HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly_17_2012_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
JULY 17, 2012
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at 7:00
P.M., in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Meeting Room), 200 South
Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman Steve Johnson
Vice Chairman Marvin Norman
Renee Griffith
Frank Mitchell
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County
Manager Tracy Jackson, Finance Director Susan Blumenstein, Planning and Transportation
Director Joey Raczkowski, Planner Rebecca Harper, Erosion Control Officer Randy Moore,
Deputy Fire Marshal Garland Cloer, Purchasing Agent Dean Lail, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Commissioner Griffith
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to
approve the agenda with the following adjustments:
Additions: *Budget Amendment #2 was added to the Request for Approval of a Lease/Purchase
Master Agreement and other Documents Required for the Information Technology
Services (ITS) Virtualization Project
*Request for Consideration/Approval of a Pyrotechnic Application for a Private
Wedding Ceremony in an Unincorporated Area of Iredell County
Deletion: Closed Session Pursuant to Attorney-Client/G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
Ms. Dawn LeFaivre Spoke on Behalf of a Citizens Group Requesting for the Animal
Control Department to Become a "No Kill" Facility: Ms. LeFaivre presented each
commissioner a copy of her presentation as follows:
Gond evening_ My name is Dawn LeFaivre_ I am representing a group of
Iredell County facebook members that have areal concern and passion for
the animals in our county that arc being cuthanizetl in staggering num bars
every week at the Iredell County Anlmal Control facility. It has bean really
hard to get concrete facts with actual numbers, but it has bean rocontly
rumored that approximately 600 animals are put Co death each month here
in Iredcll County_ We Cl" have some statistics for the state for the years
2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009_ These records show that an average over these
years is sx-/ of all cats and 63 /0 of all rings in public Animal S'h elters are
outhanized. Total cats put to death In this time period was 437,244 and total
dogs were 402,305_ wa know that Iretlell Cuunty's numbers are included in
those statistics. we would like to ask you to consider changing our county's
record to O cats and O dogs by changing our Animal Control to a -no kill"
facility_ Animals do not deserve a death sentence just because they are born.
we truly believe that with public education, affordable spay and neuter
clinics, new foster care homes, fund raising projects, more strict laws
concerning animal neglect and abuse along with the abolishment of puppy
mills that this county can sat the mark For the entire state to says the lives of
th®s® innocent animals.
All of us are willing to help make this happen. we know, as a whole, that the
rrrintlsat of tha public has to change. yV have to get them etlucated as to the
horrors of what happens to that dog or cat they `dropped off' at Animal
Control. A lot of oxcusos aro used such as: rnoying, landlord issues, cost of
pet mai ntena nee, lack of time to interact with the pot, allergies, and
inadequate facilities or just have too many pots. vo any of these `reasons"
justify death7 we do not believo so_
Also, having been told Irodell County uses the gas chamber, we would like to
ask you it you ever been to the Anirrral Control Facility on a kill day? Hayo you
over looked into the eyes of the dogs and cats as they wait? Have you ever
scan them taken fur that last walk to the gas chamber'? Have you ever heard
thoir cries as they begin to inhale the gas? Flere is a viral letter written by an
anon mous animal control worker here in Hmth Carolina_
"Yes, I Gas Dogs and Cats for a Living. I'm an Animal Control officer in a very
small town in central North Carolina. I'rn in my mid thirties, and have been
working for the town in different positions since high school. There is not
much work here, and working for the county provides good pay and benefits
for a person like me without a higher education. I'm the person you all write
about how horrible I am. I'm the one that gasses the dogs and cats and
makes them suffer. Via the one that pulls their dead corpses out smelling of
Carbon Monoxide and throws them into green plastic bags. But I'm also the
one that hates my job and hates what I have to do.
First off, all you people out there that judge me, don't. God is judging me,
and I know I'm going to Well. Yes, I'm going to hell. I won't lie, it's
despicable, cold, and cruel and I feel like a serial killer. I'm not all to blame, if
the law would mandate spay and neuter, lots of these dogs and cats wouldn't
be here for me to gas. I'm the devil, I know it, but I want you people to see
that there is another side to me the devil Gas Chamber man.
The shelter usually gasses on Friday morning. Friday's are the day that most
people look forward to, this is the day that I hate, and wish that time will
stand still on Thursday night. Thursday night, late after nobody's around, my
friend and I go through a fast food line and buy 50 dollars worth of
cheeseburgers and fries and chicken. I'm not allowed to food the dogs on
Thursday, for I'm told that they will make a mess in the gas chamber, avid
why waste the food.
So, Thursday night, with the lights still closed, I go into the saddest room
that anyone can ever imagine, and let all the doomed dogs out out their
cages. I have never been bit, and in all my years doing this, the dogs have
never fought over the food. My buddy and I, open each wrapper of
cheeseburger and chicken sandwich, and feed them to the skinny, starving
dogs.
