Orange County NC Website
collectible cars that they would like to fix. They would like to bring this proposed change to the <br />Board and then have it ga to the public hearing process far submission notice to the Planning <br />Board. <br />Michael Harvey said that in reference to the sign ordinance, staff recommends that they <br />be allowed to take the existing sign ordinance and revise it. There are several contradictory <br />statements within the actual ordinance some of which have three different criteria that could be <br />observed. They would like to address the inconsistencies, which would make it easier for the <br />citizens to follow. He said that in reference to abandoned mobile homes, he would like to <br />propose for the Commissioners to authorize staff to begin developing a policy based on the <br />state template so that if grant funds are available they could make application and provide <br />some means of financial assistance to Orange County residents to remove abandoned mobile <br />homes from property. He said that with respect to enforcement they believe a minor tweak is <br />necessary in the enforcement section to eliminate conflicts and also to incorporate the new <br />field notice of non-compliance that they have devised. Since there is no mention of it staff <br />feels that someone may claim it is not part of the official legal process. <br />Michael Harvey said that in reference to administration, staff believes that there is a <br />need to take the provisions in the administration section of the ordinance, there are about <br />three different articles that deal with administration, and insure they comply with state statutory <br />provisions as well as other requirements within the zoning ordinance. <br />And, finally, they have existing definitions of daycare/family group home facilities that <br />are inconsistent with state mandates and guidelines. They would like to modify existing <br />definitions so they reflect state requirements and also look at their procedures and bring them <br />into compliance with the state regulations. <br />Michael Harvey said that they are asking far direction to see if the Board is willing to <br />have these various items brought before them at various times during the timeframe of six <br />months to one year. They have requested for the Board to grant them the ability to bring the <br />proposed zoning amendments (junked motor vehicles, sign regulations, and the <br />daycare/family group home facilities) by November to begin the process with the other items <br />being brought at least in report format for their review and guidance in February 2006. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis wanted to know who is sending out notices to the candidates <br />while planning staff is working on these suggestions on signs. He reminded Mr. Harvey that <br />there is a town election coming up. Craig Benedict said that they send out these notices and <br />they will modify the one they last used {since it was not clear to some of the candidates) <br />working with the manager and attorney to make sure it is more understandable. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said they should make this applicable to everyone, like realtor <br />signs and yard sale signs-equal enforcement for everyone. He said that he hopes they don't <br />have the confusion they have had in the past. As to lack of facilities, they have been looking <br />at this issue for years. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he knows of mobile homes that have <br />been abandoned and then taken to Alamance County. He feels that the mobile homes should <br />be deconstructed before they are brought to Orange County. Commissioner Halkiotis said that <br />citizen means is a tough one. Unless you look at a person's record it is hard to know what <br />they do and do not have. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that he referred a complaint to Michael Harvey and he felt <br />it was handled appropriately. Signs will be important to him, and as to enforcement he feels it <br />will require more than minor tweaking. Commissioner Halkiotis asked how one meets the <br />definition of a legal vehicle if there are four lined up in the yard. <br />Michael Harvey said that it has to be unlicensed, unregistered and be partially <br />dismantled, wrecked, or less than $100.00 in value and not be able to run in a manner it is <br />supposed to be. <br />Michael Harvey said that one of the things they are doing to address citizen means is <br />they have agreed to grant six month extensions, but if citizens do not clear up or abate the <br />problem in six months, then zoning officials will fine them from the first day they are told this is <br />a problem and the citizen signs an agreement to this effect. This has proven to be somewhat <br />effective. <br />