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2 <br /> Recreation and Parks Advisory Council, the US Golf Association, the National <br /> Association of Counties, US Environmental Protection Agency, the Golf Course <br /> Superintendents Association of America, the American Society of Golf Course <br /> Architects, and the Center for Resource Management. Twelve (12) responses <br /> were received. Written comments are attached. <br /> Comments from the County Attorney reference adjustments to be made to other <br /> sections of the Zoning Ordinance if the proposed amendments are adopted. <br /> Specifically, Articles 11.6 and 8.7 should both be amended to refer to the <br /> proposed Section 8.8.7 with regard to enlargement or modification of existing golf <br /> courses. <br /> The proposed amendments were presented at the public hearing on February 24. <br /> Minutes are included in the attachments. Nine citizens spoke at the hearing. Their <br /> concerns included golf courses in commercial and industrial districts, the special <br /> use permit process, preemption by State Pesticide regulations, the Audubon <br /> International certification program, overregulation of golf courses, and <br /> interpretation of the proposed standards. <br /> Commissioner Gordon requested that the Planning Board discuss the potential for <br /> allowing golf courses in commercial and industrial zoning districts, perhaps as a <br /> special use. The approach taken by the Golf CART prohibits golf courses in <br /> commercial and industrial districts, which is consistent with Article 4.2 of the <br /> Zoning Ordinance that contains the statements of intent for each zoning district. <br /> Recreational uses are included in most of the residential districts, but are not <br /> included in the description of the purpose of commercial and industrial districts <br /> along with office, service,manufacturing,processing,etc. <br /> Undeveloped land zoned for commercial or industrial uses is extremely limited in <br /> Orange County's jurisdiction (not including Economic Development Districts <br /> where golf courses are not permitted). For a developer to propose a golf course in <br /> one of those districts, a rezoning would be necessary. In all likelihood, land in a <br /> Commercial-Industrial Activity Node being rezoned as described would be <br /> currently zoned residential, where a golf course could be allowed with a Special <br /> Use Permit. Consequently, the Planning Staff has concluded that allowing golf <br /> courses in commercial and industrial districts would serve no useful purpose. <br /> On April 2 the Planning Board reviewed the proposed amendments. The draft <br /> minutes of their discussion are included in the attachments. The Planning Board <br /> voted 9 to 2 to recommend approval of the proposed regulations for golf courses. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that the public hearing be closed and that the <br /> amendments to the Zoning Ordinance be approved to include standards and <br /> approval procedures for golf courses. <br />