They swallow the food so fast, that I don't believe they even taste it. -1"here
tails are wagging, and some don't even go for the food, they roll on their
backs wanting a scratch on their bellys. They start running, jumping and
kissing vita and my buddy. They go back to their food, and come back to us.
All their eyes are on us with such trust and hope, and their tails wag so fast,
that I have come out with black and blues on my thighs.. They devour the
food, then it's time for therm to devour some love and peace. My buddy and I
sit down on the dirty, pee stained concrete floor, and we let the dogs jump
on us. They lick us, they put their butts in the air to play, and they play with
each other. Some lick each other, but most are glued on me and my buddy.
I look into the eyes of each dog. I give each dog a name.
They will not die without a name.
I give each dog 5 minutes of unconditional love and touch.
I talk to them, and tell them that I'in so sorry that tomorrow they will die a
gruesome, long, torturous death at the hands of me in the gas chamber.
Some tilt their heads to try to understand.
I tell them, that they will be in a better place, and I beg them not to hate site.
I tell them that I know I'm going to hell, but they will all be playing with all
the dogs and cats in heaven.
After about 30 minutes, I take each dog individually, into their feces filled
concrete jail cell, and pet them and scratch them under their chins. Some
give me their paw, and I just want to die. I just want to die. I close the jail
cell on each dog, and ask them to forgive me. As my buddy and I are walking
out, we watch as every dog is smiling at us and them don't even move their
heads. They will sleep, with a full belly, and a false sense of security.
As we walk out of the doomed dog room, my buddy and I go to the cat room.
We take our box, and put the very friendly kittens and pregnant cats in our
box.
The shelter doesn't keep tabs on the cats, like they do the dogs.
As I hand pick which cats are going to make it out, I feel like I'm playing
God, deciding whose going to live and die.
We take the cats into my truck, and put them on blankets in the back.
2
IJsually, as soon as we start to arive away, there are purring cats sitting on
parr o.c Rs or rubbing against us.
M, buddy and I to Re our one way two hourtrip to a county that is very
wealthy and they use injection to Kill animals.
We go to excausive neighborhoods, and lot ooe or two cats out at a Lima.
Tho, doo't want to run, Loa., want A.. stay with us_ W. shoo them away,
which makes na. feel sad.
I toll them that these rich people will adopt them, a"a if worse comas to
worse and Lhey do net Put down, they will be put down with a painless
raccdle being cradled by o loving veterinarian. After the last cat is Free, we
drive back to our town.
It's about 5 nn the morning now, about two hours- until I hay. r. gas my best
friends_
I go home, Take a shower, Ca Ke my 4 anti --anxiety pills and drive to work.. I
don't eat, I coo -t eat It's now tiro., to Put these animals in the gas chamber.
I put my ear plugs in, and when I go to the collect the dogs, the dogs are so
excited to see me, that they jump up to Kiss me and think they are going to
play_
I put them in the roiling cage and Take Cham to Cha gas chamber. They Know.
They just Know. They can sme11 the death.. They can smell thtc fear. Thcy
start whimpering, the second I put them in the U.W. Tho boss tells me to
syuecze in us many s I can to save on gas_ H. waCches_ He Knows I haL.
hirn, he Knows I hate my job. I do as I'na told. He watches until all the dogs,
and cats (thrown in togeth.rj ar. fighting and screaming. The sounds is very
muffled to me because of my car plugs. Ho wants out, I turn the gas an, and
walk out.
I walk out as fast as I can. I walk pato the bathroom, and Ito Kc- a pin and
draw blood from my hand. Why3 The pain anti blood to K.s my brain off of
what T just did.
In 40 minutes, I have to go back and unload the dead animals_ I pray that
none survived, which happens when I overstuff the chamber. I pull them out
with thick gloves, anti the smell of carbon monoxide makes me sick. So does
the vomit and blood, and all the bowel movements. I pull them out, put them
in plastic bags.
They are in heaven now, I tell myself. I then start cleaning up the mess, the
mess, that YOU PEOPLE are creating by not spay or neutering your animals.
The mass that YOU PEOPLE are creating by not demanding that a vet carne in
and do this humanely_ You ARE THE TAXPAYERS, DFMAND that this practice
STOP!
So, don't call me the monster, the devil, the gasser, call the politicians, the
shelter directors, and the county people the devil. Heck, call the governor,
tell him to make it stop.
AS LISual, I will take sleeping pills tonight to drown out the screams I heard
in the past, before I discovered the ear plugs. I will jump and twitch in my
sleep, and I believe I'm starting to hallucinate.
This is my life. Don't judge me. Relieve ma I - If II21l9.i1.-
Folks, if this were not enough to open your eyes, we, the people, invite you,
the council, to spend a day at the shelter, on a kill day. Pick out just ane of
the animals on death row that day and touch it, talk to it, comfort it and
follow its day from beginning to the awful end. Give just one animal a happy
few hours before its death. Then watch as it is loaded into the gas chamber
and listen to its fear as the gas replaces the air it breathes.
