Agenda - 05-08-2014 - 7c - Laserfiche WebLink

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C At the November 25 Quarterly Public Hearing concerns with standards regarding prohibiting specific uses, screening of accessory structures, and setback standards of accessory structures and outdoor storage space utilized in a major home occupation were discussed by the BOCC and Planning Board. Recognizing that a number of items needed to be reviewed and discussed among the Planning Board, staff recommended bringing the item back to the Planning Board for further review and discussion at the December 4 meeting. At the Quarterly Public Hearing a BOCC member suggested staff send a letter to residents who currently have a home occupation permit in order to solicit feedback. Sixty -three letters were mailed on November 27, 2013 and no comments were received from the public. At the January 8 Planning Board meeting, Board members reviewed revised standards based on comments received at the November Quarterly Public Hearing and the December 4 Planning Board meeting. Members voted 7 -1 to recommend approval of the UDO text amendment as presented by staff. The amendment was presented for adoption consideration at the February 18 BOCC. During the meeting, Board members identified concerns with existing and proposed standards regarding screening and setback regulations for accessory structures utilized in a home occupation. As a result, the BOCC referred the item back to the Planning Board and staff for further review and consideration. At the April 2 Planning Board meeting, planning staff presented and reviewed comments received from the February 18 BOCC meeting for Planning Board consideration and discussion. Following staff's presentation, the Board identified concerns previously discussed with existing and proposed home occupation standards regarding enforcement, land uses not permitted (automotive repair, service, and detailing),, permitted number of daily visitors, and permit fees. Board members voted 4 -2 to recommend approval of the UDO text amendment as presented by staff. 2. Analysis As required under Section 2.8.5 of the UDO, 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 purpose of the proposed amendment is to develop standards that accommodate and encourage the use of home occupations while protecting the residential !' character of neighborhoods and meeting standards of the North Carolina Building Code in order to incorporate recommendations of the Implementation Bridge into the Unified Development Ordinance. Proposed standards will allow for smaller and larger scale home occupations with the development of two categories including a minor home occupation and a major home occupation. Uses such as artist studios often are considered home occupations and the updated standards will apply to artist studios. 3