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37 <br /> ----- Original Message ----- <br /> From: <ficklecreek @mindspring.com> <br /> To: <stevehh @mindspring.com>; <mcareyl @mindspring.com>; <br /> <barry.j @mindspring.com>; <mwbrown @mindspring.com>; <br /> <gordonam @mindspring.com> <br /> Cc: <ficklecreek @mindspring.com> <br /> Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 9:03 AM <br /> Subject: Rural Guest Establishments <br /> > Greetings, <br /> > I attended the meeting on Tuesday night with the intention of commenting <br /> on the proposed Orange County Zoning Text Amendments. Regrettably, the <br /> meeting was adjourned to Thursday and i am unable to attend. It was <br /> suggested that i email comments to the commissioners. <br /> > I congratulate Orange county for taking the important step to encourage <br /> agrotourism through rural bed and breakfasts. In many other areas of the US <br /> and Europe, these establishments provide important connections for urban and <br /> subruraban folks to gain first hand appreciation for agriculture and help <br /> support farm diversification that brings in added income. As with most <br /> issues that Orange County gets involved with, it is done 'with gusto' - with <br /> these amendments, i feel that the rules could be made easier to understand <br /> and less cumbersone for folks interested in beginning a rural b and b. my <br /> specific comments are provided below. <br /> > 1. pg 110; 8.8.28.2 a) . This site plan can be a costly enterprise if it <br /> involves a complete survey of the complete property. Perhaps, this could be <br /> modified to a less cumbersome requirement for the 1 to 3 BR B and B <br /> category. Most property has a plat map but newer construction and roads may <br /> not be on this map that is recorded in the deeds office. Would it be <br /> possible to ask applicants to draw to scale items 1) to 4) ? Another option <br /> would be require that this be completed for facilities that are located <br /> within 300 feet or 500 feet of another property. <br /> > 2. pg 111; 8.8.28.2 b) . This seems overkill for a 1 to 3 BR B and B that <br /> will likely no other employees. <br /> 3. pg 111; 8.8.28.2 d) . Why is this important to Orange County Government? <br /> Again, if the facility is located away from a road and would not alter the <br /> visual aesthetic for drivers on state roads it seems unimportant for the <br /> county to have jurisdiction over what an owner choses to do for landscaping. <br /> Perhaps a minimum distance from property boundaries or roads would qualify <br /> what situations fall under this concern. <br /> > 4. pg 112; 8.8.28.3 a) . I did not have the opportunity to review the <br /> requirements of 8.8 a) and 8 .8.24 .1 a) . My concern is requiring someone to <br /> go to great expense to begin a small diversification of a larger farming <br /> operation. <br /> > 5. pg 114; 8. 8.28.4 b) . Requiring solar power seems to be micromanaging <br /> the aspect of lighting. As long as the lighting system minimizes night-time <br /> glare any type may be used. <br /> > Thanks again for the opportunity to comment. I heartily support the <br /> general intent of the proposed amendments to foster diversification of farms <br /> and rural areas and enhance important linkages between rural and urban <br /> communities. <br /> • sincerely <br /> • noah ranells <br />