We are working on plans to start another rescue in this county. It Is ha the
baby stages at this point, but we will see it thru. We want to be granted the
opportunity to have fund raisers to support it and volunteers to run it. We
want to put alp billboards encouraging spay/neuter practices. We want to
recruit all the vets in our county to volunteer their services at least 2 days a
month for whatever the animals need. We want to continue our fight to have
mora strict laws against hoard.rs, animal cruelty off.nd.rs and thos. who
Faay. bac Rya rd puppy mains. H.L rnost of all, W. want YOU to SC.P the Ruling!
You have in fro nC of you a HogKK-it wrth all the information us.d tq p c mt
aur case to Va.- Please I..R at it and give our God given furry cgnaPanions
another cha nc.. Much, much more can be viewed on Iin.. Google animal as
chamber Photos fora real awakening. We emcourago you to sot the standard
for the enklr- state. ban th. gas chamlo." the no. you Say. just Haight b.
your n..1, "host friend. -
In addition, Ms. LeFaivre presented a petition secured through FaceBook group sites
containing 387 names. The petition request was titled as follows: We the undersigned citizens of
Iredell County and all the cities, townships and communities within, hereby petition, request and pray, the
Iredell County Commissioners along with any other political organizations that have a responsibiliq� in
this area, to change our Animal Control center to a "No Kill" facility. We also petition, request, and
pray, that it will work hand in hand with legitimate adoption web sites, focal veterinarians, legitimate
rescues, Humane Societies and any other entii), that wishes to help curb the destruction of animals in our
count)%
No action was taken regarding the request.
Mr. Frank Del Piano Speaks in Reference to a Cracked Storm Drain Pipe on his
Property: Mr. Del Piano, a resident of 134 Eclipse Way, Mooresville, NC, said that in April
2010 an area was noticed in his lawn that developed into a deep sinkhole (four feet across and
three feet deep). He said the drain pipe extended 250 feet with the actual sinkhole being located
about 150 feet off the street. Del Piano said a camera was inserted, and it revealed numerous
breaks and cracks in the pipe. He said consultations had occurred with engineers, and they all
said the pipe had been incorrectly installed which later led to shifting. Del Piano said when it
rained, and the soil became wet, erosion had occurred which lead to the sinkhole. Continuing,
Del Piano said the State Department of Transportation was contacted, but this office indicated it
was only responsible for the first 10 feet off the street. Del Piano said the subdivision's
developer had gone out of business, so he next contacted the county. He said the county was
asked who was responsible for the inspection, and he was told this was not required. Mr. Del
Piano said the sinkhole was 15 feet from his home, plus there were numerous other areas where
holes were occurring. He said one was about two -feet by two -feet, and the holes were safety
hazards. Del Piano said the pipe should have been inspected by the county, especially since it
was so close to his home. He said the Land Design Company provided sewer and street
inspections, but nothing had occurred for the pipe. Mr. Del Piano asked for the county to take
responsibility for the pipe as well as the maintenance and repair.
Commissioner Robertson said the developer constructed the roads and installed the storm
drains. He said it was understood that the developer then built the house, and Mr. Del Piano
purchased it.
Del Piano said yes. He said, however, the county knew that a home was going to be
constructed at the site, plus it was known that the state was not going inspect the pipe.
Robertson asked, pertaining to the scope work, if the water went underneath the pipe and
this created an uneven surface, or did the engineers feel it was broken upon installation. He said
a ceramic or concrete pipe could not handle any bending.
Del Piano said he was informed the pipe was not correctly packed.
Robertson asked if the construction delivery trucks could have driven over the pipe and
crushed it when the house was built. He also asked the developer's name.
Del Piano said the developer was Robert Dienst, with Sundown Cove, LLC, and it was
unknown if the pipe could have been damaged while the house was being built.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of Amendments to Iredell County's Voluntary and Enhanced
Farmland Preservation Ordinance — Article VI. Certification for Qualifying Farmland:
Planning and Development Director Joey Raczkowski said an amendment was being presented due
to the North Carolina General Assembly changing a statute as to what defined an eligible tract of
farmland to participate in the enhanced agricultural program. Raczkowski said the amendment
simply referred to the statute, and if the law changed in the future, it would not be necessary to
revise the ordinance.
A copy of the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
In 2011 per HB 406 S.L. 2011-219 the legislature amended GS 106-737 to provide that land that is
engaged in agriculture may qualify for enrollment in a voluntary or enhanced agricultural district
even though it does not qualify for taxation at its present -use value. An amendment of the
Iredell County Voluntary and Enhanced Farmland Preservation Ordinances' is needed in order
to reflect the change in the General Statutes.
Proposed Text Amendment
The following changes are being proposed to text in the Voluntary and the Enhanced Farmland
Preservation Ordinances. Existing text that is bold and Iffith strike through is text to be removed.
