ORD-2023-023-Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Clarion Associates to Develop a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and Approval of Budget Amendment #9-A

Browse Search

1 ORD-2023-023 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 16, 2023 Action Agenda Item No. 6-b SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Clarion Associates to Develop a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and Approval of Budget Amendment #9-A DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Contract — Services Agreement Tom Altieri, 919-245-2579 2. Year-to-Date Budget Summary Cy Stober, 919-245-2592 PURPOSE: To receive a brief staff presentation to include an overview of the consultant selection process and scope of services to develop a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for Orange County, consider the approval of a professional services contract (Attachment 1) with Clarion Associates, LLC, and approve Budget Amendment #9-A. BACKGROUND: Orange County's existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan is an official public document that provides a framework for long-range land use decision-making. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) adopted the 2030 Comprehensive Plan in November 2008. Although the plan has been reasonably maintained since adoption, the initiation of an update has been approved by the BOCC to maintain the authority to enforce zoning regulations, consistent with the requirements of NC General Statute (NCGS) 160D Article 5. Each of the municipalities in Orange County also enforce zoning within their planning jurisdictions and similarly maintain land use plans. At its October 18, 2022 Business meeting, the BOCC adopted a Resolution of Intent commissioning the development of an update to the CLUP, beginning with information obtained through the Countywide strategic planning process. The CLUP will serve as both a physical plan and policy guide developed through an analysis of existing conditions and trends, evaluation of the existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and will incorporate land use related aspects of other recent County planning initiatives in the areas of transit, housing, climate, and Countywide strategic planning. The result of this new planning effort will be an updated, long-range vision for the County, with corresponding policy recommendations and guidance for implementation of the plan over the next 10-20 years. While the NCGS does not require specific elements for comprehensive plans, it does list the typical topics that are worthwhile to include in a CLUP. Orange County's CLUP update will address the following topics, among others: • Identification of existing conditions and trends: • Issues and opportunities facing Orange County; • Employment opportunities, economic development, and community development;