Agenda - 11-21-2011 - C4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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s.• Attachment 2 211 Chapter 1: Plan Overview amendment with the Comprehensive Plan and any other relevant plans (such as a small area plan, a corridor plan, or a transportation plan) that have been adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners is also required to adopt a statement on plan consistency before adopting or rejecting any zoning amendment. These written comments are required, but do not limit the board's discretionary power to adopt or not adopt zoning amendments. The Orange County Zenittg Unified Development Ordinance provides the authorization and legal framework for development and adoption of a comprehensive plan. The ordinance states that the plan "shall constitute an internally consistent and compatible statement of policies for the long -term physical development" of the County, and that the plan should include the following elements (or chapters): • Land Use Element; • Transportation Element; • Housing Element; • Open Spaee Element (i.e.,. ., Natural and Cultural Systems Element }; • ., Parks and Recreation Element); • Economic Development Element; and • Services and Facilities Element...; and • County Profile (Data) Element. The Planning Board is given the express power to develop and recommend the Comprehensive Plan for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners. Before the board can adopt the plan, a public hearing must be held to provide an opportunity for the County's citizenry to comment on the plan. The rening ordinanee Unified Development Ordinance also provides standards for amending the plan. (See Section 1.5.3: Amendments.) 1.2.3. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Orange County is governed by a seven - member Board of Commissioners, elected in partisan countywide elections. The primary duties of the board include adopting an annual budget, establishing the annual property tax rate, appointing various officials, planning for County needs, adopting local plans, and enacting local ordinances. The board also has the authority to call for bond referenda, enter into contracts, and establish new programs and departments. The board is advised by more than 40 different boards and commissions comprised of Orange County citizens that volunteer for their positions. Achieving the goals set by the County Commissioners is made possible because of this citizen input into programs, services, and general operations. Some of these boards have been established by state law and their authority is defined in the North Carolina General Statutes. Others have been created by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to help them set policies for specific areas of service. Ora.vWCctcnry Co- Y;Vrahe+i,we,,Pla w Page 1 -4