Agenda 03-21-2017-11-c - Board of Equalization and Review

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11 Page 2 of 3 Randy Herman Board of Equalization and Review(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am a real estate attorney with experience searching title and performing closings in Orange County and elsewhere. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: To apply my training and experience for the benefit of the community. Conflict of Interest: I own real property located in Orange County. I also represent and have represented clients that own real property located in Orange County. To my knowledge, I do not currently have any clients that are appealing or intend to appeal any tax matters. Supplemental Questions: Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board. I am currently an associate with The Banks Law Firm in Durham. I was previously with Moore& Alphin in Raleigh. In both positions, my practice is almost entirely real estate, including title work and quasi-judicial proceedings. What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment? As a real estate and land use attorney, I have represented both builders and developers seeking variances and environmental groups opposing them. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed? The primary responsibility of the board is to apply the appropriate ordinances to determine if applicants have met presented appropriate evidence for their application to be granted. But in the larger sense, I see Boards of Adjustment as akin to the old Courts of Equity: they provide equitable relief from the strict letter of the development ordinance for uses that are non- conforming in a minor way. They also serve the general principal that landowners should be free to use their property as long as their use does not adversely impact their neighbors or the community. What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related to growth? Allowing growth and development in a responsible way while avoiding sprawl. Orange County is a desirable place to live and is positioned for extensive growth whether it wants it or not. The key is to control that growth in a beneficial way without cutting it off entirely. What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth? This begins with the specific ordinances governing the various permits and variances, which must be followed. But for matters within its discretion, the Board of Adjustment should guide growth by approving land use when possible, but only if it does not adversely impact other residents and the community. How would you,as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities? By granting approvals where they are warranted and denying them where they are not, I would support the policies of the Board of Commissioners as expressed in the UDO and other related ordinances.