. 436
And I think that's the hard part for people to get around their head, is that we don’t just put 19 straws into the 437
same cup. 438
439
MOTION BY Chris Johnston to approve the Concept Plan. Seconded by Steve Kauffman. 440
441
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 442
443
Lamar Proctor: And, can I make a second motion to ask the Planning Department and Board of County 444
Commissioners to consider the preservation of Stroud's Creek in the continuing development of this parcel? Or 445
how should I phrase that? My idea is given the parks and environmental concerns about Stroud's Creek and 446
16
identifying it as 10, 10 in terms of conservation value that it be an overt consideration in terms of the continued 447
development of the parcel and the open space. Does that make sense? 448
449
Cy Stober: This is the Concept Plan. The Preliminary Plat will be presented to you again at a future 450
date. Is your preference to have that recommendation ride with the preliminary plat to the Commissioners, as an 451
associated recommendation or independent? 452
453
Mr. Proctor decided to retract the motion until the Preliminary Plat stage after discussion of procedure with Mr. 454
Stober. 455
456
Beth Bronson requested clarification from Ms. Moncado on primary versus secondary open space. 457
458
Marilyn Carter: My question is actually of a general nature. Given the potential to take recommendations 459
back to the Board of Commissioners. In doing some reading on conservation subdivisions, the North Carolina 460
State University has a guidebook that actually quotes Orange County and it is an exemplary starting point for 461
these types of subdivisions and open space requirements. I'm curious what are our current open space 462
requirements for these types of conversation subdivisions? 463
464
Ms. Moncado explained current open space requirements and their relationship to the Flexible Development 465
option. 466
467
Marilyn Carter: This particular guide recommends 50 to 70 percent of the buildable land being set aside as 468
open space. I know we have some unique soils challenges here, in Orange County, perhaps, unique geology. 469
But I was just curious why that differential of 33 percent, 50 to 70, and is it the soil's quality or is it something 470
else? 471
472
Cy Stober: No. I think that there’s the open space requirements in the UDO and then there's the goals 473
that are in the Comprehensive Plan, and they're different. So, we have set a lower threshold for regulation than 474
the aspirational goals that are in the Comprehensive Plan and perhaps in another document. Perhaps Land's 475
Legacy. I'm not sure where, exactly those numbers come from right now, and I can do research to get back to 476
you on that, but, I did look at that pamphlet and it's largely still consistent with what we practice. So, those 477
allowances for flexible development and conversation cluster subdivision were contemporary. Then, not much 478
has changed in terms of our process, since then. And that's twelve years. That was around 2010. 479
480
AGENDA ITEM 8: MAJOR SUBDIVISION CONCEPT PLAN AND PRELIMINARY PLAT – To review and take action on a 481
Concept Plan and Preliminary Plat application for a Major Subdivision named Williams Glen. The proposal is for 482
a 15-lot subdivision on approximately 28.17 acres with 35% (9.95 acres) of dedicated open space. The parcel is 483
located on Lawrence Road in the Eno Township, PIN 9883-09-8108. 484
485
Ashley Moncado: The next item is for you to review is a Major Subdivision Concept Plan and Preliminary Plat 486
application for the Williams Glenn Subdivision on approximately 28 acres. The site is undeveloped and located 487
within the Rural Residential zoning district and Lower Eno Unprotected Watershed. Surrounding parcels are 488
zoned as R1, R2 and R4. Parcels to the north and to the east are undeveloped. Parcels to the south and to the 489
west contain single-family homes and there is church directly west of the existing site. The parcels is classified 490
as 20-Year Transition Area in the Orange County Future Land Use Map, and it is classified as Mixed Residential 491
Neighborhood in the Central Orange Coordinated Area Land Use Plan. The applicant is proposing a Flexible 492
Major Subdivision, including 15 single-family homes. The average lot size is 1.12 acres. Based on the 493
Conservation Cluster of Flexible Development Option, they are required to provide, at least, 33 percent open 494
space. The applicant is proposing 35 percent open space or 9.95 acres. The subdivision is planning to meet the 495
setback standards of the R1 zoning district. A 20-foot Type A landscape buffer is being provided along the 496
17
southern parcel line and a 30 foot Type B landscape buffer is provided on the western property line along 497
Lawrence Road. Access is being provided by a 50-foot public right of way, and the site will also be served by 498
individual wells and septics. For existing conditions on this site, and we do have the larger Lawrence Road site, 499
here, for review tonight. So please be mindful the actual subdivision, being located down here in this quadrant. 500
There's an existing tree line. There is also a stream located on the existing site that would require a 65-foot 501
buffer. I was going to move on to the site analysis, zoomed in to the actual site, the actual parcel related to the 502
subdivision. You can see the stream here, as well as a 65-foot stream buffer. The lighter yellow includes areas 503
with a slope of 7.5 to 15 percent, and this pink-reddish color here includes a slope of greater than 25 percent. 504
The Primary Open Space totals 1.09 acres, and includes the stream. The stream buffer area and the little pocket 505
of slope, there. The Secondary Open Space totals 8.86 acres and includes the areas around the proposed lots 506
along the northern end, the western side, and the southern side of the site and includes the remaining areas. It's 507
been identified by yellow for slope. And then, here, we have the Concept Plan. We can see the 15 lots, the lot 508
lines, possible building location footprints. Wells are identified by the blue dots. Potential septic areas are 509
identified by the green polka dots at the rear of the lots. We can also see the 50-foot public right of way that is 510
being proposed to provide access to all the proposed single-family homes, and that does include an 18-foot 511
travel way that will be in that public right of way. Finally, there is also 20-foot wide pedestrian access corridor, 512
which will be connected to the cul-de-sac, running north to connect to the northern parcel, which would be the 513
future home of the recreational facilities that were affiliated with SUP that was approved by the Board of 514
Adjustment. We have the Preliminary Plat, which you'll notice is very similar to the Concept Plan on the last 515
slide. Again, we can see the lot lines. We can see the setbacks that are being proposed based on the R1 zoning 516
district. Landscape buffer is being identified on the western side, as well as the southern side of the parcel. 517
Stream and stream buffer and stormwater control measures are being identified here with circles, on the 518
Preliminary Plat. The Preliminary Plat also identifies 20-foot-wide drainage and access easements along the 519
northern part of the parcel here. It kind of cuts between these two lots along the southern side of the proposed 520
lots. The Concept Plan for this application was presented at the January 18th DAC. The Preliminary Plat was 521
presented at the February 15th DAC. Comments are provided in your agenda packets. The Neighborhood 522
Information Meeting was coordinated by the applicant and held on February 13th. The NIM report is in your 523
packets as well. This is where we kind of get a little different from the last application and what Taylor hinted at 524
earlier this evening. Tonight, you will receive and review the Concept Plan; approve the Flexible Development 525
Option; and then you'll be looking at reviewing the Preliminary Plat and providing a recommendation on the 526
Preliminary Plat to the BOCC. The Planning Director recommendation in front of you tonight, is to receive and 527
discuss the Concept Plan application; approve the Flexible Development Option contained in Attachment 1; and 528
then receive the Preliminary Plat application and recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat, as submitted. 529
530
Statler Gilfillen: I am the Eno Village representative to the Planning Board. Lawrence Road is a street. It's 531
one of the only bypasses of Hillsborough, and we're all aware of the traffic congestion and the problems that we 532
have. Each time that you add a new access to Lawrence Road, you begin to control or potentially even make it 533
more dangerous going up and down Lawrence Road. I have some serious qualms, not with the development 534
itself, with providing two immediate accesses to Lawrence Road. When I look at this, as a licensed architect, 535
with over 40 years of experience in planning and design, why it is really necessary to design this to have two 536
accesses that close together, with individual cars coming out of each one of those streets will slow and congest 537
the traffic along Lawrence Road? I have serious problems with the design as it's presented, not the concept of 538
what he's trying to do. Thank you. 539
540
Phil Koch: So I'm very familiar with layout from the SUP, as well as from this, and the two things are 541
actually separate items, and the DOT has required turn lanes for the access that's above, that's going into the 542
ball field area, play area, all of that that is involved in the athletic association and a separate entrance here. And 543
they have reviewed this entrance. They are in agreement that this is the best spot for the entrance. I have looked 544
at it with them out on the site. They have actually stated this, I believe, even when the SUP was going through 545
that this was an acceptable entrance, and now they've come back, and they've met with us in the field and said 546
18
this is where they want the entrance to be. It is near where the church entrance is, and they did not want these 547
lots coming out on to the roadway north. They did not want it to tie to the one for the ball field. 548
549
Statler Gilfillen: What's their logic for that? 550
551
Phil Koch: They wanted to go ahead and bring out to Lawrence Road. 552
553
Adam Beeman: Do you know if the road for the athletic fields, is that a private road or public? I believe it's 554
private, but I'm not positive. 555
556
Cy Stober: It's a Type A private road. The subdivision road will be publicly dedicated and maintained 557
by North Carolina DOT. 558
559
Adam Beeman: So you can't have a public tied to a private. 560
561
Phil Koch: And I will add that for the number of lots that are here, this must be a public road. 562
563
Marilyn Carter: I have a question about the DAC comments. One of the comments refers to the lot sizes 564
and concept wastewater disposal areas prohibit the department's siting private wells on each lot, according to 565
the setback requirements of Orange County, and then a community well may be a solution, otherwise permitting 566
is subject to denial. Where's the impact of that item in the DAC report on the plan? 567
568
Phil Koch: That comment was made at the original DAC. These locations, as they're currently shown, 569
actually address that comment and were sent back and have been reviewed, and they do meet the standards 570
now. 571
572
Delores Bailey: What size will the houses be? 573
574
Phil Koch: I don't know the exact size of the house. The way that we set this up, I believe, I think it's a 575
7,500 square foot block. That's not the house size. That's just the pad. So it was a proportion of that pad. I can't 576
tell you the exact size of the house. And, again, part of that will be defined also by the septic field. 577
578
MOTION BY Lamar Proctor to approve the Concept Plan Flexible Development Option as included in Attachment 579
1. Seconded by Marilyn Carter. Adam Beeman, Lamar Proctor, Delores Bailey, Beth Bronson, Marilyn Carter, 580
Chris Johnston, Steve Kaufmann, and Whitney Watson in favor. Statler Gilfillen against. 581
582
MOTION PASSED EIGHT TO ONE. 583
584
Ashley Moncado: The Preliminary Plat is in Attachment 2 of your materials. 585
586
Beth Bronson: The proposed stormwater control measures are just five different areas of where that would 587
be added to? Can you elaborate on what management plan you have – 588
589
Phil Koch: Those are, again, those are State mandated. Location is based on the actual contours on 590
the site. We’ve placed these in the low area so that we can direct water to them. The actual sizing will be done 591
based on State requirements. The County has its own requirements. They generally match the State’s for the 592
most part, but we work with them pretty heavily on these things. So, they do have to meet that before they'll get 593
approval. 594
595
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Beth Bronson: I see that the Primary Open Space on the Concept Plan versus the Preliminary, is the 1.09 596
acres for Primary and then 8.86 for the Secondary Open Space? 597
598
Ashley Moncado: Yes. 599
600
Beth Bronson: Is there any reason why you would not have done a conservation easement, like, working 601
with the neighboring or adjacent properties on maintaining open space, rather than choosing to have the HOA do 602
it themselves? 603
604
Phil Koch: This is typical of any subdivision, is that the HOA actually is involved in doing the 605
maintenance of the open space, including all the SCMs that are involved here. In this case, because this is all 606
within an integrated area, it’s basically, because of that. The HOA would have to maintain the SCMs. In that 607
case, they're just going to go ahead and handle the rest of the open space. 608
609
MOTION BY Lamar Proctor to approve the Preliminary Plat as submitted. Seconded by Steve Kaufman. Adam 610
Beeman, Lamar Proctor, Delores Bailey, Beth Bronson, Marilyn Carter, Chris Johnston, Steve Kaufmann, and 611
Whitney Watson in favor. Statler Gilfillen against. 612
613
MOTION PASSED EIGHT TO ONE. 614
615
AGENDA ITEM 9: ADJOURNMENT 616
617
MOTION BY Lamar Proctor to adjourn meeting. Seconded by Marilyn Carter. 618
619
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 620
621
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM. 622
20
ORANGE COUNTY
PLANNING BOARD
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 1, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Zoning Atlas Amendment – 3009 Forrest Ave., Efland, Cheeks Township
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections
ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT:
1.Application, including Map of Land
Proposed for Rezoning and Supplemental
Materials
2.Staff Report
3.Notification Materials and Certification
4.Project Correspondence and
Development Advisory Committee
Comment(s)
5.Statement of Consistency
6.Draft Ordinance
Brian Collie, Planner II, (919)245-2599
Taylor Perschau, Current Planning and
Zoning Manager, (919) 245-2597
Cy Stober, Planning Director, (919)245-2592
PURPOSE: To review and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) on an applicant-initiated Zoning Atlas Amendment to rezone two parcels totaling +/- 9.37
acres (PINs: 9854-18-4217 and 9854-18-9274) located at 3009 Forrest Ave., Efland, Cheeks
Township. The proposed rezoning is:
FROM: R-1 (Rural Residential)
TO: GC-4 (General Commercial)
BACKGROUND: On February 13, 2024, a Conventional Zoning Atlas Amendment application
(Attachment 1) was received proposing to rezone +/- 9.37 acres two parcels at 3009 Forrest Ave.,
Efland. The Staff Report in Attachment 2 contains additional information, maps, and analysis.
Requirements: As detailed within the Zoning Atlas Amendment application package (Attachment
1), and Section 2.8 of the UDO, submittals are required to contain:
1. A completed/signed Zoning Atlas Amendment application;
2. A map, at a legible scale, showing the land proposed for rezoning;
3. A detailed narrative denoting the following:
a. The existing zoning of the subject property and the requested zoning, as defined
in Article 3 of the UDO;
b. The current land use designation of the subject property consistent with the
Orange County Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map (FLUM), which can
be accessed utilizing the provided links.
7
21
c. The alleged error in the Zoning Atlas (if any) that will be corrected by the proposed
request;
d. The changed, or changing, conditions (if any) that makes the proposed
amendment reasonable and necessary to promote the public health, safety, and
general welfare;
e. How the proposed amendment is consistent with, or carries out the intent and
purpose of, the Orange County Comprehensive Plan.
4. Plan review fee(s) consistent with the adopted Orange County Fee Schedule.
Basic Review Process: A conventional district rezoning application requires submission of a
detailed area map and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.8.3(A) of the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO). A site-specific plan is not required for conventional rezoning
applications and conditions cannot be applied to an approval action. The typical cadence for the
review is as follows:
• FIRST ACTION – Staff holds a Development Advisory Committee Meeting.
STAFF COMMENT: The Development Advisory Committee Meeting was held on
March 21, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., via Microsoft Teams. Comments received from this
review are available in Attachment 4.
• SECOND ACTION – The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting
and makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
STAFF COMMENT: The Planning Board will review this application at its regular
meeting on May 1, 2024.
• THIRD ACTION – The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff recommendations
at an advertised public hearing and makes a decision on the application.
STAFF COMMENT: The public hearing will be scheduled following the issuance of
a recommendation from the Planning Board.
Public Notification: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices of the Planning Board
meeting were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 ft. of the subject parcel.
These notices were mailed on April 16, 2024, 15 days before the meeting. Staff also posted the
subject parcel with signs on April 19, 2024, 12 days before the meeting. See Attachment 3 for
the notification materials.
Planning Director’s Recommendation:
The Planning Director recommends approval of the Statement of Consistency, indicating the
amendments are reasonable and in the public interest, contained in Attachment 5 and the
proposed zoning atlas amendment ordinance contained in Attachment 6.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: This request has been reviewed by various County departments who have
determined that the approval of the request would not create the need for additional funding for
the provision of County services. Costs associated with advertising, including the public hearing
notice and mailings, are covered by the application fee.
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Director recommends the Board:
1. Receive the rezoning application,
2. Deliberate on the proposal as desired,
22
3.Consider the Planning Director’s recommendation, and
4.Make a recommendation to the BOCC on the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 5)
and the proposed ordinance (Attachment 6) for BOCC consideration during a public
hearing to be conducted for review of this request.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Orange County Planning Board and County Commissioners
My name is Anthony Cecil, I am the President of the Efland Ruritan Club.
Efland Ruritan Club requests that our property at 3009 Forrest Ave and
3100 Forrest Ave Efland NC 27243 be changed from Zoning Ordinance
Residen�al R-1 to General Commercial 4 Use designa�on.
We are making this request for several reasons.
1. We are a nonprofit civic organiza�on who purchased this property
in 1981 from the Orange County School Board. This property was
previously used as the Old Efland High School and Efland
Elementary School before we purchased it. Since then, we have
used the property for community use and community
improvement. No one has ever lived on the property, and we feel
the property should have never been designated as a residen�al
(r-1) property but instead should have been designated as
Commercial Property from the beginning.
2. We use and rent out our property for community use more in line
with commercial uses than residen�al uses.
A) We, the Efland Ruritan Club, have held events such as rodeos,
carnivals, concerts, fes�vals etc. from the �me we acquired the
property un�l today. We do this to help pay for our property
and to help improve our facili�es for community use such as
playgrounds, walking tracks etc. We also raise money to donate
to our county and community emergency services, schools,
churches, scholarships, people in need etc.
34
B) We also allow other organiza�ons and individuals to rent or just
use our property for community events and community
improvement. Organiza�ons such as Relay for Life, American
Red Cross, Hillsborough Hog Day, Timeless Cruizers,
Hillsborough Sports Fishing Club, Orange County Sheriffs
Department, local churches and schools have all used our
property to help support their goals to help improve our
community for all Orange County Ci�zens.
We also allow individuals to rent or use our property as a lower
cost alterna�ve to larger facili�es for family func�ons, par�es,
funerals, blood drives etc.
3. The Efland Ruritan Club is in nego�a�on with the State Employees
Credit Union about pu�ng a SECU Cash Points Machine on Efland
Ruritan Club property for the ci�zens of Efland and Orange
County.
This would be beneficial to all Efland and Orange County Ci�zens
as a low-cost affordable access to banking without was�ng gas or
money to go to Hillsborough or Mebane to have access to their
money. We cannot proceed with these nego�a�ons un�l this
Zoning issue is resolved.
4. The current use is in line with the County’s Comprehensive Land
Use Plan and Future Land Use Map, which designates this area as
a Commercial-Industrial Transi�on Ac�vity Node. This rezoning
request would not only support the Club’s ac�vi�es, but also align
with the County’s intended use for this area.
35
In conclusion, the Efland Ruritan Club has no current or long-term plans
to sell our property or bring any other commercial business to our
property other than SECU Cash points. The existence of the club
supports healthy and appropriate growth nearby while establishing a
protected area that serves the community. We are reques�ng this
rezoning designa�on to Commercial Non-Residen�al General Use
Zoning to help bring The Efland Ruritan Club more in line with County
Ordinances when conduc�ng our business. It will allow us to con�nue
to act as a focal point between community engagement and economic
development, as exemplified by the desire to partner with SECU to
bring the Efland and Orange County Ci�zens access to more local, easier
and more affordable banking alterna�ve. Thank You for considering this
rezoning request.
Sincerely Anthony Cecil (President of the Efland Ruritan Club)
36
Zoning Atlas Amendment –Conventional Rezoning District Application
Other Submittal Requirements - Based on Section 2.8.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO):
iii. How the proposed amendment is consistent with or carries out the intent and purpose
of the adopted Orange County Comprehensive Plan, or part thereof.
Question:
List the future land use designation of the subject property consistent with the Orange County
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map (FLUM, see chapter 5: Land Use Element), and
is it consistent the zoning district requested per Appendix F?
Response:
Both parcels (PINs: 9854-18-4217 and 9854-18-9274) on the Orange County FLUM are within
the Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node.
The Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node is defined as, “land near major
transportation routes that could be provided with public water and wastewater services and is
appropriate for retail and other commercial uses; manufacturing and other industrial uses; office
and limited (not to exceed 25% of any Node) higher density residential uses.”
Per Appendix F, the General Commercial (GC-4) zoning district is consistent and may be
applied within a Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node.
Determining Comprehensive Plan Consistency
1- Applicable Adopted Plans
- The requested zoning district indicated for the Land Use Classification is shown on
the chart in Appendix F of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
2- Potable Water and Wastewater
- The project does not require public utilities, but is located within Orange County’s
Primary Service Area as identified on the Water and Sewer Management, Planning
and Boundary Agreement Map.
3- 2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 2, Planning Principles
- Question: How does the proposed rezoning amendments carry out the Planning
Principles of the Comprehensive Plan?
o Response: Included in the attached Comprehensive Plan Consistency
Checklist.
4- 2030 Comprehensive Plan – Goals and Objectives
- Question: How does the proposed rezoning amendments carry out the Goals and
Objectives of the Comprehensive Plan?
o Response: Included in the attached Comprehensive Plan Consistency
Checklist.
37
Determining 2030 Comprehensive Plan Consistency
(To be completed for Zoning Atlas Amendments and Special Use Permits)
Applicable Adopted Plans
Is the project subject to the Hillsborough-Orange Central Orange Coordinated Area
(COCA) Land Use Plan? (Y/N) If Yes, include comments. Y/N
Comments:
Is the project subject to the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Joint Planning Land
Use Plan? (Y/N) If Yes, include comments. Y/N
Comments:
Is the requested zoning district indicated for the Land Use Classification, as shown on
the chart in Appendix F of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan? If No, include comments. Y/N
Comments:
Does the proposed project fit with the written text of the Land Use Classification, as
found in Article 10 of the UDO, and Chapter 5 and Appendix F of the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. If No, include comments.
