Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
30 <br /> decisions on a development application. The existing Orange County Comprehensive Plan was <br /> adopted in November 2008. <br /> Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, is available <br /> on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com. <br /> Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also <br /> available on the project website: <br /> https://www.orangecountVIanduseplan.com/resources <br /> Next Steps with the BOCC — Planning staff proposes to present an agenda item covering <br /> aspects of County demographics, the planning process, plan implementation, watershed <br /> regulations, and planning agreements at the September 9, 2025 BOCC Work Session. <br /> Cy Stober introduced the item and described the 2050 comprehensive land use plan <br /> process to date. He reviewed the proposed CLUP discussion calendar and the potential costs <br /> for outside facilitators and experts, which was included the agenda packet. He asked for the <br /> Board's direction on these items. <br /> Chair Bedford proposed looking at the calendar first, then reviewing potential costs. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if they had approved the calendar previously. <br /> Chair Bedford said while the Board had generally agreed on a calendar in a past <br /> meeting, they had not officially approved the schedule. <br /> Chair Bedford said that as they learn new things, they will have to be flexible and update <br /> if necessary. <br /> Cy Stober said that state law requires that land use plans be maintained, and the <br /> professional rule of thumb is to review ever 10 years. He said Orange County is at year 18. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENTS: <br /> Peter Childers expressed concern about for-profit companies providing expert opinion <br /> and analysis. He said he was concerned about conflicts of interest. He said that UNC could <br /> provide expert testimony on these issues and would also be independent. <br /> Sadie Rapp said she would like to see the Board make use of the expertise that exists in <br /> the state's colleges and universities as well as non-profit organizations. She asked the Board to <br /> take advantage of resources to address issues that face the county. She said she is opposed to <br /> for-profit companies to examine issues relating specifically to rural activity nodes as they are not <br /> invested in the wellbeing of our communities. She said hiring these consultants is irresponsible <br /> when the expertise already exists in schools and non-profits. She asked the Board to avoid <br /> costly for-profit consultants and uplift the wisdom in universities and non-profits, in general and <br /> specifically relating to the comprehensive land use plan. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to <br /> approve the calendar. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott expressed concern for meeting on Veterans Day, but was <br /> willing to meet if that was the desire of the Board. <br /> Chair Bedford said Commissioner Portie-Ascott could make a motion to amend the <br /> calendar if she wanted. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked if the closed session discussion on utility constraints could <br /> be moved to October 14. <br /> Chair Bedford noted that it depends on their availability and that a utility discussion <br /> would have sensitive information. <br />