Text in red and underlined is new text to be added.
4
ARTICLE VI. Certification for Qualifying Farmland
Section 601. Requirements
To secure County certification as qualifying farmland, a parcel must:
(601.1) Be participating in the sarin present use value taxation program established by
G.S. 105_077 2 through 105_077 7 or be otherwise qualified by the r my ie
meet all the requirements of this program et forth in G.S. 105.277 3 engaged in
agriculture as that word is defined in G.S. 106-581.1;
Reference
The G.S. referenced in the proposed amendment is as follows:
♦ G.S 106-581.1 Agriculture defined.
For purposes of this Article, the terms "agriculture", "agricultural', and "farming" refer to all of the
following:
(1) The cultivation of soil for production and harvesting of crops, including but not limited to
fruits, vegetables, sod, flowers and ornamental plants.
(2) The planting and production of trees and timber.
(3) Dairying and the raising, management, care, and training of livestock, including horses,
bees, poultry, and other animals for individual and public use, consumption, and
marketing.
(4) Aquaculture as defined in G.S. 106-758.
(5) The operation, management, conservation, improvement, and maintenance of a farm and
the structures and buildings on the farm, including building and structure repair,
replacement, expansion, and construction incident to the farming operation.
(6) When performed on the farm, "agriculture", "agricultural', and "farming" also include the
marketing and selling of agricultural products, agritourism, the storage and use of materials
for agricultural purposes, packing, treating, processing, sorting, storage, and other activities
performed to add value to crops, livestock, and agricultural items produced on the farm,
and similar activities incident to the operation of a farm. (1991, c. 81, s. 1; 2005-390, s. 18;
2006-255, s. 6.)
IREDELL COUNTY FARMLAND ADVISORY BOARD
On October 13, 2011 the Iredell County Farmland Advisory Board voted unanimously (5-0) to
recommend approval of the amendment as proposed.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff recommendation is to adopt the amendment as proposed.
No one requested to speak, and Chairman Johnson declared the hearing closed.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to amend the Iredell County Voluntary and
Enhanced Farmland Preservation Ordinance to reflect the definition of agriculture as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of Land Development Code Text Amendments
Mr. Raczkowski said eight amendments were being proposed for the land development
code. He said an annual review had occurred, and this would be the first of two batches to be
presented this year.
Section 1.3.6 Bona Fide Farms Exempt & Section 16.4 Definitions: Raczkowski said
similar to the farmland preservation ordinance amendment, the state had changed definitions
relating to bona fide farms. He said the changes were occurring for flexibility, as the staff was
trying to eliminate the necessity for frequent amendments. Raczkowski said specific references to
the statute would occur in the code.
No one else desired to speak on this amendment, and a copy of the staff's report is as
follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
k,
Existing text that is hold and with SfFilke thFOugh is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Section 1.3.6 Bona Fide Farms Exempt
The provisions of this ordinance shall NOT apply to bona fide farms including start up farms,
except that a farm property used for non-farm purposes shall NOT be exempt from regulation;
except that the floodplain management provisions of Chapter 4 of this ordinance, regulating
development in the special flood hazard areas, as required for participation in the National
Flood Insurance Program, shall apply to all development including bona fide farms located
within the special flood hazard areas of Iredell County.
For the purposes of this ordinance, a bona fide farm is any tract or tracts of land, which meets
the criteria as established in G.S. 105-277.2 - 105-977.7 G.S. 153A -340(b)(2) together with anv
subsequent amendments and has tax deferment on the county tax records.
Start-up farms requesting bona fide farm status shall provide documentation that they satisfy all
the requirements set forth in G.S. 105 277.2 -1.55-277_ -.7 G.S. 153A -340(b)(2) together with any
subsequent amendments and that they have applied for tax deferment status with the Iredell
County Tax Department.
Definitions
Bona Fide Farm. The production and activities relating or incidental to the production of crops,
fruits, vegetables, ornamental and flowering plants, dairy, livestock, poultry, and all other forms
of agricultural products having a domesti^ OF a^.eig ^.i,et ^,ee"^^ a of the following
^.i+eiQ*
if the applicant cannot meet I or 9 above, the applicant (or owner) has the option of applying-fGF
Rona Fidp Form status by showing that the properly has farm income by submitting the previews
Form Schea,ae corm of the o e g federal income tax re+,,..., and as provided for in G.S.
153A -340(b)(2).
REFERENCE
153A-340. Grant of power.
(b) (2) Except as provided in G.S. 106-743.4 for farms that are subject to a conservation
agreement under G.S. 106-743.2, bona fide farm purposes include the production and
activities relating or incidental to the production of crops, fruits, vegetables, ornamental and
flowering plants, dairy, livestock, poultry, and all other forms of agriculture as defined in G.S.