Y/N
Comments:
Does the proposed project require a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment? If Yes,
include comments on the proposed Land Use Classification and any pertinent Land Use
Category Locational Criteria, Appendix G of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Y/N
Comments:
Potable Water and Wastewater
Does the project require Public Utilities (i.e. Water and/or Sewer)? (Y/N) Y/N
Comments:
If Public Utilities are required, is the project located within a Primary Service Area as
identified on the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement
Map? (Y/N) If No, include comments.
Y/N
already existing
38
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 2 Planning Principles
Planning Principle Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
1. EFFICIENT AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE PROVISION OF PUBLIC
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Orange County’s public facilities and services should be delivered in a manner that
efficiently uses existing capacity. Expansions of facilities and services should be made
only after careful consideration of the costs and benefits of expansion.
Comments:
2. SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Growth and development within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density
that is sustainable over the long-term.
Comments:
3. A. ENCOURAGEMENT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY, LOWER ENERGY
CONSUMPTION AND THE USE OF NON-POLLUTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
RESOURCES
3. B. PROMOTION OF BOTH AIR QUALITY PROTECTION AND THE
DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Decreasing the use of non-renewable resources and lowering energy consumption are
encouraged in both public and private activities. The county’s transportation system
should be enhanced to promote more energy efficient modes of travel and improve air
quality.
Comments:
4. NATURAL AREA RESOURCE PRESERVATION
Protection of the County’s natural areas, including forests, wildlife habitat, and other
important open spaces should be a priority. The County should work with regional and
local organizations, the towns, and private landowners to promote and achieve
preservation of the County’s important natural resources.
Comments:
5. PRESERVATION OF RURAL LAND USE PATTERN
The County’s rural areas are a cherished component of the County’s character. Future
development should preserve and enhance the county’s rural landscape.
Orange County Primary Service Area
yes
The Land Use Plan designates this area as a Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node, and
changing the zoning to GC-4 will fall in line with designation.
yes
By confirming the zoning of this parcel as GC-4, the Ruritan Club will be able to anchor and
support additional sustainable growth in the nearby area while maintaining its current spaces
and offerings to the community.
n/a
n/a
yes
39
Comments:
6. WATER RESOURCES PRESERVATION
The County has finite water resources to provide to future populations. The protection and
management of the County’s water resources should be a high priority.
Comments:
7. PROMOTION OF ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND DIVERSITY
Development of a diversity of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses
should occur in Orange County.
Comments:
8. PRESERVATION OF COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Future growth and development should occur in a manner that preserves and enhances
the existing character of the County, its townships, and rural crossroads communities.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 5 Land Use Element, Sections 5.6 and 5.7, Most Applicable
Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
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.
Comments:
Land Use Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal 1: Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable growth, consistent with the
provision of adequate services and facilities and a high quality of life.
Comments:
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-
This location has been an important part of Efland, historically. It has served as a local high
school in the past and for many years now as a place for the community to come together. We
intend to continue this tradition for the foreseeable future.
n/a
yes
Our community events attract people from the local and surrounding areas, allowing
opportunities for collaboration and growth that might otherwise be missed.
yes
This community space provides a place and opportunity for neighbors to meet, engage with
one another, and actively engage in supporting their local community
yes
Matching the zoning with the Land Use Plan allows this space to support additional services
that the local community would benefit from, such as the addition of an ATM.
yes
Quality of life services such as a local ATM make life easier for residents and keep them in the
local community (instead of traveling further afield to satisfy relatively basic needs).
yes
40
speed internet access, streets, and 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.
Comments:
Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions and features,
and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character.
Comments:
Objective LU-2.1:
Maintain the rural, low-density land surrounding Chapel Hill and Carrboro Transition Areas
as Rural Buffer land, as designated on the Land Use Plan.
Comments:
Objective LU-2.2:
Continue to protect valuable resource land such as productive agricultural areas, natural
areas, historic sites and properties, and potential reservoir sites through the County’s
Lands Legacy Program, and by directing incompatible development away from these areas
through land use and zoning policies and regulations.
Comments:
Objective LU-2.4:
Evaluate the development potential in rural crossroads communities to identify whether
current regulations permit appropriate development that is in character with these
communities, and whether potential development in these areas would require significant
expansions or cause depletions of public services.
Comments:
Objective LU-2.6:
Protect prime reservoir sites from adverse development impacts and ensure that
regulations for these areas are appropriate.
Comments:
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.
Comments:
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.
Existing community services such as space for gathering and community building can be
expanded in the future to better support the area - ATM, bus stop, etc.
yes
Specifically protects the community character of Efland by serving the local residents via
events and as a place for residents to gather
n/a
yes
This is a site of historical significance to Efland since the local high school building was here.
n/a
n/a
yes
The intention is to continue similar usage of this land, which in turn supports and deepens the
community and rural character of Efland.
yes
41
Comments:
Objective LU-3.2:
Coordinate land use patterns to facilitate the expanded use of non-auto modes of travel,
the increased occupancy of automobiles, and the development and use of an energy-
efficient transportation system.
Comments:
Objective LU-3.3:
Discourage new intensive non-residential land uses, or the expansion of existing intensive
uses, in the area designated Rural Buffer.
Comments:
Objective LU-3.4:
Recognize the right to farm and discourage the location of new non-farm development,
particularly more intensive residential development, within farming areas to minimize the
incidence of complaints and nuisance suits against farm operations.
Comments:
Objective LU-3.5:
Encourage energy and water use in an efficient manner by industries and encourage
energy efficient industries to locate or expand in the County in Rural Industrial,
Commercial/Industrial, and Economic Development Nodes.
Comments:
Objective LU-3.7:
Ensure that new development patterns in non-residential nodes encourage a clustered,
walkable development pattern and discourage strip development.
Comments:
Objective LU-3.9:
Create new zoning district(s) which allow for a mixing of commercial and residential uses, a
mixing of housing types, and creates a more pedestrian friendly development pattern. New
districts should be applied in areas where public services exist or are planned for in the
future, in areas that promote higher intensity and high density uses on the Land Use Plan
map.
Comments:
Goal 4: Land development regulations, guidelines, techniques and/or incentives that
promote the integrated achievement of all Comprehensive Plan goals.
Comments:
Proper zoning designation which matches the Land Use Plan will help keep commercial usage
where it is intended to be
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
yes
This could be a good landing spot for people who could then walk to nearby shops in the future.
n/a
n/a
42
Objective LU-4.1:
Support the use of individual manufactured housing units as a useful housing resource in
the County by increasing the opportunities where these units can locate by-right.
Comments:
Goal 5: Life, health, and property safe from hazards.
Comments:
Objective LU-5-1:
Prohibit new development in special flood hazard areas as defined by the Federal
Emergency Management Flood Insurance Rate Map, effective February 2, 2007.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 3 Economic Development Element, Sections 3.5 and 3.6,
Most Applicable Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
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.
Comments:
Economic Development Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal 2: Infrastructure that supports desired development.
Comments:
Objective ED-2.1:
Encourage compact and higher density development in areas served by water and sewer.
Comments:
Objective ED-2.2:
Encourage mixed use projects that support walkable communities.
n/a
n/a
n/a
yes
Commercially zoned properties tend to have a higher value than residential properties, which
could increase the tax burden for these particular parcels. Additionally, with a strong
community presence drawing people out, other businesses might be attracted to open in the
area.
n/a
n/a
n/a
43
Comments:
Objective ED-2.3:
Promote public transportation, alternative modes of transportation, and encourage
carpooling and park-and-ride participation.
Comments:
Objective ED-2.5:
Identify lands suitable to accommodate the expansion and growth of commercial and
industrial uses in the County.
Comments:
Objective ED-2.7:
Select industrial sites in Economic Development Areas based on present and planned
supporting systems, such as public water and sewer, access to adequate highway, rail, or
public transportation infrastructures, and minimize detrimental environmental or negative
social outcomes.
Comments:
Objective ED-2.8:
Adjust ongoing designation and zoning of Economic Development Districts to avoid the
area designated as the Rural Buffer.
Comments:
Objective ED-2.9:
Consider industrial sites in Agricultural-Residential areas along the U.S. 70/I-85 highway
and rail corridor to take advantage of the corridor's locational attributes. A limited number
of small scale Rural Industrial Nodes, not requiring urban type services, may be
appropriate elsewhere in the County where good access exists.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 4 Housing Element, Sections 4.6 and 4.7, Most Applicable
Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Housing Overarching Goal: Opportunity for all citizens of Orange County to rent or
purchase safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing.
yes
The club would entertain a discussion of building a bus stop.
yes
This land has already been identified in the Land Use Plan as suitable
to accommodate expansion and growth of commercial uses.
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
44
Comments:
Housing Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal 1: A wide range of types and densities of quality housing affordable to all in all parts
of the County.
Comments:
Objective H-1.5:
Ensure that a variety of housing types can be developed throughout the County in a
sustainable manner that locates housing near employment centers and commercial
centers and that efficiently uses existing and planned public services.
Comments:
Objective H-1.6:
Promote innovative approaches to housing that are responsive to the needs of Orange
County, maintain quality and human scale, increase energy efficiency, and reduce
construction and maintenance costs.
Comments:
Goal 2: Housing that is useable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or
circumstance.
Comments:
Objective H-2.1:
Accommodate the development of group homes, foster care facilities, transitional housing
facilities and other housing types in appropriate locations to provide increased
opportunities for social interaction, a de-institutionalized lifestyle, and gainful employment.
Comments:
Objective H-2.3:
Increase the number of affordable multi-family housing units which are designed to support
the needs of the elderly, especially those with limited incomes.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 6 Natural and Cultural Resources Element, Sections 6.3,
6.4.4.3, and 6.4.5.3, Most Applicable Goals and Objectives
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
45
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Natural and Cultural Systems Overarching Goal: A sustainable balance and
appreciation of natural, cultural and agricultural resources.
Comments:
Natural and Cultural Systems Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal 6: Sustainable quality and quantity of ground and surface water resources.
Comments:
Objective WR-1:
Preserve natural resources such as grasslands, woodlands and wetlands to allow for water
recharge of ground water and water quality protection.
Comments:
Objective WR-7:
Promote land use patterns that preserve the natural hydrologic system and maintain a
sustainable “carrying capacity” balance for the future between ground water and surface
water resources.
Comments:
Objective WR-20:
Promote Best Management Practices for new developments which minimize stormwater
runoff.
Comments:
Goal 7: A balanced and healthy diversity of native plant and animal populations.
Comments:
Objective NA-1:
Conserve high-priority natural areas and wildlife habitats, including wetlands, rivers and
streams, floodplains, steep slopes, prime forests, wildlife corridors, and other critical
habitats.
Comments:
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
46
Objective NA-4:
Encourage adequate stormwater runoff controls in existing developed areas and require
these controls for new subdivisions to protect sensitive downstream aquatic habitat.
Comments:
Objective NA-5:
Prohibit development that would cause adverse impacts on highly significant natural areas
and wildlife habitat.
Comments:
Goal 8: Networks of protected natural, cultural and agricultural lands.
Comments:
Objective NA-10:
Require that all major subdivisions (defined as having more than 5 lots according to the
Orange County Unified Development Ordinance) include within their boundaries open
space suitable for low-impact recreation and wildlife habitat.
Comments:
Objective NA-13:
Promote clustering of residential development and dedication of large areas of undisturbed
land for low-impact recreational use by residents and for wildlife habitat. Where feasible,
these areas should be contiguous to neighboring tracts of undisturbed land.
Comments:
Objective NA-15:
Protect land in and around biologically significant areas, and connections between these
areas, to allow for the maintenance of native wildlife and plant populations and their
functional relationships.
Comments:
Objective NA-17:
Maintain and protect land that contains valuable productive resources, such as prime
farmland and prime forestland, by directing incompatible development away from these
areas.
Comments:
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
47
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 7 Parks and Recreation Element, Sections 7.5 and 7.6,
Most Applicable Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Parks and Recreation Overarching Goal: Regionally coordinated park facilities that
provide healthy opportunities for recreation and exercise for all citizens of Orange County,
and that preserve important cultural and natural resources.
Comments:
Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal 3: Recreational facilities available for the public use in a manner that is multi-
generational and accessible to all County citizens at both the countywide and community
levels.
Comments:
Objective PR-3.1:
Locate parks and recreational facilities close to residential areas and transportation nodes,
to increase public knowledge and accessibility to these facilities, including alternative
transportation modes.
Comments:
Goal 4: Healthy lifestyles, quality of life and community building through the provision of a
variety of affordable recreational facilities and choice of leisure activities, while responding
to the changing needs and interests of County residents.
Comments:
Objective PR-4.1:
Developers shall provide for adequate and appropriate open space suitable for active/low-
impact recreation in residential developments.
Comments:
Goal 5: Park and recreational facilities that are environmentally-responsible, and where
cultural and natural resources and open space within these sites are protected.
Comments:
Objective PR-5.1:
yes
Currently serves as a free access park for the community.
yes
Playground, open space, and walking track available for use and enjoyment of the community.
n/a
yes
Combo of available facilities and community-building events, educational opportunities,
etc.
n/a
n/a
48
Locate parks and recreational facilities close to residential areas to encourage informal
interaction with nature, encourage walkability, and create areas of wildlife habitat with
appropriate recreational facilities within the more populated areas.
Comments:
Objective PR-5.4:
Encourage development of a system of private open space and conservation areas,
including nature preserves, parks, linear parks, and scenic vistas compatible with the
character of Orange County.
Comments:
Objective PR-5.5:
Develop linear parks and rustic trails in the Rural Buffer, and explore opportunities for
preservation and connectivity along other identified stream corridors.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 8 Services and Facilities Element, Sections 8.3 and 8.4.1.3,
Most Applicable Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Services and Facilities Overarching Goal: Growth consistent with the provision of
adequate and sustainable County services and facilities while managing the impacts upon
the environmental infrastructure and effectively protecting the County’s natural and cultural
resources.
Comments:
Services and Facilities Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal 1: Efficient provisions of public water and sewer service systems which are
consistent with the Land Use Plan and which abide by the current Water and Sewer
Management Planning Boundary Agreement, the existing Orange County-Chapel Hill-
Carrboro Joint Planning Agreement and Land Use Plan, and future agreements to be
negotiated among the County and public and private service.
Comments:
Objective WW-2:
Coordinate the provision of potable water and sanitary sewer services with the County’s
Land Use Plan and Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Joint Planning Agreement and
n/a
yes
Serves as a park
n/a
yes
Infrastructure is already in place and operating.
yes
Systems are already in place and operating.
n/a
49
Land Use Plan, targeting these services to urban, transitional, and economic development
districts in a manner that does not endanger environmental resources.
Comments:
Goal 2: Adequate, safe, and healthy groundwater withdrawal and wastewater disposal
systems with minimal impacts upon water and land resources.
Comments:
Objective WW-10:
Ensure that all development projects of a dense character have access to clean, safe, and
reliable water supplies.
Comments:
Objective WW-12:
Prohibit package sewage treatment plants in the Watershed Critical Areas.
Comments:
Objective WW-15:
Prohibit commercial and industrial land uses from locating and/or expanding within
identified Watershed Critical Areas.
Comments:
Objective WW-16:
Ensure that the type of wastewater disposal facilities serving a development are
appropriate given present and future demand for service, the distribution of users, and the
capacity of the natural environment to absorb the impact.
Comments:
Objective WW-18:
Allow on-site wastewater disposal in rural areas where soil conditions are acceptable.
Where there are unacceptable soils, state-approved on-site sewage disposal systems shall
be required.
Comments:
Goal 3: High quality educational facilities that support our diverse and growing population
and present opportunities for life-long learning.
Comments:
Objective E-3:
Achieve an equitable distribution of educational facilities.
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
50
Comments:
Goal 5: Efficient and effective drainage, stormwater, floodplain management, and erosion
control systems.
Comments:
Objective EC-1:
Continue to use Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for stormwater control, as outlined
within the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance, to minimize potential adverse
impacts on the water quality.
Comments:
Objective EC-3:
Prohibit activities that adversely affect surface and ground water systems that may serve or
do serve as a public water supply.
Comments:
Objective EC-4:
Use low-impact stormwater design principles when developing new or retrofitting existing
drainage systems that do not functionally approximate the natural drainage pattern.
Comments:
Objective EC-5:
Minimize sedimentation and erosion to reduce the transport of sediment and pollutants to
surface waters.
Comments:
Objective EC-6:
Protect and maintain the existing aquatic, riparian and terrestrial habitats-of fish and
wildlife.
Comments:
Goal 6: Less solid waste per capita with cost effective and environmentally responsible
disposal and management.
Comments:
Objective SW-2:
Encourage the recycling of solid waste, including but not limited to the preference for
deconstruction practices over demolition, to minimize waste disposed of in landfills.
Comments:
yes
Any necessary measures installed as needed and required over the years.
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
51
Objective SW-5:
Require new construction and substantial remodeling of non-single family property to set-
aside adequate space and access for solid waste management and recycling materials
storage on site.
Comments:
Goal 7: Efficient and effective public safety including, police, fire, telecommunications,
emergency services, and animal services.
Comments:
Objective PS-T-1:
Ensure the provision of adequate public safety protection standards for residential,
commercial, and industrial development.
Comments:
Objective PS-T-5:
Include in applied site design standards for residential, commercial, and industrial
development, appropriate road design standards to ensure adequate law enforcement and
emergency vehicle access to the development.
Comments:
Objective PS-T-8:
Encourage the expansion of affordable, high-speed Internet access, fiber-optic lines, and
other high-speed communication networks to rural and underserved areas.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 9 Transportation Element, Sections 9.5 and 9.6, Most
Applicable Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Transportation Overarching Goal: An efficient and balanced transportation system that
uses multiple motorized and non-motorized modes of transportation and for which the
planning, design, and implementation will be guided by the following overarching qualities:
Comments:
Transportation Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
n/a
n/a
yes
Should any public safety officials need use of the space for any public safety reason, it is
available to them at pretty much any time.
n/a
yes
Free parking and base camp for installers of these services
n/a
52
Goal 1: An efficient and integrated multi-modal transportation system that protects the
natural environment and community character.
Comments:
Objective T-1.3:
Develop new transportation facilities in a manner that has a positive impact or avoids
negative impacts on the natural environment, including air quality, water resources,
biological resources, and wildlife habitat.
Comments:
Objective T-1.4:
Develop new transportation facilities in a manner that has a positive impact or avoids
negative impacts on the community, including historical or cultural assets, existing
neighborhoods, schools and recreational facilities, and the overall rural character in
Orange County.
Comments:
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.
Comments:
Objective T-3.4:
Direct development to higher density mixed-use districts along transit corridors and make
necessary multi-modal transportation improvements to service lands that are slated for
future intense development, such as Economic Development Districts.
Comments:
2030 Comprehensive Plan – All Elements, Any Other Applicable Goals and Objectives
Other Applicable Goals and Objectives
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Goal __:
Comments:
n/a
n/a
yes
The club is willing to entertain adding a bus stop
n/a
n/a
53
Objective___:
Consistency
(Y/N/Not
Applicable)
Comments:
54
Staff Report
Zoning Atlas Amendment – Conventional District
Parcel Information
Parcel Address 3009 Forrest Ave., Efland,
NC 27243
Parcel Identification
Number (PIN)
9854-18-4217
9854-18-9274
Applicant Name
and Address
Efland Ruritan Club,
P.O. Box 250
Efland, NC 27302
Property Owner
Name and Address
(if different from
Applicant)
Same as Applicant
Agent(s), if
applicable
Anthony Cecil,
President
Efland Ruritan Club
5229 US HWY 70
Mebane, NC 27302
Parcel Size PIN 9854-18-4217: +/- 8.25 acres
PIN 9854-18-9274: +/- 1.12 acres
Total Area: +/- 9.37 acres
Future Land Use
Map (FLUM)
Designation
Commercial-Industrial Transition
Activity Node
FLUM Overlay(s) None
Growth Management
System Designation
Rural
Definition of FLUM
Designation
(from Article 10 of
Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO))
Commercial-Industrial Transition
Activity Node definition:
Land focused on designated road
intersections within either a 10-
year or 20-year transition area that
is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or
manufacturing and other industrial
uses.
Attachment 2
55
Interlocal
Agreement
Applicable
(Y/N)
No
Current Zoning
District R-1 (Rural Residential)
Requested Zoning
District GC-4 (General Commercial)
Requested Zoning
District Consistent
with Appendix F of
2030
Comprehensive
Plan
Yes
Existing Zoning
Overlay Districts
Efland Village Overlay
Upper Eno Protected
Watershed
Amendments
Proposed for
Overlay Districts
(Y/N)
No
56
Surrounding Land Uses and Zoning
North Single-family residential lots, along with a +/-
6.41-acre Mobile Home Park.
All are zoned R-1 (Rural Residential); all of
these lots are also outside the “Efland
Village” overlay district.
South Single-family residential lots, and the N.C.
Railroad Company
All are zoned R-1 (Rural Residential).
East Commercial auto repair shop zoned NC-2
(Neighborhood Commercial), and two single-
family residential lots, one zoned R-1 (Rural
Residential), and the other split-zoned R-1
and AR (Agricultural Residential)
West Commercial auto repair shop zoned NC-2
(Neighborhood Commercial), and single-
family residential lots, all zoned R-1 (Rural
Residential)
Existing Roads
North US HWY 70 W
South Gym Rd. & Forrest Ave.
East Gym Rd.
West Maple St. (200 feet away)
Existing Conditions/Physical Features
The parcel currently supports a large, flat, grassed field that contains a walking track, playground
equipment, approximately 1.5 acres of gravel parking, and two Ruritan Club buildings (brick, and concrete
block).
Parcels separated by Forrest Ave. and Gym Rd.
