Please reject UDO amendments to narrow subdivision review process
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Ann Simpson
Sep 1, 2026, 11:01:20 AM (21 hours ago) Sep 1
to ocb...@orangecountync.gov
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
It has just come to our attention that the county planning department staff will be proposing a plan this evening to eliminate Planning Board members and Commissioners from the county’s subdivision plan review process. It is important that you act decisively to reject this proposal, which we do not support nor understand the reason it is being proposed.
The current process is the only place that we, as citizens, and you as our elected representatives have a voice in shaping our neighborhoods and advocating for wise, balanced, and environmentally thoughtful development for Orange County. It is vital that you do not abdicate this role. The proposed changes unreasonably narrow the scope of review and approval, preventing us and our neighbors from being able to register timely comments on development plans that could, among other things, impact our wells and water quality and the viability of agricultural and forested lands in our valuable rural communities. Development pressures on rural lands are higher than ever. Please hold firmly to your responsibility as our elected representatives to review new land use proposals throughout the county, ensure timely public awareness of them, and to hear public concerns that can help prevent long-term harm to existing communities.
We urge you to please reject proposed UDO amendments that would eliminate public review of subdivision plans and plats by County Commissioners and Planning Board members - the proposed amendments are unreasonable and run counter to the best interest of the public you represent.
Thank you for considering, and acting upon, our request,
Ann and Bland Simpson
It has just come to our attention that the county planning department staff will be proposing a plan this evening to eliminate Planning Board members and Commissioners from the county’s subdivision plan review process. It is important that you act decisively to reject this proposal, which we do not support nor understand the reason it is being proposed.
The current process is the only place that we, as citizens, and you as our elected representatives have a voice in shaping our neighborhoods and advocating for wise, balanced, and environmentally thoughtful development for Orange County. It is vital that you do not abdicate this role. The proposed changes unreasonably narrow the scope of review and approval, preventing us and our neighbors from being able to register timely comments on development plans that could, among other things, impact our wells and water quality and the viability of agricultural and forested lands in our valuable rural communities. Development pressures on rural lands are higher than ever. Please hold firmly to your responsibility as our elected representatives to review new land use proposals throughout the county, ensure timely public awareness of them, and to hear public concerns that can help prevent long-term harm to existing communities.
We urge you to please reject proposed UDO amendments that would eliminate public review of subdivision plans and plats by County Commissioners and Planning Board members - the proposed amendments are unreasonable and run counter to the best interest of the public you represent.
Thank you for considering, and acting upon, our request,
Ann and Bland Simpson
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