Orange County NC Website
Ancillary Points <br /> • Current process of having all planning-related public hearings on segregated agendas <br /> likely results in more predictable BOCC regular meetings <br /> -Sometimes planning-related items can generate a great deal of public interest <br /> and comments <br /> -Possibility of having several planning-related public hearings on an agenda, <br /> depending on when applications are received <br /> --Could affect the amount of time available during a meeting for non-planning <br /> items <br /> --Since Special Use Permit quasi-judicial process tends to be more time <br /> consuming than legislative (text amendments, rezonings) items, could <br /> potentially limit SUP items to fewer agendas per year. <br /> • Currently, public hearing agendas are posted to the website at least 10 calendar days <br /> prior to the public hearing <br /> • BOCC agendas are generally posted 4 calendar days prior to the meeting date <br /> --Fewer number of days for interested persons to have information in final form <br /> • Requirement for written comments after oral public hearing (current requirement not <br /> proposed for change) <br /> -Allows interested persons to submit written comments to the Planning Board <br /> -Ensures Planning Board meeting does not become a de facto second public <br /> hearing <br /> -Particularly important to avoid in quasi-judicial matters (Special Use Permits) <br /> -Ensures BOCC is aware of additional comments <br /> • Continuation of Public Hearings to date/time certain <br /> -Case law in the mid-2000s resulted in legal advice to adjourn to a date/time <br /> certain unless the public hearing is closed the night of the hearing <br /> -Closing comments the night of the hearing would mean that no written <br /> comments could be accepted after the hearing and interested persons <br /> could not address the Planning Board <br /> -Could not close hearing if additional information is requested at the <br /> public hearing <br /> • BOCC agenda language when accepting Planning Board recommendation and any <br /> written comments <br /> -Currently, listed under "Public Hearings" section but with note that no additional <br /> comments are accepted <br /> -If the County wants to maintain the existing process of allowing written <br /> comments after the public hearing, but avoid potential confusion about an item <br /> being listed as a "Public Hearing," a new Section could be added to BOCC <br /> agendas that would not use the words "public hearing" <br /> -However, additional comments could not be made (persons could not <br /> sign up to speak on matters listed in this section) <br /> Planning Board Ordinance <br /> Review Committee <br /> • Reviewed on January 8, 2014 <br /> • Generally supportive of changes <br /> • Meeting Notes included in QPH package <br /> -One member had concerns about the (existing) requirement of accepting only <br />