Orange County NC Website
5 <br /> update being completed on February 2, 2007. After a 3 year process, the County <br /> was informed in early July of 2017, new FIRM maps have been certified by the <br /> Federal government and are required to be adopted by local communities no later <br /> than November 17, 2017. <br /> Based on advice received from the County's Attorney in 2007, staff incorporated <br /> FIRM data onto the County Zoning Atlas creating the Special Flood Hazard Area <br /> (SFHA) overlay district. At the time staff expressed concerned over the fluid nature <br /> of FIRM data, which can be modified through the completion of an engineering study <br /> reviewed at the State and Federal level. While Planning staff is somewhat involved <br /> in this process, the timeline for review and action is dictated by others. Changes <br /> resulting from this review require re-adoption of flood mapping data at the local level, <br /> translating to the holding of a public hearing to amend the boundary of the SFHA <br /> overlay district. <br /> In consultation with current representatives of the County Attorney's office, it has <br /> been determined it would be prudent to eliminate the SFHA overlay district and adopt <br /> the FIRM maps by reference in the UDO. As there are changes in flood mapping <br /> data, staff would still be required complete a UDO text amendment incorporating the <br /> new FIRM maps but would not have to complete an atlas amendment. It should be <br /> noted this is how the majority of surrounding communities handle references/changes <br /> to FIRM data. <br /> Copies of the pending flood map data are available at the County Planning office or <br /> by visiting the North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) webpage <br /> at: http://fris.nc.gov/fris/Home.aspx?ST=NC. <br /> 3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives) <br /> Chapter 2 Planning Principles of the Comprehensive Plan: <br /> • Principle 2 — Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and development <br /> within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density that is <br /> sustainable over the long-term. <br /> Chapter 5 Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan: <br /> • Land Use Goal 1 — Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable <br /> growth consistent with the provision of adequate services and facilities and a <br /> high quality of life. <br /> • Land Use Goal 2 — Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental <br /> conditions and features and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, <br /> and community character. <br /> • Land Use Goal 4 — Land development regulations, guidelines, techniques, <br /> and/or incentives that promote the integrated achievement of all <br /> Comprehensive Plan goals. <br /> 4. New Statutes and Rules <br /> Federal revised minimum model flood damage prevention ordinance and new <br /> floodplain maps. <br /> Form Revised 09-29-16 <br />