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37 <br /> 1 d. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Solar Array Standards <br /> 2 The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on County-initiated text <br /> 3 amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to solar array standards to <br /> 4 better achieve established UDO, 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and Climate Action Plan goals, <br /> 5 clarify language for improved administration and enforcement, and reflect contemporary best <br /> 6 professional standards. <br /> 7 <br /> 8 BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department, in partnership with <br /> 9 the Sustainability Office, has initiated amendments to UDO Section 5.9.6, Solar Array, and <br /> 10 revisions to Article 10, Definitions. The proposed amendments are intended to be comprehensive <br /> 11 in addressing overly complex text, and to improve interpretation and application for both staff and <br /> 12 applicants. <br /> 13 <br /> 14 These amendments represents the first update to the solar standards since the adoption of UDO <br /> 15 section 9.5.6: Solar Array UDO on November 8, 2012. Because best practices surrounding solar <br /> 16 array residential and accessory standards have since changed, County staff has identified the <br /> 17 need to update the language to reflect current practices. <br /> 18 <br /> 19 Orange County's Climate Action Plan prioritizes solar energy adoption as a foundational strategy <br /> 20 for achieving renewable energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategy Built <br /> 21 Environment and Energy (BE) 2.5.1 of the Climate Action Plan specifically calls for <br /> 22 "implementfingl an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects across the county." The <br /> 23 purpose served by this text amendment is to carry out these objectives. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 As part of the commitment to advancing solar energy, Orange County earned a SolSmart <br /> 26 designation, recognizing the County's efforts to make solar more accessible. By updating the <br /> 27 Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with best practices in solar zoning, the County can <br /> 28 eliminate regulatory obstacles, simplify permitting, and provide greater clarity for property owners. <br /> 29 These updates will further the SolSmart goals, directly support BE 2.5.1, and ensure faster <br /> 30 approvals, reduced administrative burdens, and a smoother transition to clean energy for the <br /> 31 community. <br /> 32 <br /> 33 Joint Planning Area (JPA) Review: In compliance with the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro <br /> 34 Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement, the proposed amendments were sent to both <br /> 35 towns for comment. Town of Chapel Hill provided comments which were incorporated with <br /> 36 revisions. <br /> 37 <br /> 38 Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted unanimously <br /> 39 to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with <br /> 40 one amendment to the proposed changes. The changes recommended by the Planning Board <br /> 41 allow for administrative edits as recommended by the staff attorney and have been incorporated <br /> 42 into the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The Planning Board's signed Statement <br /> 43 of Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025 meeting minutes are included in <br /> 44 Attachment 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning Board had reviewed the <br /> 45 materials in an "Ordinance Review Committee" meeting on April 9, 2025. <br /> 46 <br /> 47 Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the: <br /> 48 <br /> 49 1. Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are <br /> 50 reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1. <br /> 51 2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2. <br />