Orange County NC Website
Nov 18, 2012 <br />Ordinance Changes- What to do first? <br /> <br /> As has been discussed, the UDO was originally planned to be two phases: The <br />first phase merged all the existing ordinances into a single document with coherent <br />layout and format. Changes were to be limited to only those that facilitated this <br />consolidation effort. The second phase is where “other” changes would happen. <br /> <br /> What was not clear then, but is clear now, is that the “Second Phase” goes on <br />forever. There are always changes and adaptations to be made in the ordinances since <br />they are for use in an ever changing world. <br /> <br /> The Implementation Bridge document is the repository for ideas on things to <br />change in the UDO. It is a list of changes that came out of the first phase. Other <br />changes continue to come up as the Planning Department interacts with citizens and <br />the BOCC. Various areas of focus in the county, such as fostering economic <br />development, have also produced some changes that need to be examined. <br /> <br /> So the Planning Board and the Planning Department need to figure out how to <br />prioritize the list of UDO changes. Driving this process are: <br /> <br />1) Use the Planning Department’s knowledge of what needs to be changed based on <br />prior experiences, anticipated projects, and county goals. <br />2) Utilize individual Planning Board members skills and areas of interest. <br />3) Respond to suggestions and guidance from the BOCC. <br /> <br /> I would like Planning Board members to read the Implementation Bridge and <br />think about their skills and interest and generate their own prioritized list of areas that <br />might benefit from some attention. The time and expertise of Planning Board members <br />is valued and appreciated- it would be foolish to not take advantage of it. <br /> <br /> The Planning Board and Planning Department can then create a prioritized list of <br />areas in the UDO that need attention. The list should be a living, changing document. <br />As such, the process for managing the list is as important as the content of the list itself. <br /> <br /> Focusing on this list will be our “background task” when we are not dealing with <br />specific zoning applications from the public. We may also have brief focused meetings <br />at 6:30 before the Planning Board Meeting to give members an opportunity to share <br />their knowledge, information and passion about their areas of interest. <br /> <br /> So read, think and create your list. This is a great opportunity to make your time <br />on the board productive and interesting. I look forward to your feedback. <br /> <br />Pete <br /> <br />Attachment 1 22