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2 <br /> Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with best practices in solar zoning, the County can <br /> eliminate regulatory obstacles, simplify permitting, and provide greater clarity for property owners. <br /> These updates will further the SolSmart goals, directly support BE 2.5.1, and ensure faster <br /> approvals, reduced administrative burdens, and a smoother transition to clean energy for the <br /> community. <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 <br /> towns for comment. Town of Chapel Hill provided comments which were incorporated with <br /> revisions. <br /> Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted unanimously to <br /> recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with one <br /> amendment to the proposed changes. The changes recommended by the Planning Board allow <br /> for administrative edits as recommended by the staff attorney and have been incorporated into <br /> the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The Planning Board's signed Statement of <br /> Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025 meeting minutes are included in Attachment <br /> 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning Board had reviewed the materials in an <br /> "Ordinance Review Committee" meeting on April 9, 2025. <br /> Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the: <br /> 1. Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are reasonable <br /> and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1 . <br /> 2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no costs associated with this project other than the use of staff <br /> time and the required legal advertisement for the text amendment's public hearing. County staff <br /> has and will continue to accomplish the necessary tasks associated with amending the UDO and <br /> the legal advertisement will be paid from budgeted funds for this purpose. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate <br /> Action Plan. <br /> OBJECTIVE 8. Include environmental stewardship objectives in the Comprehensive Land <br /> Use Plan. <br /> • GOAL 3: HOUSING FOR ALL <br /> OBJECTIVE 5. Review County ordinances, policies, agreements, and the regulatory <br /> processes to streamline practices, and increase opportunities and reduce barriers to <br /> construct housing. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: <br /> 1. Conduct the public hearing and receive the Planning Board and staff recommendations <br /> and public comments; <br /> 2. Close the public hearing; and <br /> 3. Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 1) and the Ordinance in <br /> Attachment 2. <br />