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Issues Summary <br /> project If unclear or uncertain, unnecessary debate may occur over the standards applied to an individual project, and the <br /> result may be a development that is inconsistent with the community's goals. Ideally, this dialogue should take place in the <br /> context of adopting generally applicable standards; once clear,objective standards are included in the ordinance,they can be <br /> applied in a consistent manner to each project that comes up for review. <br /> During the update process, all review standards for all types of development permits will be reviewed, and where <br /> appropriate,clarified and brought into conformance with the planning and development goals of the town. <br /> ESTABLISH A CLEAR PROCEDURE FOR INTERPRETATIONS <br /> Based on our interviews with stakeholders and discussion with staff,it is clear there would be benefit in clarifying procedures. <br /> Based on our experience in other communities, we recommend that a formal process be established in the new UDO for <br /> interpretations. It identifies one town staff official (e.g., the Planning Director or a designee), who is responsible for making <br /> ALL interpretations,after consultation with staff and the town attorney. The procedure requires the interpretation be made in <br /> writing, and then compiled in a"book of interpretations"as a permanent record of the interpretation. It is also suggested the <br /> town modify its administrative practices to ensure there is a consistency of interpretations, made through one town official. <br /> USE AN ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. <br /> The existing zoning ordinance includes several sections listing application submittal <br /> requirements. We recommend the submittal requirements be removed from the i <br /> regulations, and set forth in an administrative manual that may be updated <br /> relatively easily, and without formally amending the UDO. Other materials that `�`; '�t� ��lahoingandZ66M'r <br /> should be removed from the regulations to a separate administrative manual �� gdm�rnstratwe`, <br /> include application fees and schedules for the processing of applications. This <br /> removes bulk from the code,and allows for easy update. <br /> A separate administrative manual,or"user's guide,"while not a part of this project t4 <br /> can also be a useful tool for explaining to the public how the review of <br /> development applications is conducted in Hillsborough and can suggest ways for r � y,�, •: „,e�r� „ <br /> the public as well as neighborhoods to monitor development activity. An <br /> Administrative Manual would improve the usability of the UDO. <br /> In many cases, town staff will prepare an administrative manual shortly after the r �zfirf <br /> adoption of a new code document These manuals include revised application kz <br /> r ' <br /> forms and checklists, sections explaining how to use the new regulations, and inyµ� _4 fi <br /> some cases,comparisons between the old and new development regulations. An Administrative Manual <br /> prepared for another <br /> jurisdiction <br /> Hillsborough,North Carolina <br /> Page 6 Unified Development Ordinance I Draft Annotated Outline <br /> November,2009 <br />