Public Water and Sewer
The properties are served by Orange Alamance Water System, Inc., (OAWS) water lines and City of
Mebane 8” gravity-fed sewer lines along their street frontages. Development of the properties could be done
with these utilities but will be at the discretion and permitting authority of OAWS and the City, respectively.
The properties are located outside of Mebane’s annexation geography and will remain within Orange
County’s jurisdiction, regardless of sewer or septic treatment.
The properties are identified within the Orange County Primary Service Area in the Water and Sewer
Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement.
57
Zoning Overview
Conventional District Rezoning
Zoning promotes development of land uses that can co-exist in proximity to one another consistent with
the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Regulations established by the UDO
provide opportunities/constraints associated with land development in an attempt to ensure one
person’s ‘reasonable use’ of property does not impact another person’s ability to make reasonable use
of their property.
In acting on this request, the County is unable to impose conditions and the applicant is not required to
define what type of development (i.e. land use) is anticipated. If approved, all 52 land uses permitted
within the GC-4 (General Commercial) district could be developed on the property accordingly,
consistent with applicable regulations. Conventional district rezoning applications are processed in a
legislative manner (i.e., does not require sworn testimony or evidence) and decisions are based on the
Board of County Commissioners determination the request is consistent with the purpose and intent of
the Comprehensive Plan.
A formal site plan, reviewed and approved by staff in accordance with Section 2.5 of the UDO, must be
submitted and approved prior to any development activity on the parcel.
Review Milestones
Analysis
Staff Analysis
As required under Section 2.8.5 of the UDO, the Planning Director shall cause an analysis to be made
of the application. In analyzing this request, the Planning Director offers the following:
1. The application is complete in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.8.3 of the UDO;
2. The proposal is consistent with goals/objectives outlined within the Orange County Comprehensive
Plan concerning development, including:
a. Planning Principle 2. Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and development
within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density that is sustainable over the
long-term.
Staff Comment: The properties are located in the Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity
Node (CITAN) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM), and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within either a 10-
year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other commercial uses
and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located in the Efland Village
Application Submittal Date Submitted on February 13, 2024,
completed on March 15, 2024.
Orange County Development
Advisory Committee (DAC) Review
March 21, 2024
Note: the DAC is a staff/agency committee, established in Section 1.9 of the Unified
Development Ordinance.
58
Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban village style of
development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and
sewer systems.”
The properties are largely already developed as impervious surface and rezoning allows for
the opportunity to redevelop this property to achieve the goals of both this planning principle
and the overlay district, which identify the area and properties as where density and non-
residential uses should be encouraged.
b. Planning Principle 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County’s rural areas are
a cherished component of the County’s character. Future development should preserve and
enhance the county’s rural landscape.
Staff Comment: The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other commercial
uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located in the Efland Village
Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban village style of
development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and
sewer systems.”
By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the owners
can provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling a market need
without encroaching into rural areas. It will also have the indirect impacts of likely reducing
vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions, by providing for such services in a locale that
is closer to the homes of Efland community residents so that they do not have to travel to
municipal locations, as currently required due to the lack of commercial businesses.
c. Planning Principle 6. Water Resources Preservation: The County has finite water resources
to provide to future populations. The protection and management of the County’s water
resources should be a high priority.
Staff Comment: The rezoning of these properties will enable their redevelopment for
commercial purposes, which is how they have been historically used. Redevelopment of
existing impervious area will result in no new impacts to the watershed or receiving waters,
should the redevelopment occur within this existing impervious area. Development
exceeding that developed area would be subject to regulation under the County’s
stormwater and water supply watershed regulations; the properties are located in the Upper
Eno Protected Watershed. Due to the availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no septic
treatment will be required, further reducing potential impacts to the surrounding waters.
d. Planning Principle 7. Promotion of Economic Prosperity and Diversity: Development of a
diversity of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses should occur in Orange
County.
Staff Comment: The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other commercial
uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located in the Efland Village
Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban village style of
development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and
sewer systems.” By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in
59
Efland, the owners can provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling
a market need without encroaching into rural areas.
e.Planning Principle 8. Preservation of Community Character: Future growth and
development should occur in a manner that preserves and enhances the existing character
of the County, its townships, and rural crossroads communities.
Staff Comment: The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other commercial
uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located in the Efland Village
Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban village style of
development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and
sewer systems.”
By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the owners
can provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling a market need
without encroaching into rural areas. It also has the potential to enhance the Efland
community, providing for convenient location to realize more and better goods and services
than currently available in the community.
f.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.
Staff Comment: The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other commercial
uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located in the Efland Village
Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban village style of
development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and
sewer systems.” A rezoning to GC-4 is more consistent with these stated goals
and objectives than the current R-1 zoning of the properties.
g.Land Use Goal 1: Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable growth, consistent
with the provision of adequate services and facilities and a high quality of life.
The Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban
village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by
public water and sewer systems.” The rezoning of these properties will enable their
redevelopment for commercial purposes, which is how they have been historically used, so
that they may better serve the needs of the Efland community. Redevelopment of existing
impervious area will result in no new impacts to the watershed or receiving waters, should
the redevelopment occur within this existing impervious area. Development exceeding that
developed area would be subject to regulation under the County’s stormwater and water
supply watershed regulations; the properties are located in the Upper Eno Protected
Watershed. Due to the availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no septic treatment will
be required, further reducing potential impacts to the surrounding waters. While these
properties have no direct access to transit services, the properties are immediately adjacent
to the Orange-Durham Connector (ODX) fixed-route transit service line and accessibility
could be explored in the future, if warranted by analysis.
60
h. Land Use 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 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.
Staff Comment: The Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO
as “…an urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to
be served, by public water and sewer systems.” The rezoning of these properties will
enable their redevelopment for commercial purposes, which is how they have been
historically used, so that they may better serve the needs of the Efland community.
Redevelopment of existing impervious area will result in no new impacts to the watershed
or receiving waters, should the redevelopment occur within this existing impervious area.
Development exceeding that developed area would be subject to regulation under the
County’s stormwater and water supply watershed regulations; the properties are located in
the Upper Eno Protected Watershed. Due to the availability of City of Mebane sewer
access, no septic treatment will be required, further reducing potential impacts to the
surrounding waters. While these properties have no direct access to transit services, the
properties are immediately adjacent to the Orange-Durham Connector (ODX) fixed-route
transit service line and accessibility could be explored in the future, if warranted by
analysis. All development standards required by the UDO will be applied to any
applications for construction on these properties, serving many of the stated objective
purposes.
i. Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions and
features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character.
Staff Comment: The rezoning of these properties will enable their redevelopment for
commercial purposes, which is how they have been historically used, so that they may better
serve the needs of the Efland community. Redevelopment of existing impervious area will
result in no new impacts to the watershed or receiving waters, should the redevelopment
occur within this existing impervious area. Development exceeding that developed area
would be subject to regulation under the County’s stormwater and water supply watershed
regulations; the properties are located in the Upper Eno Protected Watershed. Due to the
availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no septic treatment will be required, further
reducing potential impacts to the surrounding waters.
By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the owners can
provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling a market need without
encroaching into rural areas. It will also have the indirect impacts of likely reducing vehicle
miles traveled and carbon emissions, by providing for such services in a locale that is closer
to the homes of Efland community residents so that they do not have to travel to municipal
locations, as currently required due to the lack of commercial businesses.
j. 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.
Staff Comment: The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other commercial
61
uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located in the Efland Village
Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an urban village style of
development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and
sewer systems.” A rezoning to GC-4 is more consistent with these stated goals and
objectives than the current R-1 zoning the properties.
The rezoning of these properties will enable their redevelopment for commercial
purposes, which is how they have been historically used, so that they may better serve the
needs of the Efland community. Redevelopment of existing impervious area will result in no
new impacts to the watershed or receiving waters, should the redevelopment occur
within this existing impervious area. Development exceeding that developed area would be
subject to regulation under the County’s stormwater and water supply watershed
regulations; the properties are located in the Upper Eno Protected Watershed. Due to
the availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no septic treatment will be required,
further reducing potential impacts to the surrounding waters. While these properties have
no direct access to transit services, the properties are immediately adjacent to the
Orange-Durham Connector (ODX) fixed-route transit service line and accessibility could be
explored in the future, if warranted by analysis. All development standards required by
the UDO will be applied to any applications for construction on these properties,
serving many of the stated objective purposes.
k.Land Use Goal 6: A land use planning process that is transparent, fair, open, efficient, and
responsive.
Staff Comment: The Orange County staff has noticed the public regarding this application,
as required by Sections 2.8.7, 2.9.1(D), and 2.9.2 of the UDO, including a required
Neighborhood Information Meeting, mailings to neighboring property owners, posting of the
property. Additionally, staff have provided all application documents on the Active
Development Projects webpage, responded to public inquiries, posted social media notices
on the project, featured it in the weekly County newsletter, communicated directly to
individuals contacting the department about the project, and made the Planning Board
available for public emails concerning the application.
l.Appendix F, Land Use Classification Description for Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity
Node (CITAN): Identifies areas changing from rural to urban in form and density. A full range
of commercial and industrial activities would be appropriate and allowed.
Staff Comment: A rezoning to GC-4 is more consistent with this description than the current
R-1 zoning of the properties.
3.The amendment is reasonable and in the public interest because it furthers the goals of the
adopted Comprehensive Plan and is located in an area designated on the Future Land Use Map as
“Community-Industrial Transition Activity Node.” Such Nodes have been identified as areas
changing from rural to urban in form and density, allowing a full range of commercial and industrial
uses (reference pages 5-15 and F-1 of the Comprehensive Plan and page 10-7 of the UDO).
62
PLANNING and INSPECTIONS
Cy Stober, AICP, Director | cstober@orangecountync.gov | 131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278 | 919.245.2575
CERTIFICATION OF MAILING
ZONING ATLAS AMENDMENT
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
I, Brian Collie, Planner II, with Orange County, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that
in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.3.5 and 2.8.7 of the Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance I have mailed, or have caused to be mailed, a Notice of the
Planning Board Meeting to be held regarding Zoning Atlas amendments proposing to
rezone two parcels of property located at 3009 Forrest Ave., within the Cheeks Township of
Orange County (PIN’s 9854-18-4217, and 9854-18-9274).
The owners were identified according to the Tax Records, as required by Sections 2.3.5
and 2.8.7 of the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance.
The mailed notices specified the date, time, place and subject of the Planning Board
Meeting.
WITNESS my hand, this 16th day of April 2024.
_Brian Collie
Brian Collie
Planner II
Attachment 3
63
PLANNING and INSPECTIONS
Cy Stober, AICP, Director | cstober@orangecountync.gov | 131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278 | 919.245.2575
April 19, 2024
NOTICE OF PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Dear Property Owner:
This notice is to inform you of the May 1, 2024, Planning Board meeting, at which an application
to rezone two parcels totaling +/- 9.37 acres (PINs 9854-18-4217, & 9854-18-9274) will be
reviewed. The subject properties are the located at 3009 Forrest Ave. Efland, within Cheeks
Township. This notification is occurring in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 Zoning
Atlas and Unified Development Ordinance Amendments of the Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO). You are receiving this notice because you own property
located within 1,000-feet of the parcels requested for rezoning.
YOUR PROPERTY IS NOT PROPOSED FOR REZONING.
Property Information
Parcel ID
Number
(PIN)
9854-18-4217 & 9854-18-9274
Owner /
Applicant Efland Ruritan Club
Agent Anthony Cecil (President, Efland Ruritan Club)
Location 3009 Forrest Ave., Efland
Acreage +/- 9.37 Acres (Two Parcels)
Current
Land Use
Designation
Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node
(CITAN)
Current
Zoning Rural Residential (R-1)
Proposed
Zoning General Commercial (GC-4)
Watershed
Designation Upper Eno Protected Watershed
The two parcels are currently zoned R-1 (Rural Residential). The requested zoning district is GC-4
(General Commercial). Additionally, due to the property’s location, the Upper Eno Protected
Watershed zoning overlay regulations will be applied.
This amendment request will be reviewed by the Orange County Planning Board at a regular
meeting at 7:00 p.m., May 1, 2024, at the Whitted Meeting Facility (300 West Tryon Street,
64
Hillsborough, NC – see attached map). All interested persons are invited to address the
Planning Board with their comments regarding the application. The Planning Board is an advisory
board comprised of appointed volunteers that makes recommendations to the Orange County
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding land use and zoning matters. The Planning
Board must recommend one of the following four actions at their meeting, 1) Approval, 2) Denial,
3) Approval, but with specified changes, or 4) that the Planning Board be given extended time to
consider the matter.
Planning Board Meeting Information
Date May 1, 2024
Time 7:00 p.m.
Place Whitted Meeting Facility
Address 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC
Assigned
Planner
Brian Colloe, Planner II
Email: bcollie@orangecountync.gov
Phone: 919-245-2599
***
A formal joint public hearing on the proposed amendment will be held by the BOCC. The date of
the joint public hearing has not yet been determined. You will receive another written notice
about the public hearing at a later date.
If you cannot attend the Planning Board meeting and the website does not answer your questions
about the applications, you may call (919) 245-2575 during regular business hours and you will be
directed to a staff person who can assist you.
Sincerely,
Cy Stober
Planning & Inspections Director
Additional information is available on the Orange County Planning Department’s website:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/16e9edd5de724468aed69571dd1d9e70
65
·
Whitted Building (300 W. Tryon St.) – Meeting Location
Parking
Parking
Whitted
Building
W TRYON ST
Parking
Parking
1 in = 100 feet
0 50 Feet
Orange County Planning and Inspections
Brian Carson (5/8/2015) N HASSELL ST N HASSELL ST 66
67
68
April 1, 2024
Efland Ruritan Club Rezoning Application
Case #: MA24-0001
PIN’s: 9854-18-4217 and 9854-18-9274
3009 Forrest Ave.
Re: Development Advisory Committee Report (per UDO Section 1.9.5)
On March 21, 2024, the Orange County Development Advisory Committee met for a final review
and discussion of the conventional rezoning application Case #MA24-0001 from Efland Ruritan
Club for PIN’s 9854-18-4217 and 9854-18-9274.
The Orange County Development Advisory Committee has no objections to the approval of the
zoning atlas amendment so long as the items in the attached departmental memos are
addressed. The application package features an abstract and staff report that provide the
foundations for my recommendation regarding this application and request.
Sincerely,
Cy Stober
Planning & Inspections Director
69
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Taylor Perschau, Planning & Zoning Supervisor
FROM: Darlene Weaver, Transportation Planning Manager
DATE: March 21, 2024
SUBJECT: DAC Transportation Review: #MA24-001
The following memo summarizes Orange County Transportation Services (OCTS) review
of application #MA24-001 Efland Ruritan Club
OCTS analyzed the documents listed below in accordance with County Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) and all transportation policies, programs, and plans:
1. Application and Site Plan
2. Zoning Report
We offer the following assessment for Development Advisory Committee’s (DAC)
considerations.
Methodology:
The following resources are used, each with separate comments:
UDO:
No Comment
Orange County Complete Street Policy:.
No Comment
Orange County Vision Zero Policy:
No Comment
Short Range and Long Range Transit Plans:
No Comment
All other Transportation Plans:
No Comment
Thank you very much for the opportunity to review and provide comments. Please forward
any questions, comments or concerns to Darlene Weaver at dweaver@orangecountync.gov.
70
From:Edwards, Charles N
To:Brian Collie; Britney Pendleton; Michael Rettie; Christian Hirni; Victoria Hudson; Nathan Jacobsen; Elizabeth
Farnan; Matthew Taylor; Darlene Weaver
Cc:Taylor Perschau; Patrick R. Mallett
Subject:RE: [External] Efland Ruritan Club Memos
Date:Tuesday, March 26, 2024 2:20:54 PM
Attachments:image003.png
image004.png
image005.png
Brian,
Please accept this e-mail as reply to your request. NCDOT previously provided the comments below
to DAC on 03/19/24. I have no additional comments at this time.
MA24-0001 (Efland Ruritan Club), Conventional Rezoning Request
No site plan was found on the package. Additional site information including the
proposed location of the kiosk, access, parking, and circulation is needed to proceed
with review.
C. N. Edwards Jr., PE (Chuck)
District Engineer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Division of Highways
Division 7, District 1
336 570 6833
cnedwards@ncdot.gov
115 East Crescent Square Drive
P. O. Box 766
Graham, NC 27253
From: Brian Collie <bcollie@orangecountync.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 9:41 AM
To: Britney Pendleton <brpendleton@orangecountync.gov>; Michael Rettie
<mrettie@orangecountync.gov>; Christian Hirni <chirni@orangecountync.gov>; Hudson, Victoria
<vhudson@orangecountync.gov>; nate jacobsen <njacobsen@orangecountync.gov>; Elizabeth
Farnan <efarnan@orangecountync.gov>; Edwards, Charles N <cnedwards@ncdot.gov>; Matthew
Taylor <mtaylor@orangecountync.gov>; Weaver, Darlene <dweaver@orangecountync.gov>
71
Cc: Taylor Perschau <tperschau@orangecountync.gov>; Patrick R. Mallett
<pmallett@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: [External] Efland Ruritan Club Memos
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the
Report Message button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
DAC,
Hello all! Reaching out to request a memo from each of your Departments to include in the agenda
package for the Efland Ruritan Club’s conventional rezoning application (MA24-0001), that was
reviewed at last weeks meeting agenda.
Very Respectfully,
Brian S. Collie, Planner II
Orange County Planning & Inspections Department
Office Phone: (919) 245-2599
Fax: (919) 644-3022
Orange County Planning Website: https://orangecountync.gov/792/Planning-Inspections
Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 Project Website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com
Address:
131 W. Margaret Lane, Suite 201
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 132, correspondence sent and received from this
account is a public record and may be disclosed to third parties.
Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
72
510 Meadowlands Drive Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245‐6100 Main Office
www.orangecountync.gov/oces
Fire & Life Safety Division
TO: Cy Stober, AICP – Director, Planning & Inspections
FROM: Elizabeth Farnan – Fire Marshal, Emergency Services
CC: Brian Collie, Planner II • Planning & Inspections
Date: March 26, 2024
CASE: MA24‐0001
PIN: 9854184217
SUBJECT: Map Amendment Review Regarding Conformance with Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) for Emergency Apparatus Access, Addressing,
and Water Availability for Required Fire Flow
This memo is to show that the Fire & Life Safety Division has NO OBJECTIONS to the approval of
Efland Ruritan’s Club conventional rezoning from Rural Residential (R1) to General Use
Non‐Residential.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Farnan, FM
Email: efarnan@orangecountync.gov
Cell: 919‐537‐2149
73
PLANNING and INSPECTIONS
Cy Stober, AICP, Director | cstober@orangecountync.gov | 131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278 | 919.245.2575
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cy Stober, AICP – Director, Planning & Inspections Department
FROM:
Christopher Sandt, PE – County Engineer; and
Steve Kaltenbach – Erosion Control and Stormwater Supervisor
CC: Patrick Mallett – Deputy Director Development Services
DATE:
April 10, 2024
CASE: MA24-0001
PINs: 9854-18-4217 and 9854-18-9274
WATERSHED: Upper Eno Protected (Neuse River Basin)
PROJECT: Efland Ruritan Club
Non-Residential Conditional District (NR-CD) Zoning Atlas Amendment
SUBJECT: Summary of Findings Regarding Conformance with Orange County
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Erosion and Sedimentation
Control and Stormwater Management
This memo summarizes the findings of an Erosion and Sedimentation Control and
Stormwater Management assessment by the Orange County Development Services
Division (hereafter, the “Division”) of the submitted Map Amendment application for a NR-
CD Conditional District, submitted as “Efland Ruritan Club” project (hereafter, the
“project”). The project is located within 8.26 acres of property located at 3009 Forrest
Avenue in Efland, North Carolina.
The request proposes rezoning from R-1 to GC-4 with development consisting of:
One SECU Cash Points ATM
The Staff comments contained herein are based upon the submittal of a required
Rezoning Application received February 13, 2024. These findings should not be
interpreted as the Division’s final analysis/approval of the proposed development. Upon
zoning approval, the proposed development would be under the threshold for a required
Land Disturbing Permit (LDP).
74
Erosion and Sedimentation Control:
According to current Orange County GIS imagery of the project parcel, there are no
mapped stream features or other water features within the project parcel boundaries.
Orange County enforces stream buffers along streams, rivers, water bodies, and other
water features (e.g. wetlands) as outlined in Section 6.13 of the Orange County UDO.
Based on the submitted materials for the proposed development, the project could meet
the basic Erosion and Sedimentation Control requirements as outlined in Section 6.15 of
the Orange County UDO and could be developed as generally proposed.
Stormwater Management:
The project parcel is located in the Upper Eno Protected (Neuse River Basin) Overlay
District and is therefore subject to compliance with the Neuse Nutrient Management
Strategy. There are no known Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) located on the
project parcel. Based on the submitted materials for the proposed development, the
project could meet the basic Stormwater Management requirements as outlined in
Section 6.14 of the Orange County UDO. While preliminary at this stage of Orange County
review, the proposal is under the threshold for stormwater review.
Conclusion:
The Division has No Objections to the approval of the rezoning request so long as a
complete LDP application and supporting plans and calculations are submitted to Orange
County for review and approval prior to commencement of on-site Land-Disturbing
Activity, if thresholds were to be reached or exceeded with any future plan changes. As
the project progresses, additional field observations, and/or permitting by others (e.g. US
Army Corps of Engineers, NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC Department of
Transportation, etc.), additional buffers, setbacks, and/or additional Orange County
review and permitting may apply beyond the proposed development as shown with this
rezoning request.
