Agenda - 01-22-2015 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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I we had no plans to add any major structures to our property. As we settled in, and experienced 2 North Carolina variations in weather and precipitation, we realized that the backyard was mostly 3 dirt and weeds, and when it rained, it was a muddy eyesore. Even after we added a small swing 4 set, the mud and clay was tracked all over our house, making a terrible mess. 5 6 We realized we needed to landscape a portion of the yard, and went to a great deal of time and 7 expense to do so in an affordable and environmentally friendly way. We researched options, 8 and at this point we learned how incredibly restrictive our area is when it comes to impervious 9 surface definitions. We chose pervious pavers for our backyard patio, along with grass, shrubs, 10 and other plants. We were disappointed to learn that Orange County considers pervious pavers 11 to be impervious, but were also told that they were re- considering their position on this matter. 12 13 As the landscaping project was completed, we decided (partially influenced by the begging of 4 14 persistent children) we wanted to add a pool to our backyard before getting a fence installed. In 15 order to get a pool, however, we need 3 feet of border all around the pool to secure it. This 16 would add another (approximately) 385 square feet of impervious. It would be well within our 17 allotment, if only our pervious pavers were not counted against us. We began the process of 18 investigating and trying to get approval for this next phase. 19 20 On March 1, 2013, I emailed the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, describing 21 the situation. I received several sympathetic responses, including notes from Frank Clifton and 22 Barry Jacobs. I was told the County Commissioners were considering the issue. Mr. Clifton 23 forwarded my email to Craig Benedict, and I received this thoughtful response from Mr. 24 Benedict: 25 26 "1 have done some research on your property and subdivision and although 1 27 presently do not have the solution, I wanted to let you know that my office is 28 working on it. These impervious rules were a mandate from the state, so our 29 interpretations cannot stray too far from their standards. It does make sense what 30 your request is and I will endeavor to make it work. Thank you for your patience." 31 32 1 did not hear back after this, and our project was put on hold. I was later told the state and the 33 country was considering modifications to the current rules. I waited patiently. 34 35 This fall I felt a renewed sense of urgency as summertime swimming led to the resurrection of 36 my children's begging for a pool. I began again, trying to find a way to make this project 37 happen. 38 39 At the state, I spoke with Mike Randall in the storm water permitting unit on October 10, 2014. 1 40 was told that based on state provisions, we would get credit from the state for the pervious 41 pavers. I was told that given the fact that we have disconnected structures (e.g., there are no 42 pipes draining the water off our lot), and that our pavers have a low impact on water quality, 43 according to state regulations, we would be permitted to have both the pavers and the pool. On 44 October 29, 2014 1 spoke at length with Bradley Bennett and was again encouraged to files for 45 a variance. Both Mr. Randall and Mr. Bennett said they would be happy to speak with someone 46 about these issues. 47 48 More recently, in September and October of this year I've exchanged emails, and spoken with 49 Michael Harvey, Supervisor of Planning and Inspections at Orange County. 50