Orange County NC Website
^ UDO Text Amendment to add an Agricultural Support Enterprises zoning <br />district (Staff of 4 departments are currently reviewing past work on this <br />topic to determine necessary steps). <br />3) Comprehensive Strategy to Attract Economic Development Projects <br />• Infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, communication, etc.) <br />• Site "Ready-to-Go" <br />o Land Use /Zoning /Regulations <br />o Other Preparatory Aspects <br />• Simplified planning brochures for development processes <br />Craig Benedict said that Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, has worked <br />closely with the Planning department. He said that the complexion of the Planning Board has <br />changed within the last couple of years, it has been very diligent with understanding the <br />proposals and has moved forward with due speed. <br />Planning Board Vice-Chair Larry Wright said that on item 3, Pete Hallenbeck has <br />championed this cause -.Infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, communication, etc.). <br />Pete Hallenbeck said that they do not need to build an economic development zone with <br />1960's technology. He said that data and coverage is really critical in these zones. The utilities <br />must include this aspect. <br />Craig Benedict said that in June of 1999 he brought a telecommunications map to the <br />Board of County Commissioners end just recently the Board approved it within the past two <br />years. <br />Commissioner Gordon pointed out that Orange County is now being proactive in the <br />area of economic development. There are still large tracts of land along two major interstates. <br />Pete Hallenbeck said that the current Orange County zoning makes a distinction when a <br />telecommunications tower hits 150 feet. He said that one of his suggestions into think about <br />the FGC rules, which require lights on the tower over 200 feet. He suggested adjusting these <br />150 feet to about 190 feet. He said that 150 feet does not give enough antennas for the tower <br />to be profitable. He made reference to the rule that only two people can work in a home if they <br />are working from home and said that,-under those rules, Hewlett-Packard, Google, and other <br />startups could not have been started. He said that the ordinances need to be revised to make <br />Orange County more economic development friendly. <br />Craig Benedict agreed that they need to reanalyze what can occur in the rural areas, but <br />it will have to be reviewed and approved. <br />Commissioner Yuhasz said that he is very interested in what Mr. Hallenbeck said about <br />the height of the towers and this is worthy of rapid consideration. <br />Frank Clifton asked Craig Benedict how long it would take to bring an ordinance <br />amendment on this issue and Craig Benedict said 3-6 months. <br />The Board agreed by consensus to move this suggestion forward. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that part of how they decided to regulate these towers was <br />so that these would not be lighted. He asked how 150 feet was picked. Craig Benedict said <br />that it was because of the lighting ordinance. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she wants to be sensitive to the neighboring <br />communities if they choose to move forward on the height of the towers. <br />The Board agreed to have the staff bring back the part of the ordinance regarding height <br />limit of the telecommunication towers as soon as possible. <br />3 <br />