___________________________ _______________
Christopher Sandt, PE Date
4/8/2024
___________________________ _______________
Steve Kaltenbach Date
75
April 18, 2024
Pamela B. Cashwell
Secretary
Roy Cooper
Governor
Dear Brian S. Collie:
The above referenced environmental impact information has been reviewed through the State Clearinghouse under
the provisions of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act.
Attached to this letter are comments made in the review of this document. The appropriate document should be
forwarded to the State Clearinghouse for compliance with State Environmental Policy Act.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (984) 236-0000.
Sincerely,
KADISHA MOLYNEAUX
State Environmental Review Clearinghouse
Re: SCH File # 24-E-4300-0249 Efland Ruritan Club requests that our property at 3009 Forrest Ave and 3100
Forrest Ave Efland NC 27243 be changed from Zoning Ordinance Residential R-1 to Commercial Non-
Residential General Use designation.
Brian S. Collie
Orange County Planning & Inspections
131 W. Margaret Lane, Suite 201
Hillsborough, NC 27278-
Attachments
Mailing
1301 Mail Service Center | Raleigh, NC 27699-1301
ncadmin.nc.gov
Location
116 West Jones St. | Raleigh NC 27603
984-236-0000 T
76
Control No.: 24-E-4300-0249 Date Received: 3/18/2024
Agency Response: 4/17/2024County.: ORANGE
Review Closed: 4/17/2024
JESSICA MOSLEY
CLEARINGHOUSE COORDINATOR
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
Project Information
Type:
Applicant:
Project Desc.:Efland Ruritan Club requests that our property at 3009 Forrest Ave and 3100 Forrest Ave
Efland NC 27243 be changed from Zoning Ordinance Residential R-1 to Commercial Non-
Residential General Use designation.
As a result of this review the following is submitted:
No Comment Comments Below Documents Attached
Reviewed By: JESSICA MOSLEY Date: 4/5/2024
State Environmental Policy Act ping
Orange County Planning & Inspections
77
Control No.: 24-E-4300-0249 Date Received: 3/18/2024
Agency Response: 4/17/2024County.: ORANGE
Review Closed: 4/17/2024
DEVON BORGARDT
CLEARINGHOUSE COORDINATOR
DEPT OF NATURAL & CULTURAL
RESOURCE
Project Information
Type:
Applicant:
Project Desc.:Efland Ruritan Club requests that our property at 3009 Forrest Ave and 3100 Forrest Ave
Efland NC 27243 be changed from Zoning Ordinance Residential R-1 to Commercial Non-
Residential General Use designation.
As a result of this review the following is submitted:
No Comment Comments Below Documents Attached
Reviewed By: DEVON BORGARDT Date: 3/21/2024
State Environmental Policy Act ping
Orange County Planning & Inspections
78
Control No.: 24-E-4300-0249 Date Received: 3/18/2024
Agency Response: 4/17/2024County.: ORANGE
Review Closed: 4/17/2024
JINTAO WEN
CLEARINGHOUSE COORDINATOR
DPS - DIV OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Project Information
Type:
Applicant:
Project Desc.:Efland Ruritan Club requests that our property at 3009 Forrest Ave and 3100 Forrest Ave
Efland NC 27243 be changed from Zoning Ordinance Residential R-1 to Commercial Non-
Residential General Use designation.
As a result of this review the following is submitted:
No Comment Comments Below Documents Attached
Reviewed By: JINTAO WEN Date: 4/8/2024
State Environmental Policy Act ping
Orange County Planning & Inspections
79
Control No.: 24-E-4300-0249 Date Received: 3/18/2024
Agency Response: 4/17/2024County.: ORANGE
Review Closed: 4/17/2024
LYN BILES
CLEARINGHOUSE COORDINATOR
DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Project Information
Type:
Applicant:
Project Desc.:Efland Ruritan Club requests that our property at 3009 Forrest Ave and 3100 Forrest Ave
Efland NC 27243 be changed from Zoning Ordinance Residential R-1 to Commercial Non-
Residential General Use designation.
As a result of this review the following is submitted:
No Comment Comments Below Documents Attached
Reviewed By: LYN BILES Date: 3/22/2024
State Environmental Policy Act ping
Orange County Planning & Inspections
80
STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY
OF A PROPOSED ZONING ATLAS MAP AMENDMENT
WITH THE ADOPTED ORANGE COUNTY 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
An applicant-initiated amendment to the Zoning Atlas has been reviewed to rezone a parcel as
follows:
Parcel
Identification
Number
(PIN)
Township Owner of
Record Current Zoning Proposed Zoning
9854-18-4217
9854-18-9274 Cheeks
Efland
Ruritan
Club
•R-1 (Rural
Residential, 9.37
acres);
•Upper Eno Protected
Watershed, & Efland
Village Overlay
Districts.
•GC-4 (General
Commercial);
•Upper Eno Protected
Watershed, & Efland
Village Overlay
Districts.
The Planning Board hereby finds:
a.The requirements of Section 2.8 Zoning Atlas and Unified Development Ordinance
Amendments of the UDO have been deemed complete; and,
b.Pursuant to Sections 1.1.5 Statement of Intent - Amendments, and 1.1.7 Conformance
with Adopted Plans of the UDO and to Section 160D-604(d) Planning Board review and
comment – Plan Consistency and 160D-605(a) Governing Board Statement – Plan
Consistency of the North Carolina General Statutes, the Board finds sufficient
documentation within the record denoting that the amendment is consistent with the
adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
c.The proposal is consistent with goals/objectives outlined within the Comprehensive Plan
concerning development, including:
•Planning Principle 2. Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and
development within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density that
is sustainable over the long-term.
The properties are located in the Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node
(CITAN) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM), and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located
in the Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) as “…an urban village style of development in an
area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and sewer
systems.”
Attachment 5 81
The properties are largely already developed as impervious surface and rezoning
allows for the opportunity to redevelop this property to achieve the goals of both this
planning principle and the overlay district, which identify the area and properties as
where density and non-residential uses should be encouraged.
• Planning Principle 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County’s rural
areas are a cherished component of the County’s character. Future development
should preserve and enhance the county’s rural landscape.
The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located
in the Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be
served, by public water and sewer systems.”
By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the
owners can provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling a
market need without encroaching into rural areas. It will also have the indirect
impacts of likely reducing vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions, by providing
for such services in a locale that is closer to the homes of Efland community
residents so that they do not have to travel to municipal locations, as currently
required due to the lack of commercial businesses.
• Planning Principle 6. Water Resources Preservation: The County has finite water
resources to provide to future populations. The protection and management of the
County’s water resources should be a high priority.
The rezoning of these properties will enable their redevelopment for commercial
purposes, which is how they have been historically used. Redevelopment of
existing impervious area will result in no new impacts to the watershed or receiving
waters, should the redevelopment occur within this existing impervious area.
Development exceeding that developed area would be subject to regulation under
the County’s stormwater and water supply watershed regulations; the properties are
located in the Upper Eno Protected Watershed. Due to the availability of City of
Mebane sewer access, no septic treatment will be required, further reducing
potential impacts to the surrounding waters.
• Planning Principle 7. Promotion of Economic Prosperity and Diversity: Development
of a diversity of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses should occur
in Orange County.
The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located
in the Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be
82
served, by public water and sewer systems.” By supporting the rezoning and
redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the owners can provide for goods and
services in an area designated to do so, filling a market need without encroaching
into rural areas.
•Planning Principle 8. Preservation of Community Character: Future growth and
development should occur in a manner that preserves and enhances the existing
character of the County, its townships, and rural crossroads communities
The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located
in the Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be
served, by public water and sewer systems.”
By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the
owners can provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling a
market need without encroaching into rural areas. It also has the potential to enhance
the Efland community, providing for convenient location to realize more and better
goods and services than currently available in the community.
•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.
The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located
in the Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be
served, by public water and sewer systems.” A rezoning to GC-4 is more consistent
with these stated goals and objectives than the current R-1 zoning of the
properties.
•Land Use Goal 1: Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable growth,
consistent with the provision of adequate services and facilities and a high quality of
life.
The Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be
served, by public water and sewer systems.” The rezoning of these properties will
enable their redevelopment for commercial purposes, which is how they have been
historically used, so that they may better serve the needs of the Efland community.
Redevelopment of existing impervious area will result in no new impacts to the
watershed or receiving waters, should the redevelopment occur within this existing
impervious area. Development exceeding that developed area would be subject to
regulation under the County’s stormwater and water supply watershed regulations;
83
the properties are located in the Upper Eno Protected Watershed. Due to the
availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no septic treatment will be required,
further reducing potential impacts to the surrounding waters. While these properties
have no direct access to transit services, the properties are immediately adjacent to
the Orange-Durham Connector (ODX) fixed-route transit service line and
accessibility could be explored in the future, if warranted by analysis.
• Land Use 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
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.
The Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to
be served, by public water and sewer systems.” The rezoning of these properties
will enable their redevelopment for commercial purposes, which is how they have
been historically used, so that they may better serve the needs of the Efland
community. Redevelopment of existing impervious area will result in no new
impacts to the watershed or receiving waters, should the redevelopment occur
within this existing impervious area. Development exceeding that developed area
would be subject to regulation under the County’s stormwater and water supply
watershed regulations; the properties are located in the Upper Eno Protected
Watershed. Due to the availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no septic
treatment will be required, further reducing potential impacts to the surrounding
waters. While these properties have no direct access to transit services, the
properties are immediately adjacent to the Orange-Durham Connector (ODX) fixed-
route transit service line and accessibility could be explored in the future, if
warranted by analysis. All development standards required by the UDO will be
applied to any applications for construction on these properties, serving many of the
stated objective purposes.
• Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions
and features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community
character.
The rezoning of these properties will enable their redevelopment for commercial
purposes, which is how they have been historically used, so that they may better
serve the needs of the Efland community. Redevelopment of existing impervious area
will result in no new impacts to the watershed or receiving waters, should the
redevelopment occur within this existing impervious area. Development exceeding
that developed area would be subject to regulation under the County’s stormwater
and water supply watershed regulations; the properties are located in the Upper Eno
Protected Watershed. Due to the availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no
septic treatment will be required, further reducing potential impacts to the surrounding
waters.
By supporting the rezoning and redevelopment of these properties in Efland, the
owners can provide for goods and services in an area designated to do so, filling a
84
market need without encroaching into rural areas. It will also have the indirect impacts
of likely reducing vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions, by providing for such
services in a locale that is closer to the homes of Efland community residents so that
they do not have to travel to municipal locations, as currently required due to the lack
of commercial businesses.
•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.
The properties are located in the CITAN on the FLUM, and is defined in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan as “[l]and focused on designated road intersections within
either a 10-year or 20-year transition area that is appropriate for retail and other
commercial uses and/or manufacturing and other industrial uses.” It is also located
in the Efland Village Zoning Overlay District, which is defined in the UDO as “…an
urban village style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be
served, by public water and sewer systems.” A rezoning to GC-4 is more consistent
with these stated goals and objectives than the current R-1 zoning of the
properties.
The rezoning of these properties will enable their redevelopment for commercial
purposes, which is how they have been historically used, so that they may better
serve the needs of the Efland community. Redevelopment of existing impervious
area will result in no new impacts to the watershed or receiving waters, should the
redevelopment occur within this existing impervious area. Development exceeding
that developed area would be subject to regulation under the County’s stormwater
and water supply watershed regulations; the properties are located in the Upper Eno
Protected Watershed. Due to the availability of City of Mebane sewer access, no
septic treatment will be required, further reducing potential impacts to the
surrounding waters. While these properties have no direct access to transit services,
the properties are immediately adjacent to the Orange-Durham Connector (ODX)
fixed-route transit service line and accessibility could be explored in the future, if
warranted by analysis. All development standards required by the UDO will be
applied to any applications for construction on these properties, serving many of the
stated objective purposes.
•Land Use Goal 6: A land use planning process that is transparent, fair, open,
efficient, and responsive.
The Orange County staff has noticed the public regarding this application, as
required by Sections 2.8.7, 2.9.1(D), and 2.9.2 of the UDO, including a required
Neighborhood Information Meeting, mailings to neighboring property owners,
posting of the property, and advertisement in the local newspapers. Additionally, staff
have provided all application documents on the Active Development Projects
webpage, responded to public inquiries, posted social media notices on the project,
featured it in the weekly newsletter, communicated directly to individuals contacting
the department about the project, and made the Planning Board available for public
emails concerning the application.
85
•Appendix F, Land Use Classification Description for Commercial-Industrial Transition
Activity Node (CITAN): Identifies areas changing from rural to urban in form and
density. A full range of commercial and industrial activities would be appropriate and
allowed.
A rezoning to GC-4 is more consistent with this description than the current R-1
zoning of the properties.
The amendment is consistent with these goals because the proposed development is
consistent with existing/anticipated development within the area and the land use associated
with the project is compatible with various 2030 Comprehensive Plan goals detailed above.
d.The amendment is reasonable and in the public interest because it furthers the goals of
the adopted Comprehensive Plan and is located in an area designated on the Future
Land Use Map as “Community-Industrial Transition Activity Node.” Such Nodes have
been identified as areas changing from rural to urban in form and density, allowing a full
range of commercial and industrial uses (reference pages 5-15 and F-1 of the
Comprehensive Plan and page 10-7 of the UDO).
The Planning Board hereby adopts this Statement of Consistency and the findings expressed
herein and recommends the Board of County Commissioners consider adoption of the proposed
Zoning Atlas Amendment.
________________________ ___________________________
Adam Beeman, Chair Date
86
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
ORANGE COUNTY ZONING ATLAS
WHEREAS, Orange County has received and processed an application seeking to amend the
Orange County Zoning Atlas, as established in Section 1.2, of the Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO), and
WHEREAS, this petition seeks to rezone a 8.25 acre parcel of property (PIN 9854-18-4217),
and an adjoining 1.12 acre parcel of property (PIN 9854-18-9274) both from R-1 (Rural
Residential) to GC-4 (General Commercial), hereafter ‘the Property’; and
WHEREAS, the requirements of Section 2.8 of the UDO have been deemed complete; and
WHEREAS, the Board has found the proposed zoning atlas amendment to be reasonably
necessary to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Board has found the proposed zoning atlas amendment to be consistent with
the adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan and reasonable and in the public interest.
WHEREAS, the property lies within the Upper Eno Protected Watershed delineated by the NC
Department of Environmental Quality Water Supply Watershed program and is thereby consistent
with that same zoning overlay district, as established in Section 4.2 of the UDO.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County that the Orange County
Zoning Atlas is hereby amended to rezone the aforementioned 8.25 acre and 1.12 acre parcels
to GC-4 (General Commercial), as detailed within the submitted application.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT this ordinance be placed in the book of published
ordinances and that this ordinance is effective upon its adoption.
Upon motion of Commissioner ________________________, seconded by Commissioner
________________________, the foregoing ordinance was adopted this ________ day of
___________________, 2024.
I, Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for Orange County, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said Board at a
meeting held on ________________________, 2024 as relates in any way to the adoption of
the foregoing and that said proceedings are recorded in the minutes of the said Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this ______ day of ______________, 2024.
SEAL
__________________________________
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
Attachment 6 87
ORANGE COUNTY
PLANNING BOARD
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 1, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment – Tobacco and Hemp Retail Use
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections
ATTACHMENT(S):
1.Statement of Consistency
2.UDO Text Amendments
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cy Stober, Director (919) 245-2592
PURPOSE: To review and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) on Commissioner-initiated text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO) regarding use, regulation, and definition of “Tobacco and Hemp Retail” use.
BACKGROUND: At the February 6, 2024, meeting of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, at the introduction of Commissioner Fowler, the BOCC directed the County
Attorney’s Office to provide a drafted UDO amendment to regulate the retail use of businesses
that primarily rely upon the sale of tobacco and hemp products. The intent is to limit exposure
of minors to such products, as well as ensure that they are not densely focused in any part of
Orange County. The County Attorney’s Office, basing proposed amendment language on
recently-adopted amendments to Wake County’s ordinances for similar purposes, provided
draft language to the Planning Department for review and presentation as an UDO
amendment.
Orange County is proposing to amend the UDO to:
1.Define “Tobacco and Hemp Retail” use;
2.Allow “Tobacco and Hemp Retail” as use in NR-CD zoning districts; and
3.Requiring that any such establishment be at least 1,000 feet from any of the
following:
A. Tobacco and Hemp Retail;
B. Schools, including:
Schools: Performing Arts, Sports, and Recreation,
Schools: Preparatory,
Schools: Technical, Trade, and Skill Training, and
Schools: Universities, Colleges;
C. Parks and Recreational Facilities; and
D. All Residential Uses
8
88
Planning Director’s Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
1.Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are reasonable
and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1.
2.Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no costs associated with this project other than the use of
staff time and the required legal advertisement for the text amendment’s public hearing.
County staff has and will continue to accomplish the necessary tasks associated with
amending the UDO and the legal advertisement will be paid from budgeted funds for this
purpose.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Director recommends the Board:
1.Review and discuss the proposed UDO text amendments;
2.Consider the Planning Director’s recommendation; and
3.Make a recommendation to the BOCC on the Statement of Approval and
Consistency (Attachment 1) and the proposed UDO text amendments (Attachment
2)in time for the June 4, 2024, BOCC meeting.
89
STATEMENT OF APPROVAL AND CONSISTENCY OF
A PROPOSED UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT WITH
ADOPTED ORANGE COUNTY PLANS
Orange County has initiated an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to
add requirements for “Tobacco and Hemp Retail” use.
The Planning Board hereby recommends approval of the proposed text amendment and issues
this Statement of Consistency pursuant to NCGS § 160D-604 (d) Planning board review and
comments – Plan consistency. The Planning Board finds:
1. The requirements of UDO Section 2.8 Zoning Atlas and Unified Development
Ordinance Amendments, including review by the Development Advisory Committee
(DAC), as required in UDO Section 1.9, have been met;
2.The amendment is consistent with the adopted 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan,
as prescribed by UDO Section 1.1.5 Statement of Intent – Amendments and Section 1.1.7
Conformance with Adopted Plans;
3. The amendment supports the following principles and goals in the plan:
a.Planning Principle 8: Future growth and development should occur in a manner
that preserves and enhances the existing character of the County, its townships,
and rural crossroads communities.
b.Land Use Element 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.
c.Land Use Element Goal 4: Land development regulations, guidelines,
techniques and/or incentives that promote the integrated achievement of all
Comprehensive Plan goals.
d.Parks and Recreation Goal 4: Healthy lifestyles, quality of life and community
building through the provision of a variety of affordable recreational facilities and
choice of leisure activities, while responding to the changing needs and interests
of County residents.
4.The amendment is consistent with this principle and these goals because implementation
will result in a healthier populace in Orange County.
5. The amendment is reasonable and in the public interest because it allows for the use of
Tobacco and Hemp Retail establishments while minimizing their exposure to minors and
avoids their concentration in any one area of the county through the application of
Attachment 1
90
suitable and reasonable development standards.
The Planning Board hereby adopts this Statement of Approval and Consistency and the
findings expressed herein.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Adam Beeman, Chair Date
91
TABLE OF PERMITTED USES
* = PERMITTED USE Δ = SUBJECT TO USE STANDARDS S = SPECIAL USE
USE TYPE
CONVENTIONAL ZONING DISTRICTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS CONDITIONAL DISTRICTS
RB AR R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R8 R13 LC1 NC2 CC3 GC4 EC5 O/
RM AS EI I 1 I2 I3 PID EDB-
1
EDB-
2
EDE-
1
EDE-
2
EDH-
1
EDH-
2
EDH-
3
EDH-
4
EDH-
5
ASE-
CD
MPD-
CD
HP-
CD
REDA-
CD-1 R-CD NR-
CD
RETAIL USES
61. Retail Uses Except as Identified
Herein Δ Δ Δ * Δ * * * * * * * *
61 (A). Country Store Δ Δ Δ Δ
61(B). Tobacco and Hemp
Retail Δ
SERVICE USES
62. Service Uses Except as
Identified Herein Δ Δ * * Δ Δ * * * * * * * * *
62 (A). Body Art (Tattoo,
Body Piercing, etc.) * *
62 (B). Car Wash Δ * * * *
62(C). Cemetery S S S S S S S S S Δ
62 (D). Crematoria * * * * *
62 (E). Eating and Drinking
Establishments Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ
62 (F). Funeral Home Δ Δ Δ Δ * Δ * * *
62 (G). Garden Center Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ * * *
62 (H). Massage Business Δ Δ Δ
62 (I).
Short Term Rental
Small – Host
Occupied
Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ
62 (J).
Short Term Rental
Large – Host
Occupied
S S Δ Δ
62 (K). Short Term Rental –
Non Host Occupied * *
62 (L). Junkyard/Salvage
Yard Δ
9392
(1) The following Multiple Uses are permitted in the O/RM zoning district when the
Principal Use type is Research Facility Without Manufacturing and shall adhere
to the standards of Section 5.19.3(B)(2):
(a) Financial Services
(b) Service land uses limited to Beauty & Barber Shops, Laundry and Dry
Cleaning Services
(c) Eating and Drinking Establishments limited to Nightclubs, Bars, Pubs,
Restaurants Carry Out and General
(d) Retail, limited to 12,000 sq.ft. of building area/
(e) Manufacturing, Assembly, Processing, and Distribution Uses – Other,
limited to Printing & Lithography
(2) Multiple Uses, identified in Section 5.15.2(B)(1), are permitted only in accordance
with the following standards:
(a) The site plan shall identify the square footage of each structure by type
of use.
(b) The Principal Use type of Research Facility Without Manufacturing must
be established on the site.
(c) The Multiple Use shall not exceed 25% of the total square footage of all
structures on the site.
