HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 03-10-2026; 8 - Orange County Board of Adjustment - Appointments Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 8
SUBJECT: Orange County Board of Adjustment —Appointments Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125
Applications of Members for Reappointment
Applications of Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
Annual Work Plan
PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Orange County Board of Adjustment.
BACKGROUND: The Board of Adjustment hears, reviews, decides appeals, and reviews any
order requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Officer in the performance of
official duties. It also hears and decides applications for the approval of those Special Uses
requiring Board of Adjustment approval, in accordance with the rules and conditions laid down in
the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), hears and decides appeals for variances from the
dimensional regulations of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and decides or
determines other matters as may be required by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) or
State law. There are no term limits for Board of Adjustment members.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all five (5) members and two (2) alternates.
The Board of Adjustment does not make recommendations for appointments.
The following individuals are presented for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Jeff Scott At-Large Third Full Term 06/30/2029
Elizabeth At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2029
Bronson
If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
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ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT
We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to
participate in and feel connected to their community.
• GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT
We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the
skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards
needed to carry out this work.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to
the Orange County Board of Adjustment.
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Orange County Board of Adjustment Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Nathan Robinson Member Male White 35-59 Bingham
Jeff Scott Member Male White 35-59 Hillsborough
Leon Meyers Member Male White Eno
Greg Niemiroski Member Male White 35-39 Eno
Andrew(Kyle)Myers Member Male White 35-59 Cedar Grove Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Elizabeth Bronson Member Female White 18-34 Cheeks
Holly Fraccaro Member Female White 35-59 Cheeks
Leto Copeley Applicant Female White 60+ Eno
Randy Herman Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Jennifer Sykes Applicant Female Hispanic 35-59 Hillsborough Human Relations Commission
Orange County Housing Authority Board
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Page 1 of 2 Jeff Scott
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Jeff Scott
Name Called:
Home Address: 1520 Park Lane
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-815-8254
Email: jgscott0@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2014
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Hillsborough Planning Board
AIA Triangle Design Awards Committee
AIA National Advisory Panel
AIA National Conference on Architecture Peer Reviewer
AIA Triangle Education Outreach Committee
Registered Architect in State of NC
Member, Construction Specifications Institute
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
N/A
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Planning Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I am currently an active member of the Hillsborough Planning Board. I have served on this board
for 2-years and have enjoyed being a part of the process. I also have several years of
architectural background in civic/justice projects at the state and local level.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
As a resident of Hillsborough and Orange County for over 5-years, it is important to me to
understand how I can help the community understand the process. The planning process can be
confusing (even to me), so hearing everyone s thoughts and opinions are very helpful. I
understand people s trepidation and concern about changes in this community.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
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Page 2 of 2 Jeff Scott
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Application Date: 8/10/2020
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
Having served in the Hillsborough Planning Board, I see the issues of concern when planning is
at odds with the property owners. Typically this has always been something remedied without
resorting to BOA but it seems like an interesting process.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
My architectural/planning background would help me in serving on this board. I also believe I
have the fair and impartial temperament to serve. Having served as a project architect and
manager for numerous projects, I see where conflicts come in and how t
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 4/19/2021 Date Printed: 4/26/2023
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Page 1 of 2 Elizabeth Bronson
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Elizabeth Bronson
Name Called:
Home Address: 1221 Buckhorn Rd
Mebane NC 27302
Phone: 919-923-5136
Email: Beth.bronson@live.com
Year of OC Residence: 1987
Township of Residence: Cheeks
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 18-34
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
NC Democratic Party
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
none
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Application Date: 2/11/2021
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
My educational focus provides insight into why people, in life and in business, make the
decisions they do. My professional growth in clinical research has made me a rigorous seeker
of truth and explanatory language.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I would like to bring a fresh perspective to the BoA. While adhering to the
As Orange County continues to largely decide objectives of future growth in height and urban
sprawl is going to look, it is my intention to participate as a rural representativ
Conflict of Interest:
My perceived COI is that I live in a rural residential area subject to industrial development.
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Page 2 of 2 Elizabeth Bronson
Orange County Planning Board
Application Date: 4/19/2021
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
Raised in Orange County, and returned over ten years ago to finish undergraduate degree.
Obtained a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill in Management and Society and performed a case study
on the public/private partnership of OWASA for a senior project. I have always
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
It is my wish to serve, and represent, my community in an impactful capacity. I believe that
younger generations are not adequately represented in local government and it is my goal to
become a voice for civic engagement, even if the topics aren t sexy.
Conflict of Interest:
My perceived COI is that I live in a rural residential area subject to industrial development.
