Orange County NC Website
244 <br />The Major subdivision process also has not changed. Small changes have been <br />suggested to the existing text to be clearer about actual practices. <br />11. There has been talk lately about making Orange County more "business- friendly" <br />in these difficult economic times. Are there any changes or additions to previous <br />ordinances in the UDO that compromise a citizen's or a community's right to <br />participate in development issues or lessen their right to understand and affect <br />development in their neighborhoods? <br />No. Review /approval processes have not been suggested for changes. Citizens will <br />have the same level of participation as they currently have. <br />12. Will the UDO result in changes in the location of residential, commercial, <br />industrial, and agricultural areas? <br />Changes in these areas would not be a result of the UDO. The County's Land Use Plan, <br />contained in the Comprehensive Plan, designates areas of the county for broad <br />categories of uses. The Land Use Plan is not being amended as part of the UDO <br />process. The Conditional Zoning Districts and Conditional Use District could allow <br />changes but this is no different than could now potentially be allowed under the Planned <br />Development Districts. <br />13. Will the UDO allow industries or developments to be located in areas where they <br />are not currently permitted? <br />No. As stated in #12, the County's Land Use Plan designates areas of the county for <br />categories of uses. The existing Planned Development districts, which are to be <br />replaced with Conditional Zoning and Conditional Use Districts, can allow for a variety of <br />developments that are not permitted -by -right in a specific zoning district and /or land use <br />plan category, subject to the review and approval processes contained in the Ordinance. <br />14. I'm committed to protecting the environment and wetlands in Orange County. <br />How does the UDO affect these issues? <br />The only changes being contemplated in the UDO that affect these issues are the <br />proposed changes to stream buffer regulations. As stated in #3, some uses not <br />currently permitted in stream buffers would be allowed or would be allowed with <br />mitigation. Examples of the uses proposed to be allowed include greenways and /or <br />hiking trails, wetland restoration projects, and public water and sewer lines (with <br />limitations). Examples of uses proposed to be allowed with mitigation include docks, <br />piers, and boat ramps; trail crossings with bridges; and new storm water ponds. These <br />uses are in conformance with State regulations pertaining to stream buffers and the <br />proposed County regulations are still more restrictive than the State's regulations. <br />15. Is the County imposing additional costs on property owners who want to <br />subdivide or develop their properties through the LIDO? <br />The expected costs for subdividing and /or developing property would not change as a <br />result of the UDO. In the case of Minor Subdivisions (those creating five or fewer lots), a <br />Concept Plan will now be required (it is "advisable" in the current Subdivision <br />Regulations). Over the years, Staff has found that some applicants who chose not to <br />