SECTION 5.20: STANDARDS FOR RETAIL USES
5.20.1 Retail
(A) Use Standards
(1) Specific Standards for the LC-1, NC-2, and EC-5 Zoning Districts
(a) Uses shall be limited to 12,000 sq.ft. of building area.
(b) No outdoor sales/displays shall be permitted.
(2) Specific Standards for the CC-3 Zoning District
(a) Uses shall be limited to 24,000 sq.ft. of building area.
(b) Outdoor sales/displays shall be permitted subject to the following:
(i) No more than 20% of the property area shall be utilized to
support outdoor sales/displays.
(ii) Displays shall not be located within any required parking, septic
disposal, or land use buffer area on the property.
(iii) Displays shall not block entrances and exists to the structure.
(3) Outdoor sales/displays shall be allowed in other districts subject to the following:
(a) No more than 25% of the property area shall be utilized to support
outdoor sales/displays.
(b) Displays shall not be located within any required parking, septic disposal,
or land use buffer area on the property.
(c) Displays shall not block entrances and exists to the structure.
5.20.2 Country Store
(A) General Standards for Evaluation
93
(1) Outdoor storage of products shall be permitted in the rear yard of the primary
structure and shall be screened from view of adjacent properties.
(2) Outdoor storage areas shall not be permitted to encroach upon required parking
spaces.
(3) All structures and outdoor storage areas shall be located a minimum of 100 feet
from adjacent residentially zoned property.
(4) The site shall be located on a major road, as classified in the Orange County
Comprehensive Plan, unless permitted as an ASE-CD.
(5) Parking shall not be located in the front yard space.
(6) Application materials shall include a comprehensive groundwater study, for
facilities expected to use more groundwater on an annual basis than an average
single family residence (which uses 240 gallons of water per day) built at the
highest density the existing zoning district would allow. For example, if the
existing zoning district allows a residential density of 1 unit for 2 acres and the
proposed use is on a six acre parcel (which could yield 3 residences), the
proposed use(s) may use three times the water used by an average single family
residence (or 720 gallons per day, on an annualized basis) before a
comprehensive groundwater study is required. The water usage rates of any
existing use subject to zoning regulations located on the same lot shall be taken
into account when determining if a comprehensive groundwater study is required.
Said study shall detail:
(a) The amount of water anticipated to be used on a daily, weekly, monthly,
and annual basis by regulated uses located on the parcel (e.g., water
usage by bona fide farm uses is not required to be included);
(b) An analysis of the amount of groundwater withdrawal considered to be
safe and sustainable in the immediate vicinity; and
(c) An analysis of whether other wells in the vicinity of the proposed use are
expected to be affected by withdrawals made by the proposed use.
5.20.3 Tobacco and Hemp Retail
(A) Use Standards
(1) Tobacco and Hemp Retail uses must be located at least 1,000 feet from the
following land uses:
(a) Tobacco and Hemp Retail;
(b) Schools, including:
(i) Schools: Performing Arts, Sports, and Recreation,
(ii) Schools: Preparatory,
(iii) Schools: Technical, Trade, and Skill Training, and
(iv) Schools: Universities, Colleges;
(c) Parks and Recreational Facilities; and
(d) all Residential Uses.
SECTION 5.21: STANDARDS FOR MISCELLANEOUS USES
5.21.1 Major Subdivision
(A) Standards for Conditional Districts
94
Tobacco and Hemp Retail
A retail store with principal sales and/or distribution of:
a) any product that contains tobacco or nicotine, irrespective of whether the nicotine is tobacco-
derived or synthetic, and is intended for human consumption, as defined by G.S. § 14-313(4),
including but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, electronic cigarettes, hookah,
smoked or vaped tobacco substitutes, chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, dissolvable tobacco
products, and heated tobacco products. Excluded from this definition are tobacco products
approved by the USFDA for treatment of tobacco use and dependence.
b) any product that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), irrespective of whether the THC is
hemp derived or synthetic. Excluded from this definition are products that contain no greater
than 0.3 percent THC.
c) any product that contains Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom.
Traffic Generation: Low
Uses which generate an average of less than 200 vehicle trips per day.
Traffic Generation: Medium
Uses which generate an average of between 200 and 800 vehicle trips per day.
Traffic Generation: High
Uses which generate an average of more than 800 vehicle trips per day.
Transmission Lines
a) For lines carrying electrical energy, transmission lines are those which carry 45,000 volts or more.
b) For lines which carry liquids or gases, transmission lines are those operating or designed to
operate at pressures of one hundred pounds per square inch or greater.
Travel Trailer
A structure that is:
a) Intended to be transported over the streets and highways (either as a motor vehicle or attached to
or hauled by a motor vehicle), and
b) Designed for temporary use as sleeping quarters, but that does not meet the definition of a
manufactured home.
Tree, DBH
Diameter at breast height of a tree, which is measured at 4.5 feet above ground surface level.
Tree, Critical Root Zone
The minimum area beneath a tree which must be left undisturbed in order to preserve a sufficient root
mass to give a tree a reasonable chance of survival. The critical root zone is approximately one foot of
radial distance for every inch of tree's DBH, with a minimum of eight feet.
Tree, High Value
A tree that meets or exceeds the following standards: for pine species, 14” DBH or greater, or 18” or
greater stump diameter, and for hardwood or wetland species, 16” DBH or greater, or 24” or greater
stump diameter.
Trip Generation Rates
The total count of trips to and from a study site per unit of land use as measured by parameters such as
dwelling units, acres, etc.
Twenty-Year Transition Land
95
ORANGE COUNTY
PLANNING BOARD
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 1, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment – Regulatory Reform Compliance
& Clarifications
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections
ATTACHMENT(S):
1.NCSL23-108 (excerpt)
2.NCSL23-137 (excerpt)
3.Statement of Consistency
4.Proposed UDO Text Amendments (collated)
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cy Stober, Director (919) 245-2592
PURPOSE: To review and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) on County-initiated text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in
response to North Carolina Session Laws (NCSLs) 23-108 and 23-137, as well as to clarify
two related matters for improved administration of the UDO.
BACKGROUND: The North Carolina General Assembly passed two laws over Governor
Cooper’s veto in the 2023 session that are relevant to the text of Orange County’s UDO. The
first was NCSL23-108 (Attachment 1), which expanded the definition of “residential” uses or
zoning to all structures under the regulatory umbrella of the NC State Residential (Building)
Code. This effectively expands this definition from one- and two-family dwellings to include
three- and four-family dwellings. The consequence is the lack of Orange County authority to
regulate the architecture or appearance of such structures, requiring amendment of Sections
2.5.3 (Site Plan Specifications), 4.6.2 (Major Transportation Corridor (overlay district)
Application), and, for discussion, the definition of “Residential Development” in Article 10.
Staff has initiated a relevant amendment Section 2.4.2 (“Zoning Compliance Permits,
Requirements and Conditions”) to transfer the responsibility of affirming UDO compliance
before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued from the Building Inspector to the Planning and
Inspections Director. The Inspections staff should be focused on NC State Building Codes
compliance and not also be responsible for enforcement of Orange County’s local
development and use standards. For similar purposes, staff is recommending a revision to the
definition of “Residential Development”.
NCSL23-137 (Attachment 2) was the “Regulatory Reform Act” and provides for the elimination
of density regulations in water supply watersheds under the following conditions:
1)The property was developed prior to the effective date of the applicable water supply
watershed regulations;
2)The property has not been combined with additional lots after January 1, 2021;
3)The property has not participated in density averaging, as allowed by NC G.S. § 143-
214.5(d2);
9
96
4)The current use of the property is nonresidential;
5)The remaining vegetated buffers on the property are preserved in accordance with
Section 6.13.4 of this Ordinance.
This new standard is proposed as the new Section 4.2.4(A), “Residential Density, Density
Exceedance Allowance”.
Accompanying this statutory amendment is one to the Section 6.14 Stormwater standards,
clarifying that, under such situations, only the new “built upon area” (aka “impervious surface”)
must be treated with Stormwater Control Measures, as required by State and federal laws; the
existing BUA does not require stormwater treatment. The developer may elect to treat the
existing BUA, and it may be offered as a condition of approval of a conditional zoning or
special use permit application, but it cannot be required. This additional allowance is reflected
primarily in the new Section 6.14.5(C) “Redevelopment Exemption”, as well as subsection
4.2.7(E) “Modifications of the Impervious Surface Ratio”.
Planning Director’s Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
1.Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are reasonable
and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 3.
2.Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments, as contained in Attachment 4.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no costs associated with this project other than the use of
staff time and the required legal advertisement for the text amendment’s public hearing.
County staff has and will continue to accomplish the necessary tasks associated with
amending the UDO and the legal advertisement will be paid from budgeted funds for this
purpose.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Director recommends the Board:
1.Review and discuss the proposed UDO text amendments;
2.Consider the Planning Director’s recommendation; and
3.Make a recommendation to the BOCC on the Statement of Approval and
Consistency (Attachment 3) and the proposed UDO text amendments (Attachment
4)in time for the June 4, 2024, BOCC meeting.
9897
AN ACT TO REORGANIZE THE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL AND CREATE THE
RESIDENTIAL CODE COUNCIL, TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE
NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUILDING CODE AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS, AND TO INCREASE THE PROJECT COST MINIMUM FOR
APPLICABILITY OF GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL REORGANIZATION, CREATION OF THE
RESIDENTIAL CODE COUNCIL, AND CLARIFY STATUTORY REFERENCES TO
THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUILDING CODE
SECTION 1.(a) Article 9 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes reads as rewritten:
"Article 9.
"Building Code Council Council, Residential Code Council, and North Carolina State Building
Code.
"§ 143-136. Building Code Council created; membership, committees.
…
(d) Building Code Committee Created; Duties. – Within the Building Code Council, there
is hereby created a Building Code Committee for all structures except those subject to the North
Carolina State Residential Building Code: Residential Code for One- and Two-Family
Dwellings. Code. The committee shall be composed of the following nine members of the
Building Code Council:
(1) One of the licensed architects appointed by the chairman of the Building Code
Council.
(2) The licensed engineer practicing mechanical engineering.
(3) The licensed engineer practicing electrical engineering.
(4) The licensed engineer practicing structural engineering.
(5) The municipal elected official.
(6) The fire service representative.
(7) The municipal or county building inspector.
(8) The State agency engineer.
(9) The licensed general contractor.
The chairman of the Building Code Council shall call the first meeting of the Committee, at
which meeting the Committee shall elect a chairman from among the members of the Committee
as the first order of business. Thereafter, the Committee shall meet upon the call of the chairman
to review any proposal for revision or amendment to the North Carolina State Building Code,
including provisions applicable to the North Carolina Energy Conservation Code, the North
Carolina Electrical Code, the North Carolina Fuel Gas Code, the North Carolina Plumbing Code,
the North Carolina Mechanical Code, the North Carolina Existing Building Code, and any other
code applicable to commercial or multi-family construction, and no revision or amendment to
any of these codes applicable to commercial or multi-family construction may be considered by
the Building Code Council unless recommended by this committee. This committee shall also
98
House Bill 488 Session Law 2023-108 Page 15
telecommunication facility regulation, historic preservation or landmark
regulation, housing code, North Carolina State Building Code enforcement,
or any other regulation adopted pursuant to this Chapter, or a local act or
charter that regulates land use or development."
SECTION 1.(d) G.S. 160D-702 reads as rewritten:
"§ 160D-702. Grant of power.
(a) A local government may adopt zoning regulations. Except as provided in subsections
(b) and (c) of this section, a zoning regulation may regulate and restrict the height, number of
stories, and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of lots that may be occupied;
the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces; the density of population; the location and use
of buildings, structures, and land. A local government may regulate development, including
floating homes, over estuarine waters and over lands covered by navigable waters owned by the
State pursuant to G.S. 146-12. A zoning regulation shall provide density credits or severable
development rights for dedicated rights-of-way pursuant to G.S. 136-66.10 or G.S. 136-66.11.
Where appropriate, a zoning regulation may include requirements that street and utility
rights-of-way be dedicated to the public, that provision be made of recreational space and
facilities, and that performance guarantees be provided, all to the same extent and with the same
limitations as provided for in G.S. 160D-804 and G.S. 160D-804.1.
(b) Any regulation relating to building design elements adopted under this Chapter may
not be applied to any structures subject to regulation under the North Carolina Residential Code
for One- and Two-Family Dwellings except under one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) The structures are located in an area designated as a local historic district
pursuant to Part 4 of Article 9 of this Chapter.
(2) The structures are located in an area designated as a historic district on the
National Register of Historic Places.
(3) The structures are individually designated as local, State, or national historic
landmarks.
(4) The regulations are directly and substantially related to the requirements of
applicable safety codes adopted under G.S. 143-138.
(5) Where the regulations are applied to manufactured housing in a manner
consistent with G.S. 160D-908 and federal law.
(6) Where the regulations are adopted as a condition of participation in the
National Flood Insurance Program.
Regulations prohibited by this subsection may not be applied, directly or indirectly, in any
zoning district or conditional district unless voluntarily consented to by the owners of all the
property to which those regulations may be applied as part of and in the course of the process of
seeking and obtaining a zoning amendment or a zoning, subdivision, or development approval,
nor may any such regulations be applied indirectly as part of a review pursuant to G.S. 160D-604
or G.S. 160D-605 of any proposed zoning amendment for consistency with an adopted
comprehensive plan or other applicable officially adopted plan.
For the purposes of this subsection, the phrase "building design elements" means exterior
building color; type or style of exterior cladding material; style or materials of roof structures or
porches; exterior nonstructural architectural ornamentation; location or architectural styling of
windows and doors, including garage doors; the number and types of rooms; and the interior
layout of rooms. The phrase "building design elements" does not include any of the following:
(i) the height, bulk, orientation, or location of a structure on a zoning lot, (ii) the use of buffering
or screening to minimize visual impacts, to mitigate the impacts of light and noise, or to protect
the privacy of neighbors, or (iii) regulations adopted pursuant to this Article governing the
permitted uses of land or structures subject to the North Carolina Residential Code for One- and
Two-Family Dwellings.Code.
10099
Nothing in this subsection affects the validity or enforceability of private covenants or other
contractual agreements among property owners relating to building design elements.
(c) A zoning or other development regulation shall not do any of the following:
(1) Set a minimum square footage of any structures subject to regulation under
the North Carolina Residential Code for One- and Two-Family
Dwellings.Code.
(2) Set a maximum parking space size larger than 9 feet wide by 20 feet long
unless the parking space is designated for handicap, parallel, or diagonal
parking."
SECTION 1.(e) G.S. 160D-804(i) reads as rewritten:
"(i) Minimum Square Footage Exemption. – The regulation shall not set a minimum
square footage of any structures subject to regulation under the North Carolina Residential Code
for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.Code."
SECTION 1.(f) G.S. 160D-706(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b) When adopting regulations under this Article, a local government may not use a
definition of building, dwelling, dwelling unit, bedroom, or sleeping unit that is inconsistent with
any definition of those terms in another statute or in a rule adopted by a State agency, including
the State Building Code Council or Residential Code Council."
SECTION 1.(g) G.S. 160D-915(a)(5) reads as rewritten:
"(5) Temporary family health care structure. – A transportable residential structure
providing an environment facilitating a caregiver's provision of care for a
mentally or physically impaired person that (i) is primarily assembled at a
location other than its site of installation, (ii) is limited to one occupant who
shall be the mentally or physically impaired person, (iii) has no more than 300
gross square feet, and (iv) complies with applicable provisions of the North
Carolina State Building Code and G.S. 143-139.1(b). Placing the temporary
family health care structure on a permanent foundation shall not be required
or permitted."
SECTION 1.(h) G.S. 160D-1001(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c) This Article is supplemental to the powers conferred upon local governments and
does not preclude or supersede rights and obligations established pursuant to other law regarding
development approvals, site-specific vesting plans, or other provisions of law. A development
agreement shall not exempt the property owner or developer from compliance with the North
Carolina State Building Code or State or local housing codes that are not part of the local
government's development regulations. When the governing board approves the rezoning of any
property associated with a development agreement executed and recorded pursuant to this
Article, the provisions of G.S. 160D-605(a) apply."
SECTION 1.(i) G.S. 160D-1103 reads as rewritten:
"§ 160D-1103. Qualifications of inspectors.
No local government shall employ an inspector to enforce the North Carolina State Building
Code who does not have one of the following types of certificates issued by the North Carolina
Code Officials Qualification Board attesting to the inspector's qualifications to hold such
position: (i) a probationary certificate, (ii) a standard certificate, or (iii) a limited certificate which
shall be valid only as an authorization to continue in the position held on the date specified in
G.S. 143-151.13(c) and which shall become invalid if the inspector does not successfully
complete in-service training specified by the Qualification Board within the period specified in
G.S. 143-151.13(c). An inspector holding one of the above certificates can be promoted to a
position requiring a higher level certificate only upon issuance by the Board of a standard
certificate or probationary certificate appropriate for such new position."
SECTION 1.(j) G.S. 160D-1104, as amended by Section 4(b) of this act, reads as
rewritten:
100
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FURTHER REGULATORY RELIEF TO THE CITIZENS OF NORTH
CAROLINA.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
PART I. AGRICULTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PROVISIONS
WATER SUPPLY WATERSHED PROTECTION CHANGES
SECTION 1. G.S. 143-214.5 reads as rewritten:
"§ 143-214.5. Water supply watershed protection.
…
(d3) A local government implementing a water supply watershed program shall allow an
applicant to exceed the allowable density under the applicable water supply watershed rules if all
of the following circumstances apply:
(1) The property was developed prior to the effective date of the local water
supply watershed program.
(2) The property has not been combined with additional lots after January 1, 2021.
(3) The property has not been a participant in a density averaging transaction
under subsection (d2) of this section.
(4) The current use of the property is nonresidential.
(5) In the sole discretion, and at the voluntary election, At the election of the
property owner, the stormwater from all of the existing and new any net
increase in built-upon area on the property above the preexisting development
is treated in accordance with all applicable local government, State, and
federal laws and regulations.
(6) The remaining vegetated buffers on the property are preserved in accordance
with the local water supply watershed protection program requirements.
…."
STORMWATER PROGRAM CHANGES
SECTION 2. G.S. 143-214.7 reads as rewritten:
"§ 143-214.7. Stormwater runoff rules and programs.
…
(b2) For purposes of implementing stormwater programs, "built-upon area" means
impervious surface and partially impervious surface to the extent that the partially impervious
surface does not allow water to infiltrate through the surface and into the subsoil. "Built-upon
area" does not include a slatted deck; the water area of a swimming pool; a surface of number 57
stone, as designated by the American Society for Testing and Materials, laid at least four inches
thick over a geotextile fabric; a trail as defined in G.S. 113A-85 that is either unpaved or paved
as long as the pavement is porous with a hydraulic conductivity greater than 0.001 centimeters
per second (1.41 inches per hour); or landscaping material, including, but not limited to, gravel,
101
mulch, sand, and vegetation, placed on areas that receive pedestrian or bicycle traffic or on
portions of driveways and parking areas that will not be compacted by the weight of a vehicle,
such as the area between sections of pavement that support the weight of a vehicle. The owner
or developer of a property may opt out of any of the exemptions from "built -upon area" set out
in this subsection. For State stormwater programs and local stormwater programs approved
pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, all of the following shall apply:
…
(2) Development may occur within the area that would otherwise be required to
be placed within a vegetative buffer required by the Commission pursuant to
G.S. 143-214.1 and G.S. 143-214.7 this section provided the stormwater
runoff from the entire impervious area of the development is collected, treated,
and discharged so that it passes through a segment of the vegetative buffer and
is managed so that it otherwise complies with all applicable State and federal
stormwater management requirements. For the purpose of this subdivision,
the entire impervious area of the development shall not include any portion of
a project that is within a North Carolina Department of Transportation or
municipal right-of-way.
…
(b3) Stormwater runoff rules and programs shall not require private property owners to
install new or increased stormwater controls for (i) preexisting development or (ii)
redevelopment activities that do not remove or decrease existing stormwater controls. When a
preexisting development is redeveloped, either in whole or in part, increased stormwater controls
shall only be required for the amount of impervious surface being created that exceeds the amount
of impervious surface that existed before the redevelopment. Provided, however, a
redevelopment, irrespective of whether the impervious surface that existed before the
redevelopment is to be demolished or relocated during the development activity. A property
owner may voluntarily elect to treat all the stormwater from resulting from the net increase in
built-upon area above the preexisting development or redevelopment activities described herein
for the purpose of exceeding allowable density under the applicable water supply watershed rules
as provided in G.S. 143-214.5(d3). This subsection applies to all local governments regardless
of the source of their regulatory authority. Local governments shall include the requirements of
this subsection in their stormwater ordinances.
…
(b5) An applicant for a new stormwater permit, or the reissuance of a permit due to
transfer, modification, or renewal, shall have the option to submit a permit application for
processing to a unit of local government with permitting authority in whose jurisdiction the
project to be permitted is located, or, where a unit of local government with permitting authority
in whose jurisdiction the project to be permitted is located has established a joint program with
one or more units of local government pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, other local
governments in the joint program.
(c) The Commission shall develop model stormwater management programs that may be
implemented by State agencies and units of local government. Model stormwater management
programs shall be developed to protect existing water uses and assure compliance with water
quality standards and classifications. A State agency or unit of local government may submit to
the Commission for its approval a stormwater control program or a stormwater permitting
program for implementation within its jurisdiction. To this end, State agencies may adopt rules,
and units of local government are authorized to adopt ordinances and regulations necessary to
establish and enforce stormwater control programs. programs and stormwater permitting
programs. Units of local government are authorized to create or designate agencies or
subdivisions to administer and enforce the programs. Two or more units of local government are
102
authorized to establish a joint program or a joint stormwater permitting program and to enter into
any agreements that are necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the program.
