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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 6, 2002 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. <br /> SUBJECT: Moratorium on Telecommunications Towers <br /> DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) es <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> • Resolution to Adopt Ordinance Craig N. Benedict, ext 2592 <br /> Establishing Six-Month Moratorium <br /> • Options for Board Action TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br /> Hillsborough 732-8181 <br /> Chapel Hill 968-4501 <br /> Durham 688-7331 <br /> Mebane 336-227-2031 <br /> PURPOSE: To close Public Hearing and make a decision on a six-month moratorium on <br /> telecommunications towers that are in process and unapproved and on applications for new <br /> towers in Orange County's jurisdiction. <br /> BACKGROUND: At a work session on January 28, 2002, the Orange County Commissioners <br /> suggested a series of amendments to the telecommunications tower section of the Zoning <br /> Ordinance (Article 8.8.17a). It was Board consensus that a moratorium on processing tower <br /> applications is advisable while preparation of the ordinance amendments is underway. <br /> The justification of the moratorium is noted in the 'Whereas' clauses of the attached Resolution. <br /> Comments were received on the moratorium at the February 25, 2002 Quarterly Public Hearing. <br /> The speakers from the telecommunication industry commented that they were willing to help <br /> address code matters and were concerned about what 'telco' facilities arrangements and <br /> applications would be the subject of the moratorium (see attachment 2, page 5, for various <br /> board action alternatives that would affect what applications and/or what type of facilities would <br /> be the subject of the moratorium). The issue was referred to the Planning Board for a <br /> recommendation to be returned no later than 8:00 P.M., March 6, 2002. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There will be no fees collected during the moratorium for Class A or <br /> Class B special use permit applications for new telecommunications towers. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Administration recommends that the Board close the public <br /> hearing and adopt the ordinance establishing a six-month moratorium on telecommunication <br /> towers. The moratorium will insure that all activity regarding application fees, placement of <br /> telecommunication equipment, and co-location of telecommunication equipment cease for a <br /> period of 6 months. During the moratorium, Planning staff, the Ordinance Review Committee, <br /> and representatives from the telecommunications industry will work jointly on revisions to the <br /> applicable sections of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance. In addition, direct Planning Staff to <br /> bring back amendments prior to September 5, 2002. <br />