106-581.1. For purposes of this subdivision, the production of a nonfarm product that the
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recognizes as a "Goodness Grows in North
Carolina' product that is produced on a farm subject to a conservation agreement under
G.S. 106-743.2 is a bona fide farm purpose. For purposes of determining whether a property is
being used for bona fide farm purposes, any of the following shall constitute sufficient
evidence that the property is being used for bona fide farm purposes:
a. A farm sales tax exemption certificate issued by the Department of Revenue.
b. A copy of the property tax listing showing that the property is eligible for participation in
the present use value program pursuant to G.S. 105-277.3.
c. A copy of the farm owner's or operator's Schedule F from the owner's or operator's most
recent federal income tax return.
d. A forest management plan.
e. A Farm Identification Number issued by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm
Service Agency.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board asked the staff to add
"together with any subsequent amendments" after the statutes in Section 1.3.6. The staff made
the changes recommended by the Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and had no
recommended changes to the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment.
6
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to be more consistent with the General Statutes regarding
bona fide farms. The definition changed during the last legislative session and the staff feels that
this may continue to evolve. Rather than changing the definition in the Land Development
Code every time the Statutes change, the staff fells we should just reference the General Statute
and follow the State's lead in determining what qualifies as a bona fide farm. Therefore, the
staff is recommending the changes above to the LDC regarding bona fide farms.
Section 2.2.3 Lot of Record — Non -Conforming Lot of Record: Raczkowski said the
definition of a non -conforming lot did not conform to the ordinance standards primarily due to the
lots being created prior to Iredell County zoning. He said there was an equity issue, and gave the
following scenario to explain: Two lots are side by side with Lot A being owned by one owner
and Lot B owned by another. Raczkowski said the ordinance currently required that both lots be
combined for full compliance, and this created the equity issue. He said the amendment would
indicate that regardless of ownership, a house could be built on a non -conforming lot as long as
other standards were met. Raczkowski said Table 2.1 pertaining to watershed requirements also
had changes, but the non -conforming issue previously mentioned did not apply to these lots.
A copy of the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
Existing text that is hold and i.A.4th strike through is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Lot of Record
Where the GINner of a lawfully existing lot of official record in any residential distric - tt or the 01AF
n difle thereto .dee; NOT wAfn guffiriend rondiguous land to enable the oi.A.Fnpr to
y nfnrm de the minimum Int sllze requirenk ed i1.ie n..di.%ance such led may be used as
residential ~,aiding site, where permitted, With regards to minimum lot size, any legally non-
conforming lot may be developed as a residential building site, provided however, that the
other requirements of the district are complied with or a variance is obtained from the Board of
Adjustment.
However, this exemption is not applicable to multiple contiguous undeveloped lots under single
ownership within the watershed areas that were recorded prior to January 1, 1994. These lots
shall comply with the minimum lot size requirements in Table 2.1.
iowe z. i Minimum LOT Jaen Tor tXISTing LOTS OT Kecora
Lots Recorded Watershed Minimum Lot Size
WSII-BW 1 acre
January 1, 1994 to adoption of
March 3, 1998
March 3, 1998 to adoption of
t)i3QLDC
WSII-BW
WSIII-BW
W S I V -PA
WSIV-CA
WSIV-CA on Brawley
chool Road Peninsula
1 acre
1 acre
)00 21, 880 sq. ft.
25,000 sq. ft.
30,000 Sq. ft.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. A grammatical change was
recommended at that time. The staff made the change recommended by the Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and had no
recommended changes to the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment.
%I
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is clarify the intent of this section and amend sections in the
table that were not correct. The intent of this section was to allow lots that were cut out legally
prior to zoning to be able to have a home built on it without having to combine to an adjoining
lot under the same ownership. Currently, if we have two non -conforming lots (based on
minimum lot size) owned by two separate people, we would allow both lots to have a residence
built on it. If someone owns two adjoining non -conforming lots (based on minimum lot size), we
would require that they combine them in order to have a residence on one lot. The Planning
staff feels it is unfair to treat the lots differently based on whether or not they are owned by one
person or two. Therefore, the staff is recommending the proposed text change to allow the lots
to be treated the same no matter who owns them. However, this does not apply in the Water
Supply Watershed because the State does not allow it in their Model Watershed Ordinance.
Also, the changes in the table were errors that were found during the amendment review
process.
Section 2.14.1 H -B Highway Business District — Consistency of Setback Requirements
in Commercial Districts: Raczkowski said in an effort to obtain consistency, the staff desired to
make the setbacks the same for the Highway Business District as well as the Neighborhood and
General Business District. He then explained the frontage, side and back changes.
In reference to Highway Business, Commissioner Robertson asked how the changes
compared to Statesville and Mooresville.
Raczkowski said the information would be reviewed.
Chairman Johnson said that if a Roadway Protection Overlay Plan was created with a
municipality there would be some type of mutual agreement.