…
(c7) The Department shall not require an applicant for a new permit to take any action
with respect to an unaffiliated adjacent property and shall not condition issuance of a new permit
on action to be taken by an existing permit holder with respect to the permitting of an unaffiliated
adjacent property. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Applicant" means the person applying for a new permit to be issued pursuant
to this section and, if the applicant is a business entity, applicant also includes
(i) the parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant, (ii) a partner,
officer, director, member, or manager of the business entity, parent,
subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant, and (iii) any person with a direct
or indirect interest in the applicant, other than a minority shareholder of a
publicly traded corporation who has no involvement in management or control
of the corporation or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates.
(2) "Unaffiliated adjacent property" means a property (i) for which the applicant
does not have, and has not had, an ownership interest and (ii) that is not subject
to a permit issued pursuant to this section that also governs the property for
which the new permit is sought.
(3) As used in this section, the words "affiliate," "parent," and "subsidiary" have
the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b-2.
(c8) The Department shall rescind a permit issued under this section without the consent
of the permit holder where the permitted development has not been initiated within five years
after the date of permit issuance. No less than 90 days prior to rescission, the Department shall
notify the permit holder of its intent to rescind the permit and allow the permit holder 60 days in
which to respond and request an extension of the permit.
…."
AMEND STORMWATER FEE CONSIDERATIONS
SECTION 3.(a) G.S. 160A-314(a1) reads as rewritten:
"(a1) (1) Before it establishes or revises a schedule of rates, fees, charges, or penalties
for stormwater management programs and structural and natural stormwater
and drainage systems under this section, the city council shall hold a public
hearing on the matter. A notice of the hearing shall be given at least once in a
newspaper having general circulation in the area, not less than seven days
before the public hearing. The hearing may be held concurrently with t he
public hearing on the proposed budget ordinance.
(2) The fees established under this subsection must be made applicable
throughout the area of the city. Schedules of rates, fees, charges, and penalties
for providing stormwater management programs and structural and natural
stormwater and drainage system service may vary according to whether the
property served is residential, commercial, or industrial property, the
property's use, the size of the property, the area of impervious surfaces on the
property, the quantity and quality of the runoff from the property, stormwater
control measures in use by the property, the characteristics of the watershed
into which stormwater from the property drains, and other factors that affect
the stormwater drainage system. Rates, fees, and charges imposed under this
subsection may not exceed the city's cost of providing a stormwater
management program and a structural and natural stormwater and drainage
system. The city's cost of providing a stormwater management program and a
structural and natural stormwater and drainage system includes any costs
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STATEMENT OF APPROVAL AND CONSISTENCY OF
A PROPOSED UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT WITH
ADOPTED ORANGE COUNTY PLANS
Orange County has initiated an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to
respond to and comply with NC Session Laws 23-108 and -137.
The Planning Board hereby recommends approval of the proposed text amendment and issues
this Statement of Consistency pursuant to NCGS § 160D-604 (d) Planning board review and
comments – Plan consistency. The Planning Board finds:
1. The requirements of UDO Section 2.8 Zoning Atlas and Unified Development
Ordinance Amendments, including review by the Development Advisory Committee
(DAC), as required in UDO Section 1.9, have been met;
2.The amendment is consistent with the adopted 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan,
as prescribed by UDO Section 1.1.5 Statement of Intent – Amendments and Section 1.1.7
Conformance with Adopted Plans, and will “correct a manifest error in the Ordinance”;
3. The amendment is generally inconsistent with the goals and objectives of the 2030
Comprehensive Plan, but is compliant with adopted State laws, and does support the
following objectives in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan:
a.Land Use Objective LU-4.2: Review and amend the Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance to identify and eliminate existing regulatory
impediments to objectives identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Such objectives
include but are not limited to the development of energy efficient buildings within
the County, water efficiency standards for new development, and development of
affordable housing.
b.Housing Objective H-4.4: Working collaboratively with the towns, identify
regulatory barriers to be removed and opportunities for development incentives to
encourage the construction of a diverse range of housing types countywide.
4.The amendment is consistent with this principle and these goals because implementation
will result in more redevelopment options for redevelopment projects in Orange County.
5. The amendment is reasonable and in the public interest because it brings the County’s
development standards into compliance with North Carolina State laws.
The Planning Board hereby adopts this Statement of Approval and Consistency and the
findings expressed herein.
Attachment 3
104
____________________________________ __________________________
Adam Beeman, Chair Date
106105
(4) Recommend the Planning Board be given extended time to consider the matter.
(C) Should the Planning Board fail to make a recommendation prior to the Public Hearing,
the application shall be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners without a
Planning Board recommendation.
2.3.10 Action by Board of County Commissioners
(A) The Board of County Commissioners shall hold a public hearing after the Planning Board
either makes its recommendation or takes no action on the application within 30 days of
its referral.
(B) After the Board of County Commissioners closes the public hearing, the Board of County
Commissioners shall do one of the following:
(1) defer a decision to a later Board of County Commissioners meeting date, or
(2) make a decision.
(C) In making its decision, the Board of Commissioners shall consider comments made at the
public hearing, the Planning Board’s recommendation, and the Planning Director’s
recommendation.
SECTION 2.4: ZONING COMPLIANCE PERMITS
2.4.1 Applicability
(A) As required by this Ordinance, a Zoning Compliance Permit must be issued before any
new site development, building, structure, or vehicular use area may be erected,
constructed or used.
(B) Submittal and approval of a site plan (see Section 2.5) is required for issuance of a
Zoning Compliance Permit except for:
(1) Single-family detached dwellings and duplexes, and accessory structures to
those residential uses shall require a plot plan as detailed within Section 2.4.3 of
this Ordinance.
In those instances, however, where the proposed level of land disturbance
exceeds established thresholds as detailed within Section 4.2.10 of this
Ordinance, a formal site plan prepared in accordance with Section 2.5 of this
Ordinance, shall be required for submittal and approval. This site plan shall
contain all required elements associated with obtaining a Zoning Compliance
Permit and Land Disturbing Permit (LDP) as detailed herein.
(2) Interior renovation or repair of an existing structure, provided the use of the lot
and/or structure has not changed.
(C) Issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit is required prior to beginning the excavation for
the construction, moving, alteration, or repair, except ordinary repairs, of any building or
other structure, including an accessory structure. The Zoning Compliance Permit shall
include a determination that plans, specifications and the intended use of the structure
conforms to the provisions of this Ordinance.
(D) Issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit is required to change the type of use or type of
occupancy of any building, or to expand any use on any lot on which there is a non-
conforming use. The Zoning Compliance Permit shall include a determination that the
proposed use conforms to the provisions of this Ordinance.
2.4.2 Requirements and Conditions
(A) In cases where the development and/or commencement of a land use requires the
issuance of a Special Use Permit, a Zoning Compliance Permit shall not be issued until
106
the aforementioned permit has been issued by the Board of Adjustment in accordance
with the review and approval procedures detailed herein.
(B) Issuance of a Special Use Permit does not negate the requirement for a Zoning
Compliance Permit.
(C) Issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit does not establish a vested right to begin and
complete construction or change the use/occupancy of a lot or building should
regulations change subsequent to issuance of said permit.
(D) Application for Zoning Compliance Permit shall specify the method of disposal of trees,
limbs, stumps and construction debris associated with the permitted activity. Open
burning of trees, limbs, stumps, and/or construction debris associated with the permitted
activity is expressly prohibited.
(E) No building, structure, or zoning lot for which a Zoning Compliance Permit has been
issued shall be used or occupied until the Building Inspector Planning and Inspections
Director has, after final inspection, issued a Certificate of Occupancy indicating
compliance with all the provisions of this Ordinance.
(F) No building, structure, or zoning lot for which a Zoning Compliance Permit has been
issued shall be used or occupied until the Orange County Health Department has
approved the water supply and sewage disposal systems serving that use.
(G) Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official or the approval of a water
supply and sewage disposal system by the Health Department shall in no case be
construed as waiving any provision of this Ordinance.
(H) Zoning Compliance Permits shall become null and void after 18 months from the date of
issuance if a building permit is not applied for or Land-Disturbing Activities are not
commenced in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
(I) Projects needing a Performance Guarantee shall abide by the provisions of Section 2.27
of this Ordinance.
2.4.3 Plot Plan Specifications
(A) For development types requiring a plot plan rather than a site plan, the plot plan shall
contain the following:
(1) A scaled drawing denoting the length of all property lines,
(2) A north arrow denoting the orientation of the lot and all proposed structures,
(3) The location of all existing structures, driveways, and areas of impervious
surface,
(4) The location of the proposed structure(s) and distances from all property lines,
(5) The location of the proposed driveway,
(6) The location of the proposed septic system and proposed drain lines on the
property,
(7) The location of the proposed well, and
(8) The location of any protected features on the property (i.e. stream buffers, flood
plain, wetlands, etc.), and
(9) The location and dimensions of proposed parking areas.
(B) Base plot plans are available from the Planning Department and can be printed for a fee
in accordance with the established fee schedule. Applicants may also use other sources
of base plot plans provided the requirements of this Section are met.
(1) Planning staff is available to discuss compliance matters but shall not complete
plot plans.
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SECTION 2.5: SITE PLAN REVIEW
2.5.1 Review and Approval Flow Chart
The review and approval process for a Site Plan is
shown in the procedure’s flowchart.
2.5.2 Application Requirements
(A) Each site plan shall be prepared and sealed
by an appropriately licensed professional. The
following are exempt from this requirement but
must provide a plot plan pursuant to Section
2.4.3:
(1) Proposed additions to existing
permitted non-residential structures
where the use of the structure and lot
has not changed and the floor area is
not increased more than 25%.
(2) Accessory structures to existing
permitted non-residential structures
where vehicular use area is not
extended and changes to existing
grade are not more than one foot in
elevation.
(3) Center in a Residence.
(4) Short Term Rental – Host Occupied.
(5) Cooperative Farm Stand.
(6) Rural Special Events.
(7) Non-Farm Use of Farm Equipment.
(B) The applicant shall submit to the Planning and Inspections Department:
(1) Three copies of the site plan prepared in accordance with the provisions detailed
in this Section. Additional copies may be required depending on the nature and
location of the proposed development);.
(2) The completed site plan application form;
(3) A copy of the Orange County tax map with the subject property identified;
(4) Legal documentation, to be approved by the County Attorney, establishing
entities responsible for control over common areas and facilities.
(5) Three copies of the Environmental Assessment and/or Environmental Impact
Statement, if required under Section 6.16 of this Ordinance.
(6) A statement regarding the method of disposal of trees, limbs, stumps and
construction debris associated with the permitted activity. Open burning of trees,
limbs, stumps, and/or construction debris associated with the permitted activity is
expressly prohibited.
(C) Other items which should be submitted simultaneously, but are not required as part of the
site plan application are:
(1) Erosion control and grading plans as necessary to be approved by the Erosion
Control Officer for a grading permit, and
Planning Director Review and Final
Decision: Approval, Approval with
Conditions, or Denial [1]
[1] If Plan is approved with conditions, no
zoning permit authorization or building
permit issued until conditions satisfied
Completed Application
Distributed to Applicable
Agencies, Development Advisory
Committee, and Other
Departments for Review
Determination of Completeness
By Planning Director
Site Plan
Application
Submittal
108
(2) Stormwater Management Plans (SMPs) as necessary to be approved by the
Erosion Control Officer prior to the issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit, and
(3) Building construction plans to be approved by the Building Official prior to
issuance of a building permit.
2.5.3 Plan Specifications
Each site plan shall be drawn at a scale adequate to show required detail and shall contain the
following information:
(A) The boundary of the lot(s) to be developed labeled with bearings and distances;
(B) The name, address, and phone number of the applicant and the property owner;
(C) Name of project, vicinity map, north arrow, scale, tax map reference number, date of plan
preparation, and subsequent revision dates;
(D) Zoning of the property to be developed and all adjacent zoning and existing adjacent land
uses;
(E) Adjacent right-of-way widths with road names and numbers;
(F) A development summary including total acres, proposed use(s), total building square
footage, required and proposed parking spaces.
(G) Demonstrated compliance with all applicable performance standards contained in Articles
3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Ordinance;
(H) Maximum and proposed impervious surface and required stream buffers as detailed in
Sections 4.2 and 6.12 of this Ordinance;
(I) Estimated traffic generated by the proposed development in trips per day. If the estimate
exceeds 800 trips per day, a traffic impact study must be submitted in accordance with
Section 6.17;
(J) Front, side, and rear building setbacks as required by Articles 3 and 5 of this Ordinance;
(K) Location of all proposed buildings and structures labeled with floor area, building height
and function, and proposed finished floor elevation;
(L) Vehicular use areas including existing and proposed streets and access drives, off street
parking and loading to comply with Section 6.9 of this Ordinance, and entry/exit points of
adjacent parcels;
(M) Overhead and underground utilities with accompanying easements and storm drainage
facilities/easements (including septic tanks and wastewater disposal fields, wells, fire
hydrants, irrigation, and security lights);
(N) Solid waste disposal facilities;
(O) All proposed free-standing and wall-mounted signs. Signs must comply with Section 6.12
of this Ordinance;
(P) A landscape plan demonstrating compliance with Section 6.8 of this Ordinance;
(Q) For all developments other than those regulated by the NC Residential Code single-
family residential, and duplexes, existing contour lines (dashed) and proposed contours
(solid) at 5-foot intervals with 10-foot contours bold. Where site conditions warrant, 2-foot
contours may be required;
(R) Retaining walls, tree wells, or rip rap as part of the grading plan;
(S) Streams, ponds, drainage ditches, swamps, floodway and floodplain boundaries;
(T) Phase lines and numbers if the development is to be phased;
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(U) Methods of disposal of trees, limbs, stumps and construction debris associated with the
permitted activity. Open burning of trees, limbs, stumps, and/or construction debris
associated with the permitted activity is expressly prohibited;
(V) Compliance with County adopted access management, transportation and/or connectivity
plans and denote the location of future roadway(s) and access easements, whether
public or private, to ensure and encourage future connectivity; and
(W) Additional information may be required based on the site location and the type of
development proposed.
2.5.4 Procedures and Timeframes
(A) Upon submission, the Planning Director shall review the site plan application for
completeness in form and content according to this Article.
(B) If an application is incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant within five working days.
(C) When a complete application has been accepted, the plan(s) shall be distributed to
applicable agencies, DAC, and other departments for review and comment.
(1) Applications for agricultural support enterprise uses located within the Rural
Buffer land use classification, as depicted on the Future Land Use Map of the
adopted Comprehensive Plan, shall be forwarded to the County’s Agricultural
Preservation Board for review and comment.
(a) The Agricultural Preservation Board shall have 30 calendar days to
provide comments. If comments are not received within this timeframe,
the application review process shall not be delayed.
(b) For purposes of this subsection, agricultural support enterprise uses
shall be defined as those permitted in the ASE-CD zoning district, as
detailed within Section 5.2 of this Ordinance.
(D) The Planning Director shall review the plan(s) based on, but not limited to, the following
general criteria:
(1) Compliance with all applicable County ordinances;
(2) Extent and intensity of impacts to the surrounding area;
(3) Respect for existing site conditions, including slope, vegetation, drainage
patterns, etc.;
(4) Efficient use of the land to minimize disturbance and grading and to conserve
energy;
(5) Safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation;
(6) Logical placement of structures and other site functions;
(7) No open burning of trees, limbs, stumps and construction debris associated with
the permitted activity; and
(8) Compliance with any previously issued Special Use or Conditional Use Permit(s)
associated with the project.
(E) Following review of the site plan, the Planning Director shall take final action on the
application within 21 days of acceptance of a complete application. Final action shall be
one of the following:
(1) Approval,
(2) Approval with conditions, or
(3) Denial.
110
Failure to meet the criteria for site plan approval listed herein, and/or to address all
review comments solicited during plan review, will result in denial of the application.
(F) If a plan is approved with conditions, no zoning authorization allowing Land-Disturbing
Activity or subsequent building permit shall be issued until all conditions of approval have
been met to the satisfaction of Orange County.
(G) Site plan approval and the issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit does not establish a
vested right to develop the property should zoning regulations change subsequent to plan
approval.
2.5.5 Vesting of Site Plan
(A) At the option of the Applicant, a site plan may be vested for a period of not less than two
nor more than five years. Multi-phased developments, as defined in NCGS 160D-108,
shall be vested for a period of seven years from the time a site plan approval is granted
for the initial phase of the multi-phased development.
(B) To become vested, a site specific vesting plan must be approved by the Board of County
Commissioners through either the normal project approval process if the Board of County
Commissioners is the approval authority, or, in the case the Board of County
Commissioners is not the normal approval authority, by the Board of County
Commissioners after a legislative hearing.
(1) Said legislative hearing shall follow the public notification procedures set forth in
Section 2.8.7.
(2) The Board of County Commissioners may approve the site specific vesting plan
with such terms and conditions as may reasonably be necessary to protect the
public health, safety, and welfare. Such conditional approval shall result in a
vested right. Failure to abide by such terms and conditions shall result in a
forfeiture of vested rights.
(C) An approved site specific vesting plan shall contain the following statement: "Approval of
this plan establishes a zoning vested right under NCGS 160D-108. Unless terminated at
an earlier date, the zoning right shall be valid until _________."
(D) The site specific vesting plan for a project which requires the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with Section 6.16 of this Ordinance
shall not be approved until the EIS has been made available for public review, and has
been presented to the Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Section 2.23
of this Ordinance.
2.5.6 Performance Guarantees
(A) If a Performance Guarantee is required, the provisions of Section 2.27 of this Ordinance
shall apply.
2.5.7 Additional Requirements for Overlay Districts
(A) Efland-Cheeks Highway 70 Corridor Overlay District
(1) Approval Requirements
Within the Efland-Cheeks Highway 70 Corridor Overlay District (ECOD), no
construction activity shall begin nor shall any conversion of existing single-family
residence to a non-residential land use, excavation, soil removal, grading or
disturbance of vegetation including trees, Land-Disturbing Activity associated
with a non-residential land use, be commenced, nor any sign erected until such
time as a site plan has been approved and a permit issued by the Planning
Director in accordance with this Section and Section 2.4 of this Ordinance.
(B) Efland Interstate Overlay District
111
(1) Approval Requirements
Within the Efland Interstate Overlay District, no construction activity shall begin
nor shall any excavation, soil removal, filling, grading or disturbance of
vegetation, including trees, be commenced, nor any sign erected for any use
subject to the requirements of the overlay district until such time as a site plan
has been approved and a permit issued by the Planning Director in accordance
with this Section and Section 2.4 of this Ordinance.
(C) Efland Village Overlay District
(1) Approval Requirements
Within the Efland Village Overlay District, no construction activity shall begin nor
shall any excavation, soil removal, filling, grading or disturbance of vegetation,
including trees, be commenced, nor any sign erected for any use subject to the
requirements of the overlay district until such time as a site plan has been
approved and a permit issued by the Planning Director in accordance with this
Section and Section 2.4 of this Ordinance.
(D) Major Transportation Corridor Overlay District
(1) Approval Requirements
Within the Major Transportation Corridor District, no construction activity shall
begin nor shall any excavation, soil removal, filling, grading or disturbance of
vegetation, including trees, be commenced, nor any sign erected until such time
as a site plan has been approved and a permit issued by the Planning Director in
accordance with this Section and Section 2.4 of this Ordinance.
2.5.8 Additional Requirements for Economic Development Districts
(A) Prior to submission of an application for site plan approval, applicants shall meet with
representatives of the Planning and Inspections, and Economic Development
Departments to identify policies, procedures, regulations, and fees applicable to
development proposals.
(B) Any proposed subdivision in an Economic Development District shall follow the approval
procedures as specified in Section 2.16.
(C) In addition to the submittal requirements contained in this Section, a complete application
shall also include:
(1) Building elevation drawings for each proposed structure; and
(2) A minimum of two drawings of sections through the site illustrating existing and
proposed grades, as well as the relationship of different site features.
SECTION 2.6: FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION PERMIT AND
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
2.6.1 Requirements for Special Flood Hazard Area
(A) All projects proposing the development of property located within a Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFPA) shall be required, regardless of the proposed land use, to submit a site plan
prepared by a registered engineer, landscape architect, or land surveyor in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2.5.
(B) Flood damage prevention regulations contained herein shall apply to all Special Flood
Hazard Areas within the jurisdiction of Orange County, including properties located within
the Extra-Territorial Jurisdictions (ETJs) of local municipalities used for bona fide farm
purposes in accordance with Sections 160D-201 and 160D-202of the North Carolina
General Statutes.
112
(d) The Orange County Planning Department, in consultation with Orange
County Environmental Health and/or the Orange County Staff Engineer,
has determined that the relative locations of the well, septic system and
structure maximize the amount of watershed protection that can be
achieved while allowing development of the lot. Generally, an exception
to setbacks for repair area is preferable to an exception for the initial
septic system, and encroachment of structures or gravity septic systems
into the setback is preferable to the installation of a septic system pump.
(e) The amount of encroachment into the stream or reservoir buffer is the
minimum amount which can be obtained while meeting the criteria in (a)
through (d).
4.2.3 Land Use Restrictions
All uses and activities allowed in the underlying zoning district are permitted with the following
exceptions:
TABLE 4.2.3 LAND USE RESTRICTIONS
DISTRICT RESTRICTIONS
UNIV-CA
UNIV-PW
CANE-CA
U-ENO-CA
No new landfills are permitted.
No commercial or industrial uses are permitted except for commercial development, in
accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, located within established Nodes as
detailed within the Orange County Comprehensive Plan.
