Minutes-05-16-2023-Business Meeting

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27 A motion was made by Vice-Chair McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to close the joint public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Regular Agenda a. 2022 Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) Program Evaluation This item was removed from the agenda and will be considered at a future meeting. b. Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Clarion Associates to Develop a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and Approval of Budget Amendment #9-A The Board received 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, and approved a professional services contract (Attachment 1) with Clarion Associates, LLC and 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; • Public services and infrastructure; • Housing and Transportation; • Passive and active recreation sites and facilities; • Identification of natural hazards such as flooding, winds, and wildfires; • Protection of the environment and natural resources, including agricultural resources and water and air quality;