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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: June 2, 2015 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. 6 -g <br />1 <br />SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Amendment Outline <br />and Schedule — Public Hearing Process Revisions <br />DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />Amendment Outline for Revisions to the <br />Public Hearing Process <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Perdita Holtz, Planner III, 919 - 245 -2578 <br />Craig Benedict, Planning Director, 919- <br />245 -2592 <br />PURPOSE: To consider and approve process components and schedule for an upcoming <br />government- initiated amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). <br />BACKGROUND: As a result of discussion at the May 12, 2015 BOCC work session, an item to <br />consider revisions to the existing public hearing process used for Comprehensive Plan, UDO, <br />and Zoning Atlas amendments and for Class A Special Use Permits is currently being prepared <br />by Planning staff for the September 2015 Quarterly Public Hearing. Revisions are expected to <br />include the following: <br />• Have two separate processes in the UDO Procedures article for legislative decisions and <br />quasi - judicial decisions. Processes are proposed to be similar with minor differences to <br />reflect the different legal requirements. <br />• Have the Planning Board make a recommendation prior to the formal public hearing. <br />This will also create an additional opportunity for public input and will notify nearby <br />residents earlier in the process as notices will be mailed and signs will be posted <br />advertising the Planning Board meeting. <br />• Expect the Planning Board to attend the formal public hearing, but not require a quorum <br />of the Planning Board in order to hold a public hearing. <br />• Create the possibility for the BOCC to have options to decide sooner or later depending <br />on the proposal. <br />• For legislative items, end the requirement of having only written comments after the <br />public hearing. <br />• No increase in the number of public hearings at this time (e.g., keep the Quarterly Public <br />Hearings). <br />• Amend the Planning Board's Rules and Procedures to add the following responsibility to <br />the Planning Board Chair /Vice Chair positions: <br />o attend Quarterly Public Hearings <br />• attend BOCC meetings when a decision is being made on items the Planning <br />Board has reviewed <br />