Raczkowski said it was believed this had occurred with the Land Development Code and
the Horizon Plan.
There were no other questions, and a copy of the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
Existing text that is is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
H -B Highway Business District
Intent
These commercial districts are designed to serve the special needs of the traveling public. They
also provide space for indoor and outdoor recreational uses which require large lots. It is very
important that such districts be developed in accordance with high standards.
Table 2.23 Dimensional Requirements in the H -B District
See the Tables below for the setbacks in the NB and GB districts.
Table 2.21 Dimensional Reauirements in the N -B District
Minimum Yard Requirements
Minimum Lot Size
See Appendix A
Sq. ftJ
Principal
Lot
Maximum
dwelling
Front
Side
Rear
Corner
Structures
width
Height
unit
All
None
None
4030
2,010
20
3020
35
See the Tables below for the setbacks in the NB and GB districts.
Table 2.21 Dimensional Reauirements in the N -B District
8
Minimum Yard Requirements
Minimum Lot Size
See Appendix A
Sq. ftJ
Principal
Lot
Maximum
dwelling
Front
Side
Rear
Corner
Structures
width
Height
unit
All
None
None
30
10
2D
20
35
8
Table 2.25 Dimensional Requirements in the G -B District
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board asked the staff to show the
sections from the other commercial districts so they could see the comparison between the
districts. The staff added the charts showing the other commercial districts to the staff report as
recommended by the Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June b, 2012 and had no
recommended changes to the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment.
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to make the setbacks in our commercial districts more
consistent. The Planning staff has reviewed the old zoning codes and the setbacks in the HB
district have always been 40 feet in the front, 20 feet on the side, and 30 feet on the corner. In
all other commercial districts the setbacks have always been 30 feet in the front, 10 feet on the
side and 20 feet on the corner. We have not been able to determine why this was so. The staff
sees no reason why all of the setbacks are not the some. Therefore, we are recommending that
the setbacks in the HB district be changed to match those in the NB and GB districts.
Section 2.21.2 Recreational, Educational, & Institutional - Fraternal & Social
Organizations: Raczkowski said these amendments related to fraternal and social organizations
being allowed in resort residential and R20 districts by special use permits. He said property
owners had inquired about establishing these types of organizations in the two districts, and the
staff was recommending for them to be allowed.
Robertson asked if a retreat center referred to a halfway house or a recreational facility.
County Manager Smith said retreat centers would be for team building and things of this
nature, he said there were other standards for these types of facilities.
There were no other questions, and the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
There is no text being proposed for removal in this section. Text in red and underlined is new text
to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Section 2.21.2 Recreational, Educational, & Institutional
USES
AC
Minimum Yard Requirements
RUR
RR
Minimum Lot Size
Z
R8
RO
OI
See Appendix A
HB
GB
Sq. ft✓
2
R
Churches,
Principal
Lot
Maximum
dwelling
Front Side
Rear
Corner
Structures
width
Fraternal &
Height
unit
All
None None
30 10
20
20
35
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board asked the staff to show the
sections from the other commercial districts so they could see the comparison between the
districts. The staff added the charts showing the other commercial districts to the staff report as
recommended by the Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June b, 2012 and had no
recommended changes to the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment.
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to make the setbacks in our commercial districts more
consistent. The Planning staff has reviewed the old zoning codes and the setbacks in the HB
district have always been 40 feet in the front, 20 feet on the side, and 30 feet on the corner. In
all other commercial districts the setbacks have always been 30 feet in the front, 10 feet on the
side and 20 feet on the corner. We have not been able to determine why this was so. The staff
sees no reason why all of the setbacks are not the some. Therefore, we are recommending that
the setbacks in the HB district be changed to match those in the NB and GB districts.
Section 2.21.2 Recreational, Educational, & Institutional - Fraternal & Social
Organizations: Raczkowski said these amendments related to fraternal and social organizations
being allowed in resort residential and R20 districts by special use permits. He said property
owners had inquired about establishing these types of organizations in the two districts, and the
staff was recommending for them to be allowed.
Robertson asked if a retreat center referred to a halfway house or a recreational facility.
County Manager Smith said retreat centers would be for team building and things of this
nature, he said there were other standards for these types of facilities.
There were no other questions, and the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
There is no text being proposed for removal in this section. Text in red and underlined is new text
to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Section 2.21.2 Recreational, Educational, & Institutional
USES
AC
RA
RUR
RR
0
Z
R8
RO
OI
NB
HB
GB
Ml
2
R
Churches,
Fraternal &
social
S
S
S
S
S
R
R
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
30
associations or
-
-
or anizations
See the chart below for similar uses in RR and R-20
USES
AC
RA
RUR
RR
0
2
R8
RO
OI
NB
HB
GB
Ml
2
R
Churches,
synagogues &
other
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
26
associated
activities
9
Golf course,
including pro
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
30
shop
Recreation
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
facilities, Public
Retreat centers
S
S
S
S
S
R
R
R
R
27
Schools,
including
public schools
private schools,
R
R
R
S
S
S
S
R
R
R
R
35
having a
curriculum
similar to those
given in public
schools
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board asked the staff to show the
chart with other similar uses so they could see the comparison. The staff added the chart
showing the uses to the staff report as recommended by the Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and had no
recommended changes to the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment.