No new golf courses are permitted
UNIV-CA
CANE-CA
U-ENO-CA
No residual (sludge/biosolids) application is permitted.
CANE-PW
U-ENO-PW
HYCO-PW
LITTLE-PW
BACK-PW
FLAT-PW
HAW-PW
L-ENO-PW
JORDAN-PW
No discharging landfills are permitted. Industrial use is limited to nonhazardous light
industrial uses characterized by low water use (less than 10,000 gpd, excluding domestic
water (25 gpd per employee) and water used for heating and air conditioning).
4.2.4 Residential Density
Maximum residential density shall be as indicated in the Table in this subsection, or as required
by the underlying zoning district, whichever is less.
TABLE 4.2.4 RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
DISTRICT MAXIMUM DENSITY
UNIV-CA
UNIV-PW
1 du/five acres.
Lots of record existing on October 2, 1989 may contain up to, but no more than, five lots
with a density of one du/two acres. Contiguous lots of record existing on October 2, 1989
may be combined into one parcel for development. The number of two-acre lots and the
total number of lots in the combined parcel cannot exceed the sum of the number of lots
which could be created from each lot of record.
CANE-CA
CANE-PW
1 du/ five acres
Lots of record existing on October 19, 1999 may contain up to, but no more than, five lots as
small as two acres in size. Contiguous lots of record existing on October 19, 1999 may be
combined into one parcel for development. The number of two-acre lots and the total
number of lots in the combined parcel cannot exceed the sum of the number of lots which
could be created from each lot of record.
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TABLE 4.2.4 RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
DISTRICT MAXIMUM DENSITY
U-ENO-CA
LITTLE-PW 1 du / 2 acres
HYCO-PW
FLAT-PW 1 du/ 40,000 square feet (.92 acre)
U-ENO-PW
L-ENO-PW
HAW-PW
JORDAN-PW
BACK-PW
Maximum density is as permitted in the underlying zoning district.
Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) are required in some cases where density exceeds 1
dwelling unit per acre. Refer to Section 4.2.5.
(A)Density Exceedance Allowance
As enabled by NC G.S § 143-214.5(d3), an applicant may exceed the density otherwise
required by the applicable water supply watershed regulations, but not the underlying
zoning district, if all of the following circumstances apply:
(1)The property was developed prior to the effective date of the applicable water
supply watershed regulations;
(2)The property has not been combined with additional lots after January 1, 2021;
(3)The property has not participated in density averaging, as allowed by NC G.S. §
143-214.5(d2);
(4)The current use of the property is nonresidential; and
(5)The remaining vegetated buffers on the property are preserved in accordance
with Section 6.13.4 of this Ordinance.
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Impervious Surface Requirements for Residential Uses
TABLE 4.2.5.1: IMPERVIOUS SURFACE REQUIREMENTS (RESIDENTIAL)
DISTRICT IMPERVIOUS SURFACE/DETENTION POND REQUIREMENTS (RESIDENTIAL)
UNIV-CA
UNIV-PW
6% impervious surface limit.
EXCEPT for all lots which existed prior to 4/2/90, which are subject to impervious surface
limits as provided in the following Table (entitled Sliding Scale for Residential Impervious
Surface Ratios – Univ, Cane, and Little). [1], [2]
Lots shall either be a minimum of 2 acres in area, exclusive of any right-of-way or access
easement, or created in accordance with established density regulations through the
subdivision process to qualify for additional impervious surface allocation as detailed in
Section 4.2.8 (C).
CANE-CA
CANE-PW
6% impervious surface limit.
EXCEPT for lots smaller than two acres which existed prior to 1/1/94, which are subject to
impervious surface limits as provided in the following Table (entitled Sliding Scale for
Residential Impervious Surface Ratios – Univ, Cane, and Little). [1], [2]
Lots shall either be a minimum of 2 acres in area, exclusive of any right-of-way or access
easement, or created in accordance with established density regulations through the
subdivision process to qualify for additional impervious surface allocation as detailed in
Section 4.2.8 (C).
U-ENO-CA
6% impervious surface limit.
EXCEPT for lots smaller than five acres which existed prior to 6/1/2010, which are subject to
impervious surface limits as provided in the following Table (entitled Sliding Scale for
Residential Impervious Surface Ratios – Upper Eno). [1], [2]
LITTLE-PW
6% impervious surface limit.
EXCEPT for lots which existed prior to 1/1/94, which are subject to impervious surface limits
as provided in the following Table (entitled Sliding Scale for Residential Impervious Surface
Ratios - Univ, Cane, and Little). [1], [2]
Lots shall either be a minimum of 2 acres in area, exclusive of any right-of-way or access
easement, or created in accordance with established density regulations through the
subdivision process to qualify for additional impervious surface allocation as detailed in
Section 4.2.8 (C).
FLAT-PW
HYCO-PW 12% impervious surface limit for new and existing lots. [1], [2]
U-ENO-PW
BACK-PW
12% impervious surface limit for existing and new lots outside of Transition Areas as
designated in the Orange County Land Use Plan. [1], [2]
30% impervious surface limit for developments which exceed a density 1 du/acre within
Transition Areas as designated in the Orange County Land Use Plan. Stormwater
Management Plans (SMPs) and/or Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) are required if
impervious surface exceeds 12%.
70% impervious surface limit for residential uses developed at “high intensity” densities (R-
5, R-8, and R-13) in an Economic Development District as designated in the Land Use
Element of the Comprehensive Plan (high-density option) with SCMs if ISR exceeds12%.
L-ENO-PW
24% impervious surface limit with curb and gutter.
36% impervious surface limit without curb and gutter.
[1], [2]
70% impervious surface limit for residential uses developed at “high intensity” densities (R-
5, R-8, and R-13) in an Economic Development District as designated in the Land Use
Element of the Comprehensive Plan (high-density option), with Stormwater Management
Plans (SMPs) and/or Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) required when impervious
surface exceeds:
24% (w/ curb and gutter); or
36% (w/o curb and gutter).
HAW-PW
JORDAN-PW
24% impervious surface limit. [1], [2]
[1] Allowable impervious surface area may be modified in accordance with Section 4.2.8 of the UDO.
[2] Regardless of the proposed amount of impervious surface area, a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) and/or
Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) may still be required based on the proposed amount of land disturbance on a
given parcel of property in accordance with applicable Orange County Erosion Control and State Stormwater
regulations.
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(B) Hillsborough Economic Development District
(1) The Hillsborough Economic Development District is located within the Lower Eno
- Unprotected watershed. Within the Hillsborough Economic Development
District, as designated in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan, the
maximum impervious surface ratio is 50% with detention ponds.
TABLES 4.2.5.2 & 4.2.5.3: SLIDING SCALE FOR RESIDENTIAL IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RATIOS –
UNIV, CANE, LITTLE, AND UPPER ENO
LOT SIZE (ACRES) ISR SQUARE FEET LOT SIZE (ACRES) ISR SQUARE FEET
Cells in black DO NOT apply to the Upper Eno
6+ 5.0 3.1 9.8 13,234
6.0 5.0 13,068 3.0 10.0 13,068
5.9 5.1 13,107 2.9 10.2 12,885
5.8 5.2 13,138 2.8 10.4 12,685
5.7 5.3 13,159 2.7 10.6 12,467
5.6 5.4 13,172 2.6 10.8 12,232
5.5 5.5 13,177 2.5 11.0 11,979
5.4 5.6 13,172 2.4 11.2 11,709
5.3 5.7 13,159 2.3 11.4 11,421
5.2. 5.8 13,138 2.2 11.6 11,116
5.1 5.9 13,107 2.1 11.8 10,794
5.0 6.0 13,068 2.0 12.0 10,454
4.9 6.2 13,234 1.9 12.2 10,097
4.8 6.4 13,381 1.8 12.4 9,723
4.7 6.6 13,512 1.7 12.6 9,331
4.6 6.8 13,625 1.6 12.8 8,921
4.5 7.0 13,721 1.5 13.0 8,494
4.4 7.2 13,880 1.4 13.2 8,050
4.3 7.4 13,861 1.3 13.4 7,588
4.2 7.6 13,904 1.2 13.6 7,109
4.1 7.8 13,930 1.1 13.8 6,612
4.0 8.0 13,939 1.0 14.0 6,098
3.9 8.2 13,930 0.9 14.2 5,567
3.8 8.4 13,904 0.8 14.4 5,018
3.7 8.6 13,861 0.7 14.6 4,452
3.6 8.8 13,800 0.6 14.8 3,868
3.5 9.0 13,721 0.5 15.0 3,267
3.4 9.2 13,625 0.4 15.2 2,648
3.3 9.4 13,512 0.3 15.4 2,012
3.2 9.6 13,382 0.2 15.6 1,359
4.2.5 Impervious Surface and Lot Size Requirements for Non-Residential Uses
Unless otherwise noted in the Table below, minimum lot sizes shall be in conformance with the
underlying zoning district.
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TABLE 4.2.6: IMPERVIOUS SURFACE REQUIREMENTS (NON-RESIDENTIAL)
DISTRICT IMPERVIOUS SURFACE/DETENTION POND REQUIREMENTS (NON-RESIDENTIAL)
UNIV-CA
CANE-CA
5-acre minimum lot size, with potential of up to five lots as small as two acres for lots of record September 1,
2015 (University Lake) or October 19, 1999 (Cane Creek); AND
6% impervious surface limit. [1], [2]
U-ENO-CA 2-acre minimum lot size AND
6% impervious surface limit. [1], [2]
UNIV-PW
CANE-PW
5-acre minimum lot size with potential of up to five lots as small as two acres for lots of record September 1,
2015 (University Lake) or October 19, 1999 (Cane Creek); AND
50% ISR for all fire stations and solid waste collection centers; AND
12% ISR for all other non-residential uses; AND
on-site infiltration of the first inch of stormwater runoff; AND
a limit of 1.0% of the watershed for non-residential use (139 acres in CANE-PW). [1], [2]
LITTLE-PW
2-acre minimum lot size AND
50% ISR for all fire stations and solid waste collection centers; AND
12% ISR for all other non-residential uses; AND
on-site infiltration of the first inch of stormwater runoff; AND
a limit of 1.0% of the watershed for non-residential use (406 acres in LITTLE-PW). [1], [2]
U-ENO-PW
BACK-PW
70% ISR in Economic Development, Commercial and/or Commercial- Industrial Nodes as designated in the
Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan (high-density option) with Stormwater Management Plans
(SMPs) and/or Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) if ISR exceeds 12%; AND
50% ISR for all fire stations and solid waste collection centers outside of Commercial and/or Commercial-
Industrial Nodes as designated in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan, with Stormwater
Management Plans (SMPs) and/or Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) if ISR exceeds 12%; AND
12% ISR for all other non-residential uses outside of Commercial and/or Commercial-Industrial Nodes as
designated in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan; AND
on-site infiltration of the first inch of stormwater runoff; AND
A limit of 1,151 acres of non-residential use throughout U-ENO-PW (5.0%) and 163 acres
throughout BACK-PW (1%). [1], [2]
HYCO-PW
FLAT-PW
50% ISR for all fire stations and solid waste collection centers; AND
12% ISR for all other non-residential uses; AND
on-site infiltration of the first inch of stormwater runoff;AND
limit of 1% of the watershed for non-residential use (37 acres in HYCO-PW, 66 acres in FLAT-PW). [1], [2]
L-ENO-PW
70% impervious surface, with structural SCMs required when impervious surface exceeds:
24% (w/ curb and gutter); or
36% (w/o curb and gutter). [1], [2]
HAW-PW
JORDAN-PW 24% impervious surface limit. [1], [2]
[1] Allowable impervious surface area may be modified in accordance with Section 4.2.8 of the UDO.
[2] Regardless of the proposed amount of impervious surface area, a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) and/or a Stormwater
Control Measure (SCM) may be required in accordance with applicable local and State standards based on proposed land
disturbance and/or a project exceeding impervious surface thresholds as identified herein.
NOTE: Non-residential use impervious acreage limits in watershed with such limits are calculated using the actual amount of
impervious surface for non-residential uses throughout the watershed, not by the overall number of acres of non-residential
parcels located in a particular watershed.
(A) Hillsborough Economic Development District
(1) The Hillsborough Economic Development District is located within the Lower Eno
- Unprotected watershed. Within the Hillsborough Economic Development
District, as designated in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan, the
maximum impervious surface ratio is 50% with Stormwater Control Measures
(SCMs).
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4.2.6 Placement of Streets, Driveways, and Buildings
(A) Streets, driveways, and buildings or other structures shall be located, to the extent
reasonably possible, so as to take full advantage of the absorptive capacity of the soils
on which they are to be situated and to avoid the following environmentally sensitive
areas:
(1) Stream buffer zones as required by Section 6.13;
(2) Wetlands as defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
(3) Land with slopes greater than 15%; and
(4) Natural areas as identified in the Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats
of Orange County, NC.
(B) To avoid creating lots that will be difficult to build upon in compliance with the standards
of this Section, the preliminary plan shall show proposed building envelopes and
approximate driveway locations for all lots within subdivisions.
(1) A zoning compliance permit shall not be issued for the construction of buildings
or driveways outside the areas so designated on the preliminary plan unless the
Planning Director makes a written finding that the proposed location complies
with the provisions of this Section and Sections 6.13 (Stream Buffers) and 6.14
(Stormwater Management).
4.2.7 Modifications of the Impervious Surface Ratio
Modifications of the Impervious Surface Ratios may be requested through one of the following
provisions:
(A) Through variance procedures of the Board of Adjustment, as described in Section 2.10.
(B) Through approval and recordation of a conservation agreement, as provided in Article 4
of Chapter 121 of the N.C. General Statutes, between Orange County and a land owner
that prohibits development of land in a protected watershed in perpetuity, subject to the
following:
(1) A modification of the required impervious surface ratios may be approved
administratively but only to the extent that additional land in the same watershed
is conserved or protected from development.
(2) The land which will be subject to a conservation agreement must be adjacent to
the land proposed for development and for which a modification of the
impervious surface ratios is sought.
(a) As an example, a person owning a 40,000 square foot lot and subject to
a 12% impervious surface ratio would be limited to 4,800 square feet of
impervious coverage. If the person's plans called for 5,500 square feet
of coverage (a difference of 700 square feet), the recording of a
conservation easement on 5,833 square feet of contiguous property
would satisfy the impervious surface ratio requirements. (12% of 5,833
square feet is 700 square feet.)
(b) The conservation easement shall describe the property restricted in a
manner sufficient to pass title, provide that its restrictions are covenants
that run with the land and, be approved in form by the County Attorney.
(c) The conservation easement shall, upon recording, be in the place of a
first priority lien on the property (excepting current ad valorem property
taxes) and shall remain so unless, with the approval of Orange County, it
is released and terminated.
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(d) Orange County shall require the priority of the conservation easement to
be certified by an attorney-at-law, licensed to practice law in the State of
North Carolina and approved to certify title to real property.
(e) Orange County approval of a release or termination of the conservation
agreement shall be declared on the document releasing or terminating
the agreement. The document shall be signed by the Orange County
Manager, upon approval of the Board of County Commissioners. No
such document shall be effective to release or terminate the
conservation agreement until it is filed for registration with the Register of
Deeds of Orange County.
(C) Through approval (by Orange County) and recordation (by the land owner(s)) of a
Declaration of Impervious Surface Re-Allocation form (provided by Orange County) and a
corresponding scaled exhibit map. The Declaration of Impervious Surface Re-Allocation
form and corresponding scaled exhibit map must clearly describe the proposed site
modifications, inclusive of the allowable impervious area(s) for each affected lot (in
square feet), the amount of existing impervious area(s) for each affected lot (in square
feet), and the amount of proposed impervious area(s) to be permanently added and/or
removed for each affected lot. The applicant must provide evidence that the proposed
impervious surface re-allocations are within the same watershed and within the same tier
of that watershed (e.g. critical, protected, unprotected).
(D) Through the installation of a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM), consistent with the
minimum design standards as detailed within the most current version of the North
Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A, Subchapter 02H, Sections .1000 through .1062
and the most current version of the Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)
Stormwater Design Manual, and this Ordinance.
(1) The proposed feature must be recognized by Orange County and the State as
allowing for an increase in impervious surface area through an Infiltration
System.
(2) Under no circumstances may impervious surface area be increased by more
than 3% of the total allowable area on the subject parcel through this process.
(3) The property owner shall provide a stormwater assessment, completed by a
licensed engineer, of the current property identifying its infiltration rates and
carrying capacity as well as a comprehensive soil assessment for the property.
(4) The development/design of the feature shall be in accordance with established
design criteria as embodied within the most current version of the North Carolina
Administrative Code Title 15A, Subchapter 02H, Sections .1000 through .1062
and the most current version of the NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual and shall
be completed by a licensed engineer with expertise in stormwater management.
Additional allowable impervious surface area shall be based on the soil
composition of the property consistent with State regulations.
(5) The property owner shall be responsible for the completion and submission of a
stormwater operation/maintenance and access agreement detailing the perpetual
maintenance, inspection, and upkeep of the approved SCM in accordance with
Orange County and State regulations.
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(E)
The Planning Director shall cause an analysis to be made of the agreement by
qualified representatives of Orange County and other agencies or officials as
appropriate. Once approved, the document shall be recorded at the Orange
County Register of Deeds office.
The property owner assumes all financial and legal responsibility for the
perpetual maintenance and upkeep of the approved SCM.
(6) The property owner shall assume all costs associated with the preparation and
recordation of new plat(s)/development restrictions detailing the allowable
impervious surface limit(s) for the property after the SCM has been approved by
Orange County.
(7) The property owner, at its cost and expense, shall be required to execute and file
with Orange County a Performance Guarantee to cover the cost of removal of a
SCM, and any additional impervious surface area installed as the result of its
approval, in the event the SCM is failed to be maintained in accordance with the
recorded operations agreement. The Performance Guarantee shall comply with
the provisions of Section 6.22 of this Ordinance.
(E) If all of the criteria of Section 4.2.4(A) are satisfied, an applicant may elect to apply the
preexisting development regulations, as specified in Section 6.14(C).1
1 Per NCSL23-137
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6.2 (Lot and Building Standards), 6.5 (Architectural Design Standards) and 6.6.4 (Major
Transportation Corridor).
4.5.2 Applicability
(A) This district is intended for all properties located north of the railroad tracks in a
geographic area commonly referred to as “Efland” in accordance with the boundaries
shown on the Orange County Zoning Atlas
(B) The requirements of this Ordinance pertaining to the Efland Village Overlay District apply
to all residential and non-residential land uses and developments in the designated
district except for detached single-family residential land uses and developments.
4.5.3 Permitted Uses and Dimensional and Ratio Standards
(A) Within the Efland Village Overlay District, uses of land and structures and Dimensional
and Ratio Standards are those permitted in the underlying zoning district or districts. All
other requirements for the use of land and structures contained in this Ordinance shall be
met unless otherwise provided.
(B) Setbacks and Building Height
(1) In lieu of the front setback required in Article 3, the minimum front yard setback
for properties fronting on U.S. Highway 70 shall be 30-feet.
(2) In lieu of the front setback required in Article 3, the front yard setback for parcels
located in the overlay district but not fronting on U.S. Highway 70 shall be in
keeping with the front setback provided by adjacent uses.
(3) The minimum side and rear setback shall be the width of the required Land Use
Buffer (Section 6.8.6) or the setback required in Article 3, whichever is less, but
in no case shall be less than 10-feet.
(4) If Building Height Limitation modifications are pursued in accordance with
Section 6.2.2(A), in no case shall building height exceed 40 feet.
(C) Yard Encroachments
(1) No fences shall be permitted in the front yard of lots used for non-residential uses
unless a demonstrated need can be shown.
(2) Fences located in the front yard of residential uses, other than single-family
detached dwellings, shall be a maximum of five feet in height.
SECTION 4.6: MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR
4.6.1 Intent
(A) It is the intent of Orange County to protect and enhance those natural and environmental
features which constitute important physical, aesthetic, recreational, and economic
assets through the provision of special controls of public and private development along
major transportation corridors.
(B) The Board of County Commissioners finds as a fact that:
(1) Major transportation corridors serve a key function in the orderly development of
Orange County as major traffic movers, as well as serve as entrances to Orange
County from outside the area.
(2) These corridors and the character of the development which occurs along them
establish for visitors and residents alike an indicator of the quality of life in the
County, as well as the efficiency and safety of traffic movement through the area.
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(3) In addition, the ability of different areas of the County to attract and
accommodate different types of development depends on the capacity of the
thoroughfare system and the character and quality of development along major
corridors.
(C) The Major Transportation Corridor district is intended to enhance the attractiveness and
orderly development of land adjacent to major transportation facilities through the
provision of a set of development standards and regulations for application to public and
private development of land adjacent to these corridors. The major transportation
corridors include the interstate system as designated in the adopted Comprehensive
Plan.
(D) The district establishes development standards (see Section 6.6.4) and a site plan review
process for development within the district. (See Section 2.5).
4.6.2 Applicability
(A) The Major Transportation Corridor (MTC) district is established as a district which
overlays other zoning districts established in this Ordinance. The new use of any land or
any new structure within the MTC district shall comply with the use regulations applicable
to the underlying zoning district as well as the requirements of the MTC district.
(B) The provisions, requirements and restrictions of this district shall not apply to the use of
land within the district for structures regulated by the NC Residential Code single family
or two-family dwellings or to any building or structure existing prior to the creation of this
district unless it is structurally altered to the extent of increasing the floor area by 50% or
more or is enlarged to any degree to occupy a vacant lot.
(C) This district shall be applied along any interstate highway in the County designated in the
adopted Comprehensive Plan as such and to any proposed interstate highway
designated in the adopted Comprehensive Plan as such.
