Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
<br />1. In regards to quasi-judicial matters, suggest having the Board of Adjustment handle all <br />Special Use Permit applications. <br />a. Currently, the Board of Adjustment hears and decides Class B SUP applications <br />while the BOCC hears and decides Class A SUP applications, with a <br />recommendation made by the Planning Board on Class A SUPs. <br />b. Implementing this idea would result in the BOCC making policy decisions (e.g., <br />standards Special Use Permits have to adhere to) while the Board of Adjustment <br />would apply those policies. <br />c. Implementing this idea would remove the Planning Board from making a <br />recommendation on an SUP application. <br />2. Remove the existing requirement for a joint BOCC/Planning Board public hearing. <br />a. Implementing this idea would remove the Planning Board as an official board <br />(quorum required) at public hearings. <br />3. Write the process regulations so that the Planning Board gives its recommendation (on <br />Legislative items) prior to the BOCC-only public hearing. <br /> <br />Staff also believes that if #1 does not occur consideration should be given to removing the <br />Planning Board from Class A SUP matters. This idea becomes particularly relevant if the <br />Planning Board no longer attends the public hearing as an official board. <br /> <br />The Attorney’s office intends to attend the October 8 Planning Board meeting and could <br />address questions Planning Board members have in regards to quasi-judicial or other legal <br />matters. <br /> <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: Existing staff will complete the necessary work required for this project. <br />Changing the public hearing process is not expected to cause significant financial impacts <br />(negative or positive). Legal ads and mailed notifications, if required, would have to be sent <br />regardless of the process. Internal work flow, both within the Planning Department and in other <br />County Departments that have involvement with agenda setting, may need to be <br />updated/changed. Initial meetings with these departments have indicated that necessary <br />changes can be accommodated. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Director recommends the Board: <br />1. Discuss proposed public hearing process changes. <br />2. Provide either input or a recommendation on what the public hearing processes <br />should be. <br />73