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to allow fraternal and social organizations in the R-20 and RR
zoning districts with a Special Use Permit. These uses were added in the AC, RA, and RU -R
districts with the adoption of the Land Development Code provided a Special Use Permit be
granted. Since the adoption of the LDC, it has come to our attention that there were several
types of fraternal and social organizations already existing in the R-20 district. The staff reviewed
the uses in Section 2.14.2 and found similar uses that were permitted in the R-20 and RR districts
such as retreat centers, schools, churches, golf courses, and public recreation facilities. Some
require a Special Use Permit and some do not. Therefore, the staff is recommending to allow
fraternal and social organizations in the R-20 and RR districts with a Special Use Permit.
R8 Accessory Mobile Home — Chapter 3 Performance Requirements for
Accessory Mobile Homes: Raczkowski said R8 Accessory Mobile Home amendments were
being recommended for clarification purposes due to many people becoming confused about the
requirements.
Commissioner Mitchell asked the difference between a Class A or B mobile home.
Raczkowski said it applied to the size as in single wide or double wide.
There were no other questions, and the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
Existing text that is is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Chapter 3 Performance Requirements
1. Accessory Mobile Home
An accessory mobile home is a manufactured home permitted on the same parcel as a stick -
built or modular home, but that is clearly incidental and subordinate to the principle building.
A. Only one accessory Class A or B mobile home shall be permitted per lot or parcel.
10
B. The lot or parcel shall contain sufficient land area for the principal residential structure and
the accessory mobile home to be considered independent principal dwelling units with both
individually meeting the minimum lot size and required setbacks. An imaginary lot line shall
be assumed between the structures. See Figure 3.1.
Accessory
Home
Mobile
—� �5'Sd•
serea,k
House
Road Right Of Way
C. The accessory mobile home shall be occupied only by the following categories of persons:
1. Any relative including in-laws, under the civil law of the first, second, or third degree of
consanguinity to the head of the household owning and occupying the principal
dwelling on the lot, or to the spouse (whether living or deceased) of the head of the
household; or
2. A son or daughter by legal adoption or the adoptive parents of the household or of his
spouse (whether spouse is living or deceased).
D. Any other residential occupancy of the structure is NOT permissible and is a violation of this
ordinance unless a formal legal subdivision of the parcel takes place.
E. The mobile home shall meet the requirements of R 9 or 10.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board did not have any
recommended changes to this amendment.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and again had not
recommended changes to the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment.
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to clarify the requirements for accessory mobile homes. The
definition of an accessory mobile home states that it is accessory to a stick -built or modular
home. It does not currently mention that stipulation in Section R 8 with the other performance
requirements. The Planning staff felt that moving the definition to the performance requirements
section would provide the information in one location. The definition will also remain in Chapter
16 with the other definitions. Therefore, the staff is recommending the proposed text change.
R24 Temporary Events — Chapter 3 Performance Requirements for
Temporary Events: Raczkowski said the land development code currently allowed for two
events on a piece of property each year. He said it had been determined that many property
owners wanted to have these events more frequently and variances were sometimes provided.
Raczkowski said a change would be made to allow for up to four temporary events for any group
on a given parcel. He said some of the events became quite large, and the Department of
Transportation, the health department, and other groups had to be notified. Raczkowski said
asking the property owners to submit an application only five days prior to the event made it
difficult for the staff to review the request. Raczkowski said for this reason, a ten-day window was
recommended prior to the events.
Commissioner Griffith asked why there was already a limit.
Raczkowski said the temporary event requirement was implemented to allow flexibility for
the property owner. He said this was a method to allow a public gathering without that much
regulation.
Griffith asked the reason for any limitation --as in only four temporary events.
Raczkowski said that if a property owner could indefinitely hold events, it would be
difficult to police. He said limitations were needed due to some of the large events (tractor pulls,
mud bogs) having potential safety issues. He said there was a trend in planning across the state to
have some control.
Griffith asked if the property owner wouldn't be held liable for the safety issues.
Raczkowski said yes, but it was felt there should be some due diligence upfront on as many
of the preventable issues as possible.
Griffith voiced concern about restricting property owners in regards to the events.
Chairman Johnson said history had taught that one group's personal amusement could be
another group's nuisance. He said one instance could be remembered where the health department
was involved as well as inspections. Johnson said some events started taking a life of their own,
and if buildings were constructed that someone could get hurt.
Griffith asked if the temporary event requirement applied to churches.
Raczkowski said no --it would be a parcel that did not have any initial structures.
