Agenda - 05-08-2014 - 6i - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 1 4 Excerpt from February 27, 2014 BOCC /Hillsborough Board of Commissioners Joint Meeting Materials Discussion Points: Have we achieved what we wanted to achieve? • The lines of communication are open between the two planning department staffs during the development review process. • The amended Water and Sewer Boundary Agreement memorializes the Urban Services Boundary and documents the commitment to the boundary. • Unlike twenty or more years ago, the town rarely approves utility extension agreements without annexation due to the equity issues regarding paying for the town services used and to minimize customers that must pay higher out of town utility rates. • Due to local preferences and amendments to the state annexation laws, the town rarely annexes using the involuntary process (once in the last 22 years). Does the full implementation of the Interlocal Agreement achieve substantially? • ETJ is intended to ensure that new development in areas that are likely to be annexed is consistent with the development regulation of the annexing community. Recent changes _ to the annexation laws reduce the likelihood of the proposed ETJ areas being annexed, except in the case of major redevelopment. Moving developed neighborhoods into the ETJ after they are developed provides no protection to the residents of the neighborhood and adds permitting steps to any project current residents take on (zoning permit from the town followed by building permit from Orange County — 2 locations, 2 fees). • If the intent of adding areas to the town's ETJ is to ease annexation for neighborhoods already being served by town utilities (and lowing their utility bills), this will not be effective. The changes in the state's annexation laws are a much bigger obstacle than the ETJ location. The town has historically not pursued annexation of neighborhoods under the involuntary process. The town remains willing to discuss annexation with any neighborhood or group of property owners interested. The town has also studied the impact of annexation and water rates on houses of various price points to help neighborhoods determine what is in their best interest. • The town is willing to release the 400 acres of ETJ to the County without receiving additional acreage in return. These areas are difficult to serve with utilities and are unlikely to be considered for annexation, so releasing them from the ETJ manages expectations more clearly. This process does involve notice and public hearings by both entities.