The Town is currently in the process of substantially revising the zoning and subdivision ordinances and official zoning map to better implement the Town of Orange Comprehensive Plan 2006-2026.  The Town's current zoning ordinances and map were adopted in 2001.  As a first step in this process, the Department of Community Development, with the help of a professional consulting firm, developed a Zoning Code Framework document which lists the outline, organizational format, and community characteristices that are proposed to be regulated within the new zoning ordinance.  The Framework proposes seven new Traditional Character Zoning Districts which are described in more detail within the various sections of that document (below).  In addition, the framework references a Draft Zoning District Map, also included below, in order to show where these districts are proposed to be located within the Town. 

Zoning Framework Table of Contents

Zoning Framework pgs. 1-12

Zoning Framework pgs. 13-24

Zoning Framework pgs. 25-36

Zoning Framework pgs. 37-49

Following development of the Zoning Code Framework, the Town of Orange Planning Commission and Department of Community Development organized citizen committees to assist in writing specific regulations for each of the seven Traditional Character Zoning Districts proposed for the new zoning ordinance.  These committees were consolidated into three groups that met monthly and were led by individual Planning Commission members.  The purpose of these citizen committees was to recommend specific regulations to the Planning Commission and gather citizen input during the ordinance writing process. 

The Industrial, Town Activity Center, & Rural Commercial - MEETINGS COMPLETE

Landscaping & Sign Committee - MEETINGS COMMPLETE

Site Plan, Off Street Parking/Loading & Definitions/Administrative Procedure Committees - MEETINGS COMPLETE

Traditional Residential High & Traditional Town Center - MEETINGS COMPLETE 

Traditional Residential Low & Rural Residential - MEETINGS COMPLETE  

The following tables and maps show how the proposed districts differ from the current districts. 

Zoning Revision Table #1 - Permitted Uses Within Existing & Proposed Zoning Districts
Zoning Revision Table #2 - Lot, Building, & Setback Requirements for Residential Uses 
Current Zoning Map 
Proposed Zoning Map (DRAFT)

In addition to their regular monthly meetings, the Town of Orange Planning Commission will
hold a series of work sessions on the second Monday of each month to convert the reccomendations of the zoning committees into a workable draft zoning ordinance.  This effort will begin February 8, 2010 and is anticipated to last about 4-6 months.  The Commission will also be taking up the issue of the proposed zoning district map at their regular monthly meetings (4th Monday of each month) begining in February.  Propetry owners who will be affected by proposed changes to the zoning map will be contacted and given an opportunity to address the Commission in order to make their opinions heard.  The Commission will identify trends in public opinion as it relates to the proposed zoning district boundaries and discuss whether or not to modify the boundaries in certain neighborhoods in order to reflect the prevailing pattern of land uses in that area or achieve the desired character of the neighborhood as described in the Comprehensive Plan.

Once a draft ordinance and zoning map have been produced, these documents will be posted on the website for the public to review.  Any citizen wishing to attend these meetings or interested in whether the proposed zoning revision will affect their property should contact the Department of Community Development at (540) 672-6917 for more information. 

Article 11:  Sign Ordinance DRAFT - June 28, 2010
Sign Comparison Table - July 19, 2010