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 4/19/2021 Date Printed: 2/26/2026
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Page 1 of 2 Leto Copeley
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Ms. Leto Copeley
Name Called:
Home Address: 100 Vireo Ln.
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-606-8707
Email: Icopeley@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2003
Township of Residence: Eno
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 60+
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Orange/Chatham District Bar, NC Bar Association, NC Advocates for Justice, NC
Association of Women Attorneys, National Crime Victim Bar Association (advisory board
member), Governor's Crime Commission (Commissioner appointed by the Governor).
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in
cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I have also worked as an
ombudsperson for a 20,000 member professional organization. Through this work I've
developed the ability to interpret statutes and regulations, apply the law to facts, and consider
multiple viewpoints in order to arrive at a just result.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I am fortunately in a position to be partially retired and seek to serve my local community as
opposed to the more state and national level organizations with which I have been involved.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
As a taxpayer who owns property in Eno Township, I talk with my neighbors (where in this semi-
rural neighborhood property values vary greatly) about land use, regulations, and the functioning
of county government. Those same topics came up during my five years of service in the
Hillsborough Rotary Club.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange Unified Transportation Board
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Page 2 of 2 Leto Copeley
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in
cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I have also worked as an
ombudsperson for a 20,000 member professional organization. Through this work I've
developed the ability to interpret statutes and regulations, apply the law to facts, and consider
multiple viewpoints in order to arrive at a just result.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Through my work early on as a legal services attorney, my service on the board of Legal Aid of
North Carolina, and as a member of the Governor s Crime Commission (now in my second
term), I know firsthand that access to appropriate transportation is essential to safe and full
participation in society and I have a strong interest in the subject.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I'm good at reaching out to people, facilitating relationships, and listening to others. I work to
understand why people feel underserved or wrongly served by their local government.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Commission for the Environment
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in
cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I've also worked as an
ombudsperson and have experience in practical problem solving. Through my service on the
Governor s Crime Commission I have developed an ability to evaluate grant proposals.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I am a lifelong birder and also enjoy spending time hiking and walking on local trails and on other
managed properties. I have also come to understand that access to outdoor and green spaces
helps reduce crime and keep a community healthy.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
Having grown up in a blue-collar community and having worked as a lawyer for people from very
diverse backgrounds. I'm aware that access to green spaces is often, for various reasons,
limited for lower-income people and members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and for
women.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 1/13/2025 1:00:02 PM Date Printed: 1/13/2025
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Page 1 of 2 Randy Herman
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Randy Herman
Name Called:
Home Address: 2525 Buxton Ct.
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 336-337-6516
Email: r.hawkins.herman@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2025
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
NC Bar Association Real Property Section, Real Estate Lawyers Association of North
Carolina, HBADOC
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Board of Adjustment, Board of Equalization and Review
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been a real estate and land use attorney for 11 years. I have previously served on the
Boards of Adjustment for Orange County and for Hillsborough. I have also appeared as an
advocate before many other adjustment and other zoning-related boards in North Carolina.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I previously resigned my position when I moved out of the county but would like to resume work.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
As an advocate who has represented developers, individual landowners and anti-development
groups, I understand the forces, including but not exclusively financial forces, that motivate the
various factions in zoning decisions.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange County Planning Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been a real estate and land use attorney for 11 years. I have previously served on the
Boards of Adjustment for Orange County and for Hillsborough. I have also appeared as an
advocate before many other adjustment and other zoning-related boards in North Carolina.
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Page 2 of 2 Randy Herman
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have appeared before many planning boards but have not previously sat on one.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
As an advocate who has represented developers, individual landowners and anti-development
groups, I understand the forces, including but not exclusively financial forces, that motivate the
various factions in zoning decisions.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Application Date: 1/25/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a real estate and land use attorney with experience in title searches, closings and quasi-
judicial hearings.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
To apply my training and experience for the benefit of the community.
Conflict of Interest:
I have previously represented homebuilders and developers that are currently active in Orange
County. To my knowledge, I do not currently have any clients that have the intention to appear
before the board for any of the matters it considers.
Board of Equalization and Review
Application Date: 1/25/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a real estate attorney with experience searching title and performing closings in Orange
County and elsewhere.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
To apply my training and experience for the benefit of the community.
Conflict of Interest:
I own real property located in Orange County. I also represent and have represented clients
that own real property located in Orange County. To my knowledge, I do not currently have any
clients that are appealing or intend to appeal any tax matters.
Other Comments:
Applied for BOER and BOA on 1/25/2017 3:42:05 PM; previously served on BOER and
BOA. Resigned from both when he moved out of county.
