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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 3, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 5-c <br /> SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Telecommunication <br /> Facilities Standards <br /> DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Statement of Consistency Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director, (919) <br /> 2. Proposed Ordinance, Including UDO 245-2577 <br /> Text Amendments Jack Moran, Planner I, (919) 245-2571 <br /> 3. Planning Board Signed Statement of Cy Stober, Director, (919) 245-2592 <br /> Consistency and Excerpt of the Draft <br /> May 7, 2025 Meeting Minutes <br /> 4. PowerPoint Presentation <br /> PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing, receive the Planning Board and staff recommendations, <br /> receive public comment, close the public hearing, and consider action on County-initiated text <br /> amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to telecommunication <br /> facilities standards in order to: better achieve established UDO and 2030 Comprehensive Plan <br /> goals; be consistent with Federal and State Law; clarify language for improved administration and <br /> enforcement; and reflect contemporary best professional standards. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department has initiated <br /> amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance — Sections 5.2: Table of Permitted Uses, <br /> 5.10: Standards for Telecommunications Facilities, and Article 10: Definitions, as well as creating <br /> a new section, 8.14: Nonconforming Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. These amendments <br /> are supported with legal services provided by the Brough Law Firm, PLLC. <br /> The proposed amendments to the ordinance represent the first update to these standards since <br /> the adoption of the UDO on April 5, 2011. In an effort to protect residential areas, minimize new <br /> facilities, and encourage new telecommunication facilities to locate in non-residential areas, <br /> County staff has identified the need to update the text to reflect current federal and state laws as <br /> well as professional best practices. A community and industry meeting detailing the proposed <br /> ordinance amendments was held on April 7, 2025, to notify and receive input from stakeholders. <br /> Comments were received from industry representatives and addressed. <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 27, 2025. To date, no comments have been received. <br /> Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted 7-3 to <br /> recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with <br />