Agenda - 09-01-2015 - 5b - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 STAFF COMMENT. The following testimony/evidence was entered into the record at the public hearing: i. Staff abstract and attachments, including the SUP application and site plan, presented at the May 26, 2015 Quarterly Public Hearing. ii. Staff testimony on the project and its compliance with various provisions of the UDO. iii. Applicant sworn testimony from Ms. Beth Trahos, Mr. George Retschle, Mr. Thomas Hester, Mr. Richard Kirkland, Mr. Richard Moretz, and Mr. Thomas Cleveland, on how the project complies with the UDO. The applicant entered copies of affidavits and a real estate report, completed by Mr. Hester, into the record providing additional information on the project's compliance with applicable standards. iv. Comments from the BOCC, Planning Board, and the general public. During the hearing, the following comments/questions were posed concerning the application: • Several BOCC members requested clarification on the proposed land use buffer modifications: RESPONSE: The applicant testified there would be an additional 15 feet of buffer along the northern property line. This would include the preservation of approximately 20 feet of existing foliage along the common property line with the property to the north, which would be included within the proposed land use buffer. • A Planning Board member asked the applicant to clarify testimony related to the fiscal impact analysis. Specifically to review the methodology used in determining how the project would `maintain or enhance' the value of contiguous property. RESPONSE: Mr. Thomas Hester outlined the methodology and indicated his report provided an assessment of existing property values near a previously constructed solar facility within Orange County. Mr. Hester indicated it was his professional opinion there was no evidence indicating the development of this facility would impact adjacent property value. It should be noted there was no competent material evidence or expert testimony entered into the record demonstrating the project did not comply with the UDO. Minutes from the public hearing are contained within Attachment 3. Agenda materials from the July 1 , 2015 Planning Board meeting can be viewed at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/Planning Board Agenda Packet July 2015.pdf. The abstract and handouts from this meeting are contained in Attachment 2. Minutes from this meeting are contained within Attachment 4. Additional information, as contained within this abstract, will be entered into the record at the September 1, 2015 regular meeting. As testified to at the public hearing, the applicant is proposing to develop a solar facility on a 20 acre portion of the subject property with the remaining 15 acres being retained by the current property owner. Proposed individual arrays shall be approximately 7 to 9 feet in height, with