Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
ORANGE COUNTY <br />PLANNING BOARD ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 7, 2016 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 3 <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendments - Subdivision <br />Regulations and Processes <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections <br /> <br /> <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />1. Comprehensive Plan and Unified <br />Development Ordinance (UDO) <br />Amendment Outline Form <br />2. Proposed Amendments <br />Patrick Mallett, Planner II (919) 245-2577 <br />Michael D. Harvey, Planner III (919) 245-2597 <br />Craig Benedict, Director (919) 245-2592 <br /> <br />PURPOSE: To review and comment upon a proposed government-initiated Unified <br />Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendment regarding subdivision regulations and review <br />processes. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: In response to a petition submitted by Commissioner Pelissier, staff conducted <br />a work session with the BOCC on February 18, 2016 to review current subdivision regulations <br />and discuss opportunities for allowing for more flexibility with respect to residential development. <br /> <br />During this work session, staff recommended revisions to the Article 7 Subdivisions of the UDO <br />that would encourage clustered development with smaller lot sizes and require more dedicated <br />common open space. Staff also recommended allowing for additional parcels to be created <br />through the Minor Subdivision process if the applicant would dedicate a specific percentage of <br />the project as open space as well as allowing for greater opportunities for the use of off-site <br />septic systems rather than requiring on-lot wastewater treatment/disposal. <br /> <br />The proposed text change also recommends the consolidation of “Cluster” and “Flexible <br />Development” options into one category and seeks to standardize the types of open space and <br />conservation areas utilized for both Major and Minor Residential subdivisions. <br /> <br />Attachment 1 contains additional information and analysis regarding this amendment. Proposed <br />text amendment language can be found in Attachment 2 within a “track changes” format. <br /> <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: Consideration and approval will not create the need for additional funding <br />for the provision of County services. Existing staff, included in the Departmental staffing budget, <br />will accomplish the work required to process this amendment. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): Planning staff recommends the Ordinance Review Committee review <br />and comment upon the proposed amendments to the UDO. <br /> 12