(D) The minimum length of the district shall be a continuous distance along the thoroughfare
within the County’s jurisdiction and outside of the extraterritorial planning jurisdictions of
the Towns of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro and the City of Mebane.
(E) The minimum width of the district is 1,250 feet from the edge of the right-of-way
measured along a line which is perpendicular to the edge of the right-of-way on each side
of the roadway, except at interstate interchanges where the District shall extend 2,500
feet from the right-of-way on each side of the intersecting road.
4.6.3 Permitted Uses
Within the Major Transportation Corridor (MTC) District, uses of land and structures are those
permitted in the underlying zoning district or districts. All other requirements for the use of land
and structures contained in this Ordinance shall be met unless otherwise provided.
4.6.4 Building Setback and Yard Requirements
Building setback and required yard areas for the overlay district are as follows:
(A) The front yard requirement shall be 100 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an
interstate highway or 50 feet from the edge of an intersecting road at an interstate
interchange.
(B) The rear yard requirement shall be 50 feet from the edge of the rear property line or 100
feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an interstate highway when a rear yard is
adjacent to the interstate.
(C) The side yard requirement shall be 50 feet from the side property line or 100 feet from the
edge of the right-of-way of an interstate highway where the side property line is adjacent
to the interstate.
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(B) Existing forested areas or any other healthy vegetation may not be removed from a
stream buffer, except where replaced with vegetation resulting in comparable stormwater
runoff velocity and quantity one year after planting.
(C) New vegetation shall be planted to capture non-source pollutants before they reach the
perennial stream, as per applicable Orange County Standards.
SECTION 6.14: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
6.14.1 Introduction
As a watershed becomes more developed, the amount of impervious surface area increases,
causing a decrease in the rate at which stormwater runoff can be absorbed into the soil. This
results in additional stormwater runoff flowing directly into streams and other water bodies.
Because this additional direct stormwater runoff has not been filtered through the soil, pollutants
from the air and land surface enter streams and increase the potential for pollution of
hydrologically connected aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
6.14.2 Purpose
It has been determined that proper management of construction-related and post-development
stormwater runoff will minimize damage to public and private property and infrastructure;
safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare; and protect water and aquatic
resources. The purpose of the Board of County Commissioners in adopting stormwater
management regulations is to protect the water quality of the streams that lie within Orange
County by reducing and controlling stormwater runoff and addressing nutrient reductions for both
new and existing development.
6.14.3 Jurisdiction-Wide and Inter-Local Approaches
(A) Orange County shall have the option of implementing jurisdiction-wide and/or inter-local
approaches to control stormwater runoff and achieve nutrient reductions.
(B) Any jurisdiction-wide and/or inter-local approaches must be approved by the Orange
County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission before implementation.
6.14.4 General Methods
The following general approaches shall be utilized to minimize the effects of stormwater pollution
on hydrologically connected aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies in Orange County:
(A) Non-Structural Methods
(1) The stormwater run-off generated by one inch of rain from all project area
surfaces shall be controlled to the extent possible through on-site infiltration and
through the use of methods which rely on natural soil properties for absorption
and treatment.
(2) Stormwater runoff from roads, parking lots, and/or sidewalks shall be directed to
undisturbed areas through use of berms, grassed diversion ditches or swales, or
other acceptable means to reduce stormwater runoff velocity and volume, and
filter out pollutants.
(3) Impervious Surface Limits
(a) In order to promote infiltration of stormwater runoff into the soil and
minimize direct and immediate runoff into streams and water supply
impoundments, the maximum percentage of the total lot area which may
be covered with an impervious surface shall be specified. This limit is
referred to as the "impervious surface ratio".
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(b) Impervious surface calculations for an individual development shall be
cumulative for original construction and any subsequent additions. One-
half of the width of any of any existing or proposed road adjacent to an
individual lot shall be included as impervious surface for that lot, except
in the case where an existing road was contained within a dedicated
public right-of-way at the time that the watershed regulations were first
applied to the watershed within which the development is located.
(4) Infiltration Systems
(a) The benefits of Infiltration Systems include, but are not limited to:
(i) Removal of both suspended and dissolved pollutants,
(ii) Relatively low maintenance requirements,
(iii) Flood reduction,
(iv) Promotion of groundwater recharge, and
(v) Maintenance of stream flow during dry periods.
(b) Where on-site Infiltration Systems are utilized, areas for such purposes
shall be designated on the plat and shall remain undisturbed both during
and after construction.
(c) Undisturbed areas designated for infiltration of stormwater runoff shall
also be located downslope from impervious surfaces and shall not
include areas characterized by floodplains, highly erodible or impervious
soils, steep slopes or previously disturbed areas.
(d) Areas designated as suitable for septic tank nitrification fields may not be
used for stormwater runoff infiltration purposes.
(B) Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
(1) In cases where non-structural methods may not adequately control the
stormwater runoff generated by the first inch of rain from all project surfaces due
to the amount of impervious surface proposed to be developed, or in cases
where Non-Structural Methods are not effective or appropriate due to factors
such as the presence of highly erodible soils, impervious soils, steep slopes,
and/or lack of vegetative cover, permanent Stormwater Control Measures
(SCMs), which capture stormwater runoff for slow release through a controlled
outlet, are required.
(2) Where required, SCMs shall be constructed in accordance with this Section.
(C) Impervious Surface and SCM Requirements
(1) For all protected watersheds, an absolute limit on the percentage of lot area
which can be covered with impervious surfaces has been established. See
Section(s) 4.2.5 and 4.2.6 of this Ordinance.
(2) In some cases, SCMs are required when the proposed impervious surface ratio
exceeds a specified percentage, which is below the absolute limit.
6.14.5 Applicability
(A) The stormwater management standards and regulations included herein are applicable to
all new development within the Orange County planning jurisdiction, including private,
public, state, and federal development not covered by a separate NPDES permit, as
follows:
(1) Falls Lake Watershed
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(a) Any Land-Disturbing Activity that cumulatively disturbs greater than one-
half acre of land in order to establish, expand or modify a single family or
duplex residential development or a recreational facility.
(b) Any Land-Disturbing Activity that cumulatively disturbs greater than
12,000 square feet of land in order to establish, expand, or modify a
multifamily residential development or a commercial, industrial or
institutional facility.
(c) New development that disturbs less than the above thresholds are
exempt unless the new development is part of a larger common plan of
development or sale and the larger common plan exceeds the above
thresholds, even though multiple, separate or distinct activities take place
at different times on different schedules.
(2) Jordan Lake Watershed
(a) Any Land-Disturbing Activity that cumulatively disturbs greater than one
acre of land in order to establish, expand or modify a single family or
duplex residential development or a recreational facility.
(b) Any Land-Disturbing Activity that cumulatively disturbs greater than one-
half an acre of land in order to establish, expand, or modify a multifamily
residential development or a commercial, industrial or institutional facility.
(c) New development that disturbs less than the above thresholds are
exempt unless the new development is part of a larger common plan of
development or sale and the larger common plan exceeds the above
thresholds, even though multiple, separate or distinct activities take place
at different times on different schedules.
(B) New development shall not include agriculture, mining, or forestry activities, as defined by
North Carolina General Statutes.
(C) Redevelopment Exemption 2
When a preexisting development is redeveloped, either in whole or in part, increased
stormwater controls shall only be required for the amount of impervious surface being
created that exceeds the amount of impervious surface that existed before the
redevelopment, irrespective of whether the impervious surface that existed before the
redevelopment is to be demolished or relocated during the development activity.
6.14.6 Review Criteria
(A) New Development
(1) Riparian areas must be protected and maintained in compliance with this
Ordinance,
(2) Nutrient load contribution must meet the standards listed in Section 6.14.7 of this
Ordinance as required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality (NCDEQ),
(3) Stormwater systems shall be designed to control and treat, at a minimum, the
stormwater runoff generated by one inch of rainfall from all project area surfaces.
The treatment volume shall be drawn down pursuant to standards specific to
each practice as determined by the most current version of the North Carolina
Administrative Code Title 15A, Subchapter 02H, Sections .1000 through .1062,
and the most current version of the NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual.
2 Verbatim NCSL23-137, amending NCGS 143-214.7(b3)
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(4) New development that would exceed the nutrient loading rates set out herein,
shall include engineered stormwater controls designed to have a Primary and/or
Secondary SCM per NCDEQ requirements.
(5) Proposed new development may satisfy the review criteria standards of this
section using a Runoff Volume Match design approach (also referred to as a Low
Impact Development (LID) design approach) in conformance with 15A NCAC
02H.1002 (44). If pursued, a Runoff Volume Match design approach must
include the use of the accounting methodologies approved by the North Carolina
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (NCDEMLR).
(B) Additional Standards – Falls Lake Watershed
(1) In addition to the standards contained in Section 6.14.6 (A) of this Ordinance,
development shall observe a no net increase in peak flow leaving the site from
predevelopment conditions for the 1 year, 24 hour, storm.
(2) Proposed new development using a Runoff Volume Match design approach for
satisfying stormwater management requirements must also include the
estimation of pre-development and post-development nutrient export rates (e.g.
Nitrogen and Phosphorous) for the proposed development, using the nutrient
accounting methodologies approved by the North Carolina Division of Water
Resources (NCDWR). Nutrient export estimates are required for Runoff Volume
Match record-keeping purposes.
6.14.7 Nutrient Load
(A) Nitrogen and phosphorus loads contributed by proposed new development shall not
exceed the following unit-area mass loading rates:
(1) Falls Lake Watershed
(a) Nitrogen, 2.2 pounds per acre per year
(b) Phosphorus, 0.33 pounds per acre per year
(B) The nutrient export from each new development shall be calculated in pounds per acre
per year (using the approved accounting tool) in accordance with the methodologies
approved by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR).
(C) If a proposed development subject to nutrient load requirements contributes nutrients
greater than the standards listed above, the developer may install SCMs to meet the
required nutrient load standards or do a combination of SCMs and offset payments to
achieve the standard.
(D) Offset Payments
(1) Offset fees may be permitted to meet the nutrient export levels set for new
development. In order to utilize offset fees, the proposed new development
subject to the nutrient load standards must attain nitrogen and phosphorus
loading rate reductions on-site that meet the following criteria prior to using an
offsite offset measure:
(a) Falls Lake Watershed
(i) 30% or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading
from the untreated conditions for any single-family, detached and
duplex residential development disturbing one half acre but less
than one acre;
(ii) 50% or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading
from the untreated conditions for any single-family, detached and
duplex residential development disturbing more than one acre;
(iii) 30% or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading
from the untreated condition for other development, including
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multi-family residential, commercial and industrial development
disturbing 12,000 square feet but less than one acre;
(iv) 50% or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading
from the untreated condition for other development, including
multi-family residential, commercial and industrial development
disturbing more than one acre;
(v) 30% or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading
from the untreated condition for proposed redevelopment
activities in a designated downtown area that would replace or
expand structures or improvements that existed as of December
2006.
(2) Offset fees may be paid to the North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services
(DMS), approved private mitigation bank, or other mitigation option as approved
by the NCDEQ and Orange County. It is the policy of the NCDEQ and Orange
County, as well as a requirement in certain watersheds, that offset payment
funds be utilized where they are generated to the maximum extent possible.
(3) Offset payment fees and calculation methods are determined by the NCDEQ as
approved by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC).
The total amount of offset payment will be determined based on current NCDEQ
policy and regulation on a case by case basis.
(E) Permanent Nutrient Export Reduction
(1) Allowable on-site SCMs for nutrient reduction shall include those listed in the
most current version of the North Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A,
Subchapter 02H, Sections .1000 through .1062, and the most current version of
the NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual.
(2) Design, maintenance and operation of SCMs shall follow standards provided in
the most current version of the North Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A,
Subchapter 02H, Sections .1000 through .1062, and the most current version of
the NCDEQ Stormwater Design Manual.
(3) Deviations from these standards may be allowed as approved on a case by case
basis.
(F) Total Nutrient Removal Rates
Total nutrient removal rates of SCMs, as well as SCMs in a series, will be calculated
pursuant to the approved accounting tool.
6.14.8 Peak Runoff Volume
(A) Standards for Falls Lake Watershed
(1) For all new development, there shall be no net increase in peak flow leaving the
site from the predevelopment conditions for the 1 year, 24 hour storm.
(B) Standards for Jordan Lake Watershed
(1) For all new development there shall be no net increase greater than 10% in peak
flow leaving the site from the predevelopment conditions consistent with 15 A
NCAC 02H.1002 (44).
(C) Calculating Peak Runoff Volume
(1) The following are acceptable methodologies for computing the pre- and post-
development conditions for the 1 year, 24 hour storm:
(a) Rational Method,
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(b) Peak Discharge Method as described in the USDA Soil Conservation
Service’s Technical Release Number 55 (TR-55),
(c) Alternative methods must be approved by the County.
(2) The same method must be used for both the pre- and post- development
conditions.
6.14.9 Stormwater Management Plan (SMP)
(A) Required Approval
The Erosion Control Officer shall not issue any Land Disturbing Permits (LDPs) for new
development on any land within Orange County subject to the provisions of this Section,
unless and until a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) has been reviewed and
approved in accordance with Section 2.21.1 of this Ordinance.
(B) Compliance with Requirements
Any person engaged in new development activities as defined by this Section who fails to
file a plan in accordance with this Ordinance, or who conducts any new development
except in accordance with provisions of an approved SMP shall be deemed in violation of
this Ordinance.
(C) Enforceable Restriction
Approval of the SMP shall require an enforceable restriction on property usage that runs
with the land, such as a recorded deed restriction or protective covenants, to ensure that
future development and redevelopment maintains the site consistent with the approved
SMP.
6.14.10 Operation and Maintenance of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
(A) Performance Guarantees for SCMs
Approval of the SMP shall be conditioned on the posting of an SCM Performance
Guarantee in accordance with Section 6.22 of this Ordinance if SCM construction is
applicable.
(B) SCM Maintenance and Upkeep
(1) SCM Operation and Maintenance Agreement (OMA)
(a) The permit applicant shall enter into a binding SCM Operation and
Maintenance Agreement (OMA) between Orange County and all
interests in the development.
(b) The OMA must include the following:
(i) Completed OMA cover sheet template as provided by the
Erosion Control Officer,
(ii) Name and address of the person or organization financially
responsible for paying the 5-year SCM inspection fee,
(iii) Name(s) and address(es) of all parties to whom a copy of the
annual SCM inspection report should go,
(iv) Name and address of the person or organization financially
responsible for all maintenance specified in the annual SCM
inspection report,
(v) Emergency contact information, and
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(vi) (iv)(vi) SCM Operation and Maintenance Plan in accordance
with Section 6.14.10 (B) (2) of this Ordinance; the SCM
Operation and Maintenance Plan shall be attached to the OMA
as “Attachment A”.
(c) The OMA shall require the owning entity to maintain, repair and, if
necessary, reconstruct the SCM in accordance with the approved SMP.
(d) The OMA shall be signed, notarized, and recorded with the Orange
County Register of Deeds.
(e) Where a single entity (such as a homeowners association) will be
assuming responsibility for all permanent SCMs, but has not yet been
formed at the time of OMA recordation by the owning entity, a signed
and notarized Association Declaration document and revised OMA must
be submitted for subsequent recordation at the Orange County Register
of Deeds after the association is formed. The recorded version of the
revised OMA and Association Declaration must be submitted to the
Orange County Planning Department before the LDP may be closed,
and before any remaining SCM Performance Guarantee funds may be
released.
(f) The owner of each SCM shall maintain the SCM so as not to create or
result in a nuisance condition.
(g) Every SCM installed pursuant to this Ordinance shall be made
accessible for adequate maintenance and repair by an SCM
maintenance easement. The SCM Maintenance easement shall be
recorded at the Orange County Register of Deeds and the terms shall
specify who make use of the SCM maintenance easement and for what
purposes.
(h) The owner of each SCM shall keep records of SCM inspections,
maintenance, and repairs and shall submit the same upon reasonable
request to the Erosion Control Officer.
(2) SCM Operation and Maintenance Plan (OMP)
(a) An SCM Operation and Maintenance Plan (OMP)shall be provided by
the owning entity as an attachment to the OMA for each SCM in
accordance with Section 6.14.10 (B) (1) of this Ordinance. The OMP
shall indicate the following:
(i) What SCM operation and maintenance actions are needed,
(ii) What specific quantitative criteria will be used for determining
when those actions are to be taken, and
(iii) Who is responsible for those actions, consistent with the OMA.
(b) The standard OMP shall specifically address, but is not limited to:
(i) Mowing of permanent vegetation,
(ii) Removal of woody vegetation (e.g., bushes shrubs, and trees)
from any dam and/or berm structures,
(iii) Reseeding of any eroding areas,
(iv) Replacement of impaired vegetation,
(v) Removal of sediment and/or debris from inlet and outlet
channels, inlet and outlet pipes, forebays, trash racks, and riser
or barrel structures, and
(vi) Repair of any damage/deterioration to structural aspects of the
SCM.
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(c) The OMP shall clearly indicate the steps that will be taken for restoring a
SCM to its design specifications if an SCM failure occurs.
(3) Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
(a) Landscaping and grounds maintenance shall be the responsibility of the
owning entity.
(b) Vegetation shall not be established or allowed to mature to the extent
that the integrity or functionality of the SCM is diminished or threatened,
or to the extent of interfering with any easement or access to the SCM.
(4) SCM Repair or Reconstruction
(a) Except for general landscaping and grounds maintenance, the owning
entity shall notify Orange County prior to any repair or reconstruction of
the SCM.
(b) After notification by the owning entity, the Erosion Control Officer shall
inform the owning entity of any required additions, changes or
modifications and of the time period to complete said SCM
improvements.
(c) All SCM improvements shall be made consistent with the approved SMP,
the approved OMA, and the approved OMP.
(5) Annual SCM Inspection Required
(a) All SCMs shall be inspected by the owning entity at least on an annual
basis to determine whether the SCM is performing as designed and
intended.
(b) Records of inspections shall be submitted annually to the Erosion
Control Officer on forms approved by Orange County.
(c) Annual inspections shall begin within one year of the issuance of the
Certificate of Stormwater Compliance for the SCM.
(d) The Erosion Control Officer will inspect each SCM approved pursuant to
these rules approximately every five years. In the event the Erosion
Control Officer discovers the need for corrective action of improvements,
he/she shall notify the owning entity of the needed SCM improvements
and the date by which the corrective action is to be completed. All SCM
improvements shall be made consistent with the approved SMP and the
approved OMA. After notification by the owning entity, the Erosion
Control Officer shall inspect and approve the completed SCM
improvements.
(6) 5-Year SCM Maintenance Inspection Fee
(a) The 5-year SCM maintenance inspection fee for the first 5-year period
shall be paid before:
(i) The issuance of the Certificate of Stormwater Compliance for the
SCM.
(ii) The release of up to 75% of the value of the SCM Performance
Guarantee.
(b) The 5-year SCM maintenance inspection fee shall be based upon the
current Orange County Planning Fee Schedule, and shall be paid to
Orange County following each 5-year SCM inspection.
(c) Failure to pay the 5-year SCM maintenance inspection fee shall be
deemed a violation of this Ordinance.
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Regulatory flood protection elevation
The Base Flood Elevation plus the Freeboard establishes this elevation. In Special Flood Hazard Areas
where Base Flood Elevations have been determined, this elevation shall be the Base Flood Elevation
plus two feet of freeboard. In Special Flood Hazard Areas where no BFE has been established, this
elevation shall be at two feet above the highest adjacent grade. Regulatory flood protection elevation is
interchangeable with “design floods”.
Remedy a violation
To bring the structure or other development into compliance with State and Orange County laws and
regulations. In terms of compliance with Orange County floodplain management regulations, the term
shall also include reduction of the impacts of a development’s noncompliance including protecting the
structure or other affected development from flood damages, implementing the enforcement provisions of
the ordinance or otherwise deterring future similar violations, or reducing federal financial exposure with
regard to the structure or other development.
Repetitive loss
Flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during any ten year period for
which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on the average, equals or exceeds 25% of
the market value, or the tax value in the absence of recent comparative sales, of the structure before the
damage occurred.
Research Facility With Manufacturing
An enclosed structure which accommodates research and research applications as well as related light
industrial uses. Facilities may include laboratories, offices, other facilities for research and development,
and production facilities.
Research Facility Without Manufacturing
An enclosed structure which accommodates research and research applications. Facilities may include
laboratories, offices, and other facilities for research and development, as well as prototype production
facilities for product creation. Prototype production shall be limited in scale to that necessary to fully
analyze the merits of the product
Reservoir, Class I
A body of water, such as a pond or lake, confined by a dam or other barrier to be used for public water
supply from which water flows by gravity or is pumped directly to a treatment plant or to a small
intervening storage basin and thence to a treatment plant.
Reservoir, Class II
A body of water, such as a pond or lake, confined by a dam or other barrier to be used for public water
supply from which water flows by gravity or is pumped to a Class I reservoir prior to final entrance to a
water treatment plant.
Residential Development
Buildings regulated by the North Carolina Residential Code as well as multifamily dwellings for residential
use such as attached and detached single family dwellings, apartment complexes, and condominiums,
townhouses, cottages, and their associated outbuildings such as garages, storage buildings, and
gazebos. 3
Residential Floor Area
The sum of areas for residential use on all floors of the building measured from the outside faces of the
exterior walls, including halls, lobbies, stairways, elevator shafts, enclosed porches and balconies, and
below-grade floor areas used for habitation and residential access.
3 Updating to reflect SL23-108 regulatory scope: “Any structure regulated by the NC Residential Building Code”.
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