Agenda - 03-02-2010 - 4l - Laserfiche WebLink

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95 Issues Summary A table of contents, index, cross-references, and headers and footers are referencing systems that'can greatly enhance usability of long documents such as the UDO. The table of contents is often the preliminary guiding tool that anchors the reader. Cross-references assist the user in identifying the relevant regulations that apply to the particular use, development permit, or development proposal: Headers and footers highlight the section number and topic on each page (e.g., "Sec. 1.1, Title"), allowing a reader to quickly thumb through the UDO and find a section. A more effective referencing approach is to include a detailed master table of contents at the beginning of the UDO and a table of contents at the beginning of each article. We also recommend adding an index of topics at the end of the document, with headings and cross-references that serve as guideposts to direct the user to the particular topic of interest to the user. Illustrate and Summarize Key Concepts Another way to make a code "customer-friendly' is through illustrations, graphics, Flowcharts, and tables. The old adage "a picture is worth 1,000 words" is certainly true when talking about communicating zoning concepts. Illustrations, graphics, flowcharts, and tables are also very helpful in development codes because they convey information concisely (and in many instances more clearly), eliminating the need for lengthy, repetitive text There is an opportunity to include graphics and illustrations to convey key concepts in the new UDO, such as required dimensional measurementr (e.g., how to measure height)•arkin pot~landscal in band othe~ illustrate preferred design concepts, such as parking space dimensions, p g P landscaping and screening requirements. Flow charts also add clarity to specific procedural requirements and timelines, as well as explain the interrelationships between procedures. There are no Flow charts in the existing ordinance. How charts are becoming commonplace in modern development regulations because of their ease of use and their power to convey complex relationships. Based on our experience in other jurisdictions, we have found summary tables can be very helpful in presenting information succinctly and eliminating repetition and inconsistent terminology Sample process flow CONSOLIDATE, REFINE, AND UPDATE DEFINITIONS chart from another Definitions are scattered in several sections in the existing ordinances. We recommend ~nCISdICtIOn consolidating all definitions into one article so it is easy for a user to find the meaning of terms in one place and to reduce the chance of redundancies or conFlicting definitions. We suggest re- locatingthe definitions to the last article of the UDO, since it typically serves as a supplementary reference tool rather than a primary source of regulatory information. We also recommend the new code include new definitions of key terms, as well as the updating and modernizing of existing definitions, as appropriate. For example, terms such as buffer, xeriscape, manufactured home, and mobile home need definition. All use types identified in the code should be defined - a number of common uses in the existing ordinance are not described (e.g., multi-family residential, recreational facility, commercial use, and others). Finally, all definitions will be reviewed and will be written in plain English. CLARIFY REVIEW STANDARDS Many of the development review standards in the existing regulations are in need of revision and clarification. There are also several unintended consequences in the current provisions that are resulting in development that is not consistent with the town's goals. Standards that are unclear invite different interpretation or application and create uncertainty for development applicants as well as staff and the public. Development standards should clearly establish the community's goals for the development of a Hillsborough, North Carolina Page 5 Unified Development Ordinance 1 Draft Annotated Outline Novembeq 2009 Zoning Ordinance Text & Map Amendment Review Process