Agenda - 03-03-2009 - 7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 programs, standards, indicators, etc.) through a well thought out and inclusive process, later in the implementation program. Existing Ideas Item 1, Land Use Plan Amendments (map and text) — The County has completed small area plans for the following areas: Efland/Mebane, Eno EDD, and NC 57/Speedway. In addition, Land Use Plan (LUP) amendments have been suggested as part of the Hillsborough/Orange County Strategic Growth Plan and associated interlocal agreement that each party will be considering. Planning Staff recommends: 1a) Holding a public hearing this August on LUP amendments to correct inconsistencies among the land use categories described and listed in various places of the Comprehensive Plan. These inconsistencies were not created or addressed by the 2030 Comprehensive Plan but rather "carried over" from the 1981 Land Use Element. 1 b) Holding a public hearing this November to begin implementation of Land Use Plan amendments that have been recommended in adopted small area plans. Notification and advertising costs to amend the Land Use Plan have been included in the Planning Department's budget proposal to the County Manager. Item 2, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) — A unified code is useful to address organizational structure and present the code in an orderly and easy-to-use format. A unified code combines all regulations — zoning, subdivision requirements, environmental standards, landscaping and tree protection standards, and any regulation that pertains to developing and using land — into a single document. Through creation of a unified code, duplications are eliminated, such as repeated sets of definitions in each ordinance or procedures for issuing permits or other development approval. A unified code helps every user see how the regulations fit together for the entire development process and ensure that nothing is overlooked, thereby streamlining the development process. A UDO could provide the County with a solid foundation and manageable starting point to begin the ongoing implementation of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan that will include review, evaluation, and the evolution of new ideas into ordinance and/or practice (Staff will distribute an example UDO outline at the meeting). Planning Staff recommends completion of a UDO to include: • Rewrite of existing regulations into new format and clean up inconsistencies • Addition of Sustainable Landscaping Standards • Addition of "Green"/LID site design standards (to include encouragement of energy and water conservation) • Addition of Signage Regulations • Addition of Conditional Use District/Conditional Zoning • Addition of Parking Standards (graphics) • Addition of Rural Lighting Standards • Addition of Rural Traffic Impacts