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

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2 Information/Issues at Public Hearin on Ma 29 2001 (Extended to June 19, 2001) The following issues were raised by Noah Ranells, see attachments for all five comments in their entirety. 1. Site plan requirements are too. rigorous for Bed & Breakfast facilities (up to three guestrooms.) Article 14.2.1 of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance, Professional Design and Certifrcation, provides for a professionally prepared but non-certified site plan option for certain small-scale projects. This section could be amended to include Bed & Breakfast operations--Rural Guest Establishments with Three or less guestrooms--as one of the small-scale projects eligible for this option. 2. The, required description of proposed use(s) of site and building(s) and employees is overkill for Bed & Breakfast (three guestrooms or less) facilities. The description of proposed uses is a requirement for the existing Historic Sites Non-Residential Reuse/Mixed Use category (S54) and for home occupations. Providing this type of information helps to ensure that commercial uses remain accessory to primary residential uses, as appropriate for three-room bed and breakfasts. 3. The landscape plan requirement is too onerous for Bed &~ Breakfast establishments. The County's existing Site Plan approval process includes a landscape plan requirement. Typically the landscape plan shows important specimen trees and, when required, Land Use Buffers. Landscape information is often shown on the base plan for small projects. Each tree does not have to be individually identified showing an "existing tree line" is often sufficient for large lots, where the bulk of the properly remains wooded. 4. Standard site plan requirements are too costly for small operations to have prepared by a professional. The proposed amendments for Rural Guest Establishments will reduce the approval process for three-roam bed ~ breakfast operations from a Class A special use permit to a zoning permit. The County should require a basic amount of information when considering permits for commercial uses. 5. Requiring specific types of sign lighting is not necessary. The County is pursuing whether or not solar-powered fixtures will provide sufficient illumination for outdoor sides. Issues aised at the Plannin Board M in • The use of solar powered lighting should be encouraged but not required. • The amendments should have additional references to the review and permitting requirements of other agencies such as NCDOT. Development Process. Schedule and_A t • Public Hearing on May 29, 2001.' • Referred amendment to the Planning Board for a recommendation back to the Board of County Commissioners. • Planning Board recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance on July 11, 2001. (10-0 vote) • BOCC to make final decision. FINANCIAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact is associated with this decision.