Agenda - 11-19-2012 - C1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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To re -start a process that was begun in early 2010 but put on hiatus so staff could focus on developing the initial UDO and subsequent amendments related to economic development. The Efland- Mebane Small Area Plan (EMSAP) Implementation Focus Group (IFG) had begun meeting to develop design standards for the Efland "core" area, as recommended in the adopted EMSAP. The adopted plan is available at: http: / /www.co.orange.nc.us /planning /admin EM SAP.asp Additionally, before moving forward, staff needed a decision from the BOCC regarding whether a sidewalk program would be pursued in unincorporated areas of the county. Staff received direction at the October 6, 2011 BOCC work session in regards to this issue; a sidewalk program will not be pursued at this time and revisions to development regulations should reflect this decision. At the June 19, 2012 BOCC meeting, the Board authorized staff to proceed with developing the design standards in conjunction with the EMSAP IFG. 2. Analysis As required under Section 2.8.5 of the Unified Development Ordinance, the Planning Director is required to: `cause an analysis to be made of the application and, based upon that analysis, prepare a recommendation for consideration by the Planning Board and the Board of County Commissioners'. The following information is offered: The proposed zoning overlay districts are consistent with the recommendations made in the adopted Efland- Mebane Small Area Plan which called for design standards in the "core area" of Efland. The primary purpose of the overlay districts is to provide for a more village and urban style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water and sewer systems. The affected area is also designated as a Commercial - Industrial Transition Activity Node ( CITAN) on the County's Future Land Use Map. It is pertinent to note that some of the zoning districts allowed in a CITAN land use classification allow residential uses "by right." The proposed overlay districts have been written so that the requirements will not pertain to existing or new single - family detached residential uses. All other residential uses (e.g., duplexes, multi - family) proposed in the overlay districts will be required to conform to the requirements of the overlay districts. Because County development regulations pertain primarily to areas that are not intended to be served by public and water systems, which tends to result in larger lot sizes and lower density, some of the County's regulations are not suitable for areas intended to have denser or more intensive development on smaller lots. For example, some of the land use buffer requirement in Section 6.8 of the UDO would be infeasible to meet on a parcel of property that is less than 100 feet in width and has an area measurement typically referred to in square feet rather than in acres. However, in areas of the county slated for denser development than the outlying rural areas, smaller sized lots with buildings closer together is to be expected. Therefore, development regulations must be modified to reflect these physical differences while continuing to strive for quality development. The proposed overlay districts endeavor to encourage development while ensuring quality. 2