Moved back to Orange County and applied for Planning Board and BOA 7/2/2025 4:34:03
PM
This application was current on: 7/2/2025 4:34:03 PM Date Printed: 7/3/2025
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Page 1 of 4 Jenn Sykes
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Jenn Sykes
Name Called:
Home Address: 210 Collins Ave.
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-442-8152
Email: sykes.jennifer@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2007
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: Hispanic
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Hillsborough Board of Adjustment
Orange County Human Relations Commission
Orange County Housing Authority Board
Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Orange County Human Relations Commission (current)
Orange County Housing Authority (current)
Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board (past chair)
Orange County Elections Review Group (past)
Orange County Transit Board (past)
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have just rolled off the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment and Planning Board and enjoy the
work on that committee and would like to continue it with the county.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have just rolled off the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment and Planning Board and enjoy the
work on that committee and would like to continue it with the county.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I am familiar with how the process works in Hillsborough and can bring that to the other parts of
the county.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Tax Assessment Work Group
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Page 2 of 4 Jenn Sykes
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
Most of my volunteer work has been around housing and planning in Orange County. When I
chaired the Affordable Housing Advisory Board one of the biggest things I worked on was
having the committee do outreach to the community to help them understand the impact of
taxation rates on them, as well as which programs the county had available to assist them.
Because of this I became very familiar with the demographics of Orange County and how
different pocket communities are impacted by issues such as gentrification, regional population
growth, and even how utility access impacts what's allowed to be developed. From my time on
various Hillsborough Planning boards, I've been able to see the details and larger-scale
impacts that changes to what is developed in the northern part of the county impacts tax
revenue and, in turn, what services the area can provide to citizens. Having this experience
would allow me to serve the county on this working group by understanding the conflicting
goals -- having a county that all can afford to live in but also generating enough revenue to
provide even basic services to those residents.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Much of my time is spent volunteering in areas for development planning and housing
affordability, and through that I ve developed an understanding of how the tax system in
Orange County directly impacts how to meet those goals. I'm familiar with how those goals can
be in conflict with one another, and tried in the past to come up with solutions to create win-win
policies there. (I'm also familiar with what you can and cannot legally propose in North Carolina
based on state laws from when I tried to rewrite Hillsborough s utility structure to microtarget
specific income brackets when I chaired the town's Water and Sewer Advisory Board.) I also
live in one of the main areas that, for the past two tax assessment cycles, has been listed as an
area of high taxation growth --West Hillsborough --and am a community resource for
information from my direct neighbors and even the more planned communities and farmers in
District 2. One big thing I'd like to do with this working group is develop better communications
plans around the tax issue, as I've been doing that informally.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I live in Hillsborough and would be able to represent the District 2 perspective, particularly with
how the changes in development can impact seniors and low-income residents - I was Vice
Chair of the Hillsborough Planning Board and very familiar with how the changes to
development regulations have impacted residents and the overall ability of the northern part of
the county to grow. I can see both sides of the argument from those experiences. As well, I'm a
trained statistician so numbers and data are something I'm comfortable around, and would be
necessary in any evaluation and recommendation for tax assessments.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Human Relations Commission
Application Date: 7/13/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
My work on various advisory boards has focused on how policy can be used to create greater
equity in the county, from development processes to working on partnerships for reducing costs
to residents. I know the HRC has a larger platform to help encourage
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
The HRC has a major platform in the county to advance social justice initiatives, particularly
around equity and supporting those in the county who need it most.
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Page 3 of 4 Jenn Sykes
Conflict of Interest:
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Application Date: 3/20/2024
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have experience on other boards, but this one actually fits better with my 9 to 5. 1 work in
analytics and have handled supply chain, customer service, and compliance for regulations in
that and feel it would be similar to what the ABC Board would revie
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
The ABC Board also helps with economic development for the restaurants in town, and one
thing I have interest in is helping to promote economic development.
Conflict of Interest:
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Application Date: 1/21/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have served on the Hillsborough Planning Board and live in a part of the county where
gentrification and developer priorities have limited affordable housing.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I live in an area where I m starting to see more and more people forced out of their homes and
want to help them ensure their voice is heard. Orange County doesn t do the best job of
encouraging people who might be in housing trouble to come forward, and
Conflict of Interest:
Orange Unified Transportation Board
Application Date: 1/21/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I serve on the Hillsborough Planning Board and often sit in traffic in the county.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
The county needs more options in the northern part to help people get to and from homes and
work.
Conflict of Interest:
Orange County Housing Authority Board
Application Date: 7/13/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one.
