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_,; ,r •~,;) within an area not to exceed 12,000 sq, ft. or .27 acres 3) The easement or parcel on which the facility is located must be at least 5000 sq, ft. though in most cases it will be at least several acres. 4) Access easements shall be at least 30' in width 5) A Type E landscape buffer is required along any portion of the easement or parcel adjacent to a residential district, except where it's adjacent to another parcel ox easement owned or leased by a public electric utility. A Type E buffer requires evergreen vegetation, opaque to a height of 25' and semi-opaque of 30'. This can generally be met by existing vegetation. 6) Any modification of existing facilities is subject to these same requirements. The Ordinance Review Committee considered the amendment and recommended approval with one exception. The maximum size of the structure was originally proposed to be 8000 sq. ft. Piedmont EMC later requested that it be increased to 12,000 sq, ft. Best noted that the issue was not just substations but also transmission lines which could include all the easements. Scearbo responded that transmission lines themselves are permitted by right through the list of permitted uses in the Zoning Ordinance. Concern was expressed by Commissioner Willhoit that attention should focus on screening which could be provided by terrain rather than relying on landscaping. Commissioner Marshall agreed with Commissioner Willhoit and added that a substation is an obtrusive use and impacts are different in every case. She noted that she felt this is a logical use for which to require a Special Use Permit, Mike Parker, Counsel for Piedmont EMC, noted that the lines leading into the substations at the present time are all served by wooden poles and not tower structures. He noted that the proposed amendment would meet the needs of the power companies fox substations in Orange County. He also noted that the Little River Substation, the most recently constructed by Piedmont, is an excellent example of how substations can be constructed and screened so that they do not interfere with surrounding communities. He stated that the proposed amendment is one that has been agreed upon by Piedmont and the Planning Staff with the aid of the County Manager and County Attorney. There were no public comments. Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Marshall to refer this item to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be brought back to the Board of Commissioners no sooner than January 3, 1989. .~ .. 4