Agenda - 08-21-2001-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT Craig N. Benedict, AICP, Director c•..rr .r s, Current Planning ,,-` * ''. 306E Revere Road (919) 245-2575 v ~ P O Box 8181 (919) 644-3002 (FAx) Hillsborough, vvww.co.orange.nc.us '`•~~~ ~.~•~~'• North Carolina, 27278 MEMORANDUM To: Elizabeth P. Davidson, Applicant From: Craig Benedict, Planning Director Tina Moon, Planner II Date: May 10, 2001 Subject: Land Use Buffer Waiver for Olive Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast Class A Special Use Permit Elizabeth P. Davidson, the applicant for the Olive Branch Inn bed and breakfast establishment has submitted a request for a waiver of the Type E Land Use Buffer requirement along the front of her property. Article 12 of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance outlines landscaping requirements for development projects. Section 12.8 of that article provides for a waiver of Land Use Buffer requirements when strict adherence to the ordinance serves no useful purpose, so long as the spirit and intent of the ordinance is maintained. To satisfy the ordinance requirements for the special use permit application, Ms. Davidson is required to install a Type E Land Use Buffer along the west side of her property fronting NC 57 (per Section 12.6.2, Schedule of Required Land Use Buffers). A Type E Land Use Buffer is composed of predominantly (at least 75°~) evergreen vegetation that is opaque to a height of at least thirty (30) feet. Section 12.1 specifies the intent of the Landscaping and Buffer Requirements as follows: Landscaping and screening requirements are established to improve the appearance of vehicular use areas and property abutting public rights-of--way; to require screening between non-compatible land uses; to protect, preserve and promote the visual appeal, character and value of the surrounding neighborhood and properties; and to promote the public health, safety and welfare through the reduction of noise pollution, air pollution, visual pollution, air temperature extremes, soil erasion, and glare from vehicle headlights and exterior lighting fixtures. The applicant submits, in her letter, that strict adherence to the buffer requirements will create a potential safety hazard for guests entering and leaving the property, and will detract from the historic character of the property, which is linked to its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.