Minutes 05-04-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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43 Commissioner Dorosin asked for some context on why the state legislature made these changes. He asked if the changes will expedite the process. He said there seems to be tension between what the legislature wants versus the local governments. John Roberts said his perception is that the state legislature has wanted to make it more difficult for local governments to regulate land use. James Bryan, Staff Attorney, said the notice requirements are older statutory changes than 160D, and are seeking to accommodate local governments with cost effectiveness. He said smaller communities were struggling with putting notice in newspapers and mailing notifications, due to the associated costs. He said the newspaper industry fought back, and said the notices are an important revenue source. He said this is a procedural minimum, and the County is able to do more, and has historically done so. Commissioner Dorosin said there is much to consider, including costs. He said a boundary has to be drawn at some point, but notification can have broader impacts. He said he would like to get creative in how notice is provided: notices posted in libraries, schools, community centers; use QR codes; print larger signs with just a phone number to call, etc. Commissioner Dorosin said there was a letter from the Town of Carrboro with questions, but he did not see a response. He said there was a question about treating single-family development differently than multi-family development. Perdita Holtz said she has spoken with Carrboro staff. She said the performance bond issue will come back later in the year. Perdita Holtz said staff will need to revisit the single family versus multi-family issues. She said, over the years, the State legislature has put restrictions on how much local governments can regulate single-family housing, and a future amendment may be necessary. Commissioner Dorosin said he does not want the County to do anything to encourage distinction between single family and multi-family. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the class A and B distinctions are going away, with all SUPs going to the BOA, but the items that previously came to the BOCC will still continue to do so, just under a different name. He said this is a change in the nomenclature, and is not divesting the BOCC of its role in hearing more serious matters. Perdita Holtz said yes, that is correct. Commissioner Bedford is concerned about the practice of no longer mailing notifications. She said getting something in the mail is a good way to connect with people who may not pay attention to other forms of notification. Commissioner Dorosin asked if post cards could be sent. Perdita Holtz said yes, and staff sometimes already does so. Perdita Holtz asked if Commissioner Bedford is suggesting the removal of the alternative to even do the newspaper add in lieu of mailing notifications. Commissioner Bedford said yes. Perdita Holtz said large scale notifications could number tens of thousands, and a large comprehensive plan update would involve a great deal of public input during the process, and, as such, a newspaper notification may be more appropriate. Commissioner Bedford said she has never been through a comprehensive plan development, but thinks notification needs to be more than just newspapers. She said she has only ever seen true public engagement over issues of gun control and school mergers. Commissioner Greene asked if the law says the County has to use the newspaper. Perdita Holtz said it does not, and the County can choose to. Commissioner Greene said she would support putting notices in newspapers, in addition to other ways of getting information out. Chair Price said she was on the Planning board when the 1000 feet notification radius was decided. She said in rural areas, one's closest neighbor may be 1000 feet away, which is