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

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;~ ----- Original Message ----- From: <ficklecreek@mindspring.cbm> To: [stevehh@mindspring.com>; ~mcareyl@mindspring.com>; ~barry.j@mindspring.com>; Cmwbrown@mindspring.com>; ~gordonam@mindspring.com> Cc: <ficklecreek@mindspring.com~ Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 9:03 AM Subject: Rural Guest Establishments > Greetings, > I attended the meeting on Tuesday night with the intention of commenting on the proposed Orange County Zoning Text Amendments. Regrettably, the meeting was adjourned to Thursday and i am unable to attend. It was suggested that i email comments to the commissioners. > I congratulate Orange county for taking the important step to encourage agrotourism through rural bed and breakfasts. In many other areas of the US and Europe, these establishments provide important connections for urban and subruraban folks to gain first hand appreciation for agriculture and help support farm diversification that brings in added income. As with most issues that Orange County gets involved with, it is done 'with gusto' -with these amendments, i feel that the rules could be made easier to understand and less cumbersone for folks interested in beginning a rural b and b. my specific comments are provided below. > ~ 1. pg 110; 8.8.28.2 a). This site plan can be a costly enterprise if it involves a complete survey of the complete property. Perhaps, this could be modified to a less cumbersome requirement for the 1 to 3 BR B and B category. Most property has a plat map but newer construction and roads may not be on this map that is recorded in the deeds office. Would it be possible to ask applicants to draw to scale items 1) to 9)? Another option would be require that this be completed for facilities that are located within 300 feet or 500 feet of another property. > 2. pg 111; 8.8.28.2 b). This seems overkill far a 1 to 3 BR B and B that will likely no other employees. > ~ 3. pg 111; 8.8.28.2 d). Why is this important to Orange County Government? Again, if the facility is located away from a road and would not alter the visual aesthetic for drivers on state roads it seems unimportant for the county to have jurisdiction over what an owner choses to do for landscaping. Perhaps a minimum distance from property boundaries or roads would qualify what situations fall under this concern. > > 4. pg 112; 8.8.28.3 a). I did not have the opportunity to review the requirements of 8.8 a) and 8.8.24.1 a). My concern is requiring someone to go to great expense to begin a small diversification of a larger farming operation. > ~ 5. pg 114; 8.8.28.4 b). Requiring solar power seems to be micromanaging the aspect of lighting. As long as the lighting system minimizes night-time glare any type may be used. > Thanks again for the opportunity to carsnent. I heartily support the general intent of the proposed amendments to foster diversification of farms and rural areas and enhance important linkages between rural and urban communities. ~ sincerely > noah ranells