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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: October 1, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 5-a <br /> SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment — Landscaping Standards <br /> DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Statement of Consistency Cy Stober, Director, 919-245-2592 <br /> 2. Proposed Ordinance, Including UDO Perdita Holtz, Deputy Director, 919-245- <br /> Text Amendments 2578 <br /> 3. Planning Board Signed Statement of <br /> Consistency and Excerpt of Draft <br /> September 4, 2024 Meeting Minutes <br /> PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing, receive the Planning Board and staff recommendations, <br /> and public comment, close the public hearing, and consider action on County-initiated text <br /> amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to Landscaping standards <br /> to allow for better achievement of established UDO and 2030 Comprehensive Plan goals, clarify <br /> language for improved administration and enforcement, and reflect contemporary best <br /> professional standards. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning Department initiated an amendment to the UDO <br /> Landscaping standards, as found in Section 6.8 "Landscaping, Buffers & Tree Protection". The <br /> proposed amendments are intended to be comprehensive in addressing overly-complex text, <br /> improve interpretation and application for both staff and applicants, and to resolve an existing <br /> ambiguity determined by staff and upheld by the courts regarding Table 6.8.6(D). Minor <br /> amendments in Articles 3 and 5 are also necessary to update references and reflect amendments <br /> in Section 6.8. <br /> Joint Planning Area (JPA) Review: In compliance with the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro <br /> Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement, the proposed amendments were sent to both towns <br /> for comment on March 22, 2024. To date, no comments have been received. <br /> Planning Board Recommendation: At its September 4, 2024 meeting, the Planning Board voted <br /> unanimously to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text <br /> amendments, with some changes to the proposed text amendments. The changes <br /> recommended by the Planning Board have been incorporated into the proposed Ordinance <br /> contained in Attachment 2. The Planning Board's signed Statement of Consistency and and <br /> excerpt of draft September 4, 2024 meeting minutes are included in Attachment 3. Prior to <br /> making its recommendation, the Planning Board had reviewed the materials in an "Ordinance <br /> Review Committee" meeting on April 3, 2024. <br /> Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the: <br />