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materials similar to a residence. She said this seems to mean that it must be shielded just <br /> because it is used as a business, even if it looks like a house. <br /> Ashley Moncado said this was meant to reduce the visual impact of introducing a <br /> secondary usage on to a piece of property. She said this may also reduce noise impacts. <br /> Commissioner Rich noted that the planning board passed the recommendation 7-1. <br /> She asked if the person who voted against it had a strong objection to anything in particular. <br /> Ashley Moncado said this person had concerns regarding the application fee, <br /> enforcement, and the standards limiting economic development in Orange County. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said there is a balance between allowing expansion in home <br /> occupations and maintaining the existing residential character of the area. She said some <br /> businesses could create noises and other impacts, and the required setbacks are not that <br /> large. She said the balance is between allowing some non-residential use without disturbing <br /> the people already there. She said she is concerned about the noise and other impacts of <br /> some of the construction businesses. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he agreed with Commissioner Gordon because it is a <br /> balancing act. He noted that the 40 foot setback is the size of the current meeting room. He <br /> said the goal is to improve the availability of the activity without throwing out all the rules. <br /> Commissioner Price said if you consider some of the benign businesses that are <br /> located in offices made of the same material as your house, she does not understand why the <br /> expense of a fence or shield plants is necessary. She is thinking of the residents in clustered <br /> areas or cul-de-sacs that don't allow a lot of room. She said many of the businesses will make <br /> less noise than the kids in the neighborhood. She feels a lot of hardship is being put on these <br /> businesses by requiring the screens. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to <br /> close the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the more traditional zoning distinguishes between types of <br /> uses. He suggested that this ordinance might also have more specifically tailored home <br /> occupations and would account for variances in impact, such as less noise, or less light. He <br /> said the home occupation could be matched with the requirements. <br /> Commissioner Rich agreed with this. She said it is important to know what a business <br /> is before applying standards like sheltering. <br /> Perdita Holtz said the Planning Department is trying to make the standards fit for all <br /> different types of home occupation uses. She said historically, zoning ordinances in <br /> municipalities just lump home occupations into one category. She said Orange County is <br /> actually being very progressive by having the major and minor distinctions, and these <br /> standards are being liberalized by these proposed amendments. She said it is possible to look <br /> at different things and come back, but this will be a trade off. <br /> Michael Talbert said since there are a lot of comments on this by the Board, it may be <br /> best to send this back to the planning board with the Board of County Commissioners' <br /> comments. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Price to <br /> refer this back to the planning board to review BOCC comments. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said it is important, when these home occupations are a source <br /> of neighborhood controversy, it is to the County's advantage to make the process very clear. <br />