2010-032 Planning - Professional Services Related to the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance

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DEFINITIONS General Commentary: "Definitions" is proposed as the final chapter of the new UDO. This section will carry forward many of the provisions and defined terms from the existing zoning and subdivision ordinances. It will enhance the definitions and use of definitions through: Including rules of construction and measurement; Adding encroachment standards;and • Consolidating the numerous definitions spread throughout the ordinance. Art'Icle 9 Definitions Clear definitions of important words and phrases not only make life easier for those 9.1 General Rules fofor Interpretation who must interpret and administer the UDO and for those who must hear appeals of A. Meanings and Intent.'. decisions made by staff--they also make it much easier for the public to know what g, Headings, Illustrations, is required. The importance of good definitions as a key component of fairness to the and Text public and consistency in decision-making has led to an increased interest in this C. Lists and Exarinples seemingly mundane topic.. D. Computation o We will use the definitions found in the existing ordinance as a starting point for the E. References to Other definitions section, and add and revise definitions as necessary to ensure that the Regulations/Publications definiti ons d o not contain substantive or procedural requirements. We will verify that F. Delegation.of Authority key definitions conform to federal and North Carolina law and constitutional G. Technical and requirements. We will also add definitions, where necessary. Standards and/or Nontechnical Terms procedures that currently exist only in the definitions section of the town's current H. Public Officials and ordinance will be moved to the appropriate standard/procedures sections of the new Agencies UDO. I. Mandatory and Discretionary Terms GENERAL RULES FOR INTERPRETATION ja Conjunctions This section will address general issues related to interpretation of UDO K. Tenses and Plurals language',including: 91 Rules of Measurement • The meaning of standard terms such as"shall,""will,"and "may," 93 Definitions • The use of plural and singular nouns, The meaning of conjunctions, • How time is computed,and • Other general issues that arise in interpreting and administering the UDO and its procedures. RULES OF MEASUREMENT This section will establish the rules for measuring bulk and dimensional requirements like height, width, setbacks, and others as well as how encroachments into required yards will be determined and regulated. DEFINITIONS This section will include definitions of terms used throughout the UDO. Hillsborough,North Carolina U nified Development Ordinance 1 Draft An notated Outline Page 19 November,2009