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37 <br /> d. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Solar Arrav Standards <br /> The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on County-initiated text <br /> amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to solar array standards to <br /> better achieve established UDO, 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and Climate Action Plan goals, <br /> clarify language for improved administration and enforcement, and reflect contemporary best <br /> professional standards. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department, in partnership with <br /> the Sustainability Office, has initiated amendments to UDO Section 5.9.6, Solar Array, and <br /> revisions to Article 10, Definitions. The proposed amendments are intended to be comprehensive <br /> in addressing overly complex text, and to improve interpretation and application for both staff and <br /> applicants. <br /> These amendments represents the first update to the solar standards since the adoption of UDO <br /> section 9.5.6: Solar Array UDO on November 8, 2012. Because best practices surrounding solar <br /> array residential and accessory standards have since changed, County staff has identified the <br /> need to update the language to reflect current practices. <br /> Orange County's Climate Action Plan prioritizes solar energy adoption as a foundational strategy <br /> for achieving renewable energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategy Built <br /> Environment and Energy (BE) 2.5.1 of the Climate Action Plan specifically calls for <br /> "implementfingl an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects across the county."The <br /> purpose served by this text amendment is to carry out these objectives. <br /> As part of the commitment to advancing solar energy, Orange County earned a SolSmart <br /> designation, recognizing the County's efforts to make solar more accessible. By updating the <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 <br /> to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with <br /> one amendment to the proposed changes. The changes recommended by the Planning Board <br /> allow for administrative edits as recommended by the staff attorney and have been incorporated <br /> into the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The Planning Board's signed Statement <br /> of Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025 meeting minutes are included in <br /> Attachment 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning Board had reviewed the <br /> materials in an "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 <br /> reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1. <br /> 2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2. <br />