Conflict of Interest:
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Page 4 of 4 Jenn Sykes
BOCC Elections Advisory Group
Application Date: 10/15/2020
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I studied political science in undergraduate and graduate school, and have volunteered and
worked in good government groups since 2005. 1 have both academic and practical knowledge
about how districting impacts representation and governmental outcomes.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
When I was in undergrad I worked on fair-districting initiatives in the state I went to college in
(Virginia), and in my time in Orange County while working as a precinct official have spent a lot
of time explaining to voters who they were voting for and
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
District 2 resident
This application was current on: 9/10/2025 6:41:01 AM Date Printed: 9/10/2025
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Patrick Mallett
Meeting Place: 300 W.Tryon St.,Hillsborough Contact Phone: 919-245-2577
Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms:
Description: <div>The Board of Adjustment hears,reviews,decides appeals,and reviews any order requirement,decision,or
determination made by the Zoning Officer in the performance of official duties.It also hears and decides applications for the
approval of those Special Uses requiring Board of Adjustment approval,in accordance with the rules and conditions laid
down in the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO),hears and decides appeals for variances from the dimensional
regulations of the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO),and decides or determines other matters as may be required by the
Unified Development Ordinance(UDO)or State law.</div>
Nathan Robinson
1 First Appointed: 03/16/2021
Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/21/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2027
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
Mr. Jeff Scott
2 First Appointed: 10/06/2020
Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
Leon Meyers
3 Chair First Appointed: 05/01/2018
Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 05/20/2025
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2028
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
Mr. Greg Niemiroski
4 First Appointed: 09/20/2022
Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 05/21/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2027
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Andrew(Kyle) Myers
5 First Appointed: 09/17/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 09/17/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2027
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Alternate Number of Terms:
Thursday,February 26,2026 Page 1
17
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Patrick Mallett
Meeting Place: 300 W.Tryon St.,Hillsborough Contact Phone: 919-245-2577
Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms:
Elizabeth Bronson
6 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 03/16/2021
Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 1
Holly Fraccaro
7 First Appointed: 09/19/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 05/20/2025
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2028
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Alternate Number of Terms: 1
Thursday,February 26,2026 Page 2
18
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Patrick Mallett
Orange County Board of Adjustment Contact Phone: 919-245-2577
Ms. Leto Copeley
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/13/2025
Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno
Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On: Commission for the Environment
Randy Herman
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 07/02/2025
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Jenn Sykes
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 09/10/2025
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Hillsborough
Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits
Also Serves On: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Also Serves On: Human Relations Commission
Also Serves On: Orange County Housing Authority Board
Thursday,February 26,2026 Page 1 of 1
19
ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN
Name of Board/Commission: Board of Adjustment
Report Period: January 2025-December 2025
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all
volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to
complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the
activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for
future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's
assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic
Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here.
Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Click or tap here to enter
text.
Leon Meyers, BOA Chair
Imeyersnc gmail.com 919 422-5773
3126 Carriage Trail, Hillsborough
Primary staff contact: Click or tap here to enter text.
Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director, Development Services
Planning & Inspections Department
pmallettC@_orangecountync.gov
Office (919) 245-2577 / Mobile (919) 819-3402
1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and subcommittee meetings?
One meeting per month as outlined in the published BOA Calendars.
https://www.orangecountync.gov/1178/Calendars. Note: the BOA only meets on
published dates when there is a case to be considered and/or required administrative
actions or training.
2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and
responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the
charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available sere.
As required by NCGS §160D-302 and the Orange County Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) Section 1.8.1, the BOA is required quasi-judicial appointed board
that is established and maintained to hear and decide: 1.Appeals regarding any
decision, or determination made by the Planning Director; 2. Applications requesting
the approval of Special Use Permit (SUP);3. Variance requests from the minimum
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requirements of the UDO; and 4. Other matters as required by state law, the UDO
and/or the BOCC.
3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the
report period?
1. Successfully deciding variances and SUPs per the state statue and UDO
requirements without any higher appeals or legal challenges to their decisions;
2. Revised procedures and processes regarding legal standing for cases; and
3. Revised applications, guides, required materials and published calendars to make
the process simpler, quicker and more accessible to the public.
4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually.
N/A
5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the
goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the
Strategic Plan is available here.
Strategic Plan Objectives
Housing For All
5. Review County ordinances, policies, agreements, and the regulatory processes
to streamline practices, and increase opportunities and reduce barriers to construct
housing.
6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and
commissions.
1. Operationally none. The BOA is by definition an independent, autonomous
quasi-judicial decision-making body.
2. Administratively, BOA's meetings, needs and support is coordinated alongside the
Planning Board.
7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are
related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic
Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff
time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities.
N/A
8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the
upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention?
1. Aligning with the various regulatory changes and recent case law.