ORC Agenda Packet - July 9 2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 6: Development Standards Section 6.13: Stream Buffers 24 (1) Prior to any Land-Disturbing Activity within a designated stream buffer, the property owner shall provide written notification of the location and nature of the proposed use to the Planning Department for review. The notification shall state that the use shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to minimize soil disturbance and to provide the maximum water quality protection practicable. (2) All Land-Disturbing Activities within a designated stream buffer require approval of the Erosion Control Officer in accordance with applicable State and local regulations, as well as all other required local, State and/or Federal permits and approvals prior to commencement of Land--Disturbing Activities. (3) The submittal of additional information and/or applications may be required prior to any Land--Disturbing Activity within a designated stream buffer, in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance. (B) Additional Standards for Allowable Uses With Mitigation (1) Development proposals shall be submitted and reviewed in accordance with this Ordinance and all applicable State regulations. (2) Mitigation shall be provided in accordance with adopted State standards and shall be approved and inspected by the Erosion Control Officer or his/her designee. (C) Allowable Uses The following uses are allowed as a matter of right in stream buffers, subject to the General Standards established in Section 6.13.6(A) of this Ordinance88, and any specific standards for the use: (1) Above-ground and buried utility lines for local distribution of electricity, telephone, data, and cable television service, as well as accessory and appurtenant apparatus such as poles, guy wires, transformers and switching boxes. (2) Individual or community wells. (3) Public water and sewer lines are permitted only as allowed by the Orange County Water and Sewer Policy, and may be located within stream buffers only to the extent necessary to cross the stream buffer as closely as possible to perpendicular. Individual or community wastewater disposal systems are not permitted in stream buffers. (4) Public and private streets, bridges, railroad rights-of-way, and other similar travel ways, provided that they enter and exit the buffer area as nearly perpendicular as possible. (5) Archaeological activities/projects conducted in accordance with all applicable County, State and Federal regulations. (6) Dam/reservoir maintenance activities. (7) Maintenance of existing outfalls provided they are managed to minimize the sediment, nutrients, and other pollution that convey to waterbodies. (8) Driveway crossings on single-family residential lots that disturb less than, or equal to, 25 linear feet or 2,500 square feet of stream buffer. (9) Greenways and/or hiking trails six feet in width composed of natural materials at least 30 feet from the top of bank of a stream or water body. (10) Historic preservation projects/activities. S8 Staff recommendation to improve reading clarity. Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-95