Griffith asked if the requirement applied to schools.
Raczkowski said no.
Robertson said Lincoln County had experienced a problem with standup rodeos. He said
they had become so frequent (every other weekend) the neighbors said the event was becoming a
business.
Griffith said the owner would have to apply for a permit each time there was an event.
Raczkowski said yes.
Griffith asked if the requirement applied to nonprofits.
Raczkowski said yes, if the nonprofit was not hosting it at a church, on school property, or
some place that had a building. He said the requirement was for undeveloped property where
someone had an idea to raise money for a good cause.
Griffith asked the rationale for four events --not five or six.
Raczkowski said this seemed to meet the historical demand. He said the staff would work
with the limit of four, but if people started requesting more, the issue could be revisited.
Chairman Johnson said he would make an argument for some type of regulation. He said,
if not, there could be instances where people were conducting commercial activities in areas not
properly zoned. Johnson said that if it was their intent to operate a legitimate business there was a
zoning process. He said the requirement was there to keep the abuse down, and sometimes people
were less than ethical in regards to their intentions.
Griffith asked if the planning board would suggest for the property owner to seek the right
type of zoning if five temporary events were requested.
Raczkowski said not necessarily.
No other questions were asked and the staff report is as follows:
12
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
Existing text that is hold and i.A.rith strike through is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Chapter 3 Performance Requirements
2. Temporary Events
The Planning Director may issue a permit for temporary events and structures provided he makes
the following affirmative determinations:
A. The duration of the event will be for fourteen (14) days or less.
B. The location for the event has NOT had more than two (2) four 4 temporary events in the past twelve (12)
months and no events in the past thirty (30) days.
C. The owner of the property, or his agent, has authorized in writing for the event to be held on the property.
D. The application for the permit is made at least five (5) ten 10 working days prior to the event.
E. That ample off-street parking is available.
F. That arrangements are made for suitable garbage disposal and site clean-up.
G. That activities within 1,000 feet of residences NOT on the site are to be conducted in such a manner as to not
create noise that will disturb the occupants of those residences.
H. Structures associated with the use shall be permitted provided they are removed at the end of the event.
1. Health Department approval if required.
J. The applicant shall be required to provide written documentation stating that the event is in compliance
with all applicable Local, State, and Federal regulations.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board recommended that a
section should be added to require that the applicant meet all local, state, and federal
requirements. The staff used verbiage from the cell tower requirements to added letter J at the
end of the Section R24 to address the Board's recommendation.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and had no changes to
the text amendment.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to address issues that have come up in the past with regards
to temporary events. These are events that are permitted in residential districts that usually last
one or two days and are intended to raise money for some type of charity, although they could
last up to 14 days and not be intended to support a charity.
The first item staff addressed was the number of days prior to the event that an application has
to be made. We felt that five days was not enough time to give the application adequate
review and chose to replace it with ten days instead.
The second item addressed was the number of times a property could have a temporary event
within a twelve month period. This issue came about when a group of local fire departments
wanted to use vacant property they owned to hold events to raise money to pay off the
property. They already had two temporary events and wanted to have more events than was
permitted in the code. The staff reviewed this requirement and felt that allowing four events per
year was not too many, especially since temporary events require approval of the Planning
Director. If issues arise on a particular property, the Planning Director could deny requests for
future temporary events or require measures to prevent the problems. Therefore, the staff is
recommending the proposed text change.
13
Section 6.7.1 Signs Permitted in Non Residential Zoning Districts with a Zoning
Permit Along with 6.7.4 Permanent On -Premises Signs Permitted for Establishments
At Interstate Interchanges, and Section 16.4 Definitions: Raczkowski said the ordinance
language in red was recommended to be changed or returned to the verbiage in the original
document. He said the language needed to be clarified in order to (1) indicate that one free
standing sign per parcel was allowed, and (2) to allow two free standing signs if there was a lot
with frontage on two streets, such as a corner lot. Raczkowski said the maximum height and
copy area restrictions still applied.
Commissioner Griffith asked why business owners could not erect as many signs as they
desired.
Raczkowski said for esthetic appeal reasons. He said current regulations had been about
the same for many years.
Griffith said that if a person bought the property and paid the taxes, the county could limit
them to one sign.
Raczkowski said there could be two on corner lots.
Chairman Johnson said the county's sign setback was more than what the Department of
Transportation required. He asked if the setback remained in compliance with the DOT (line of
sight).
County Manager Smith said yes.
Johnson said nothing had changed in regards to the sign's placement.
Raczkowski said this was correct.
Smith said there were wall signs and other types, or options, for signage.
Raczkowski then updated the board about a change in the maximum freestanding copy area
from 16 to 32 square feet. He said this was being done for equity and consistency. Mr.
Raczkowski said the last amendment for the sign ordinance was actually in the former document
(2006). He said at that time, greater flexibility was allowed for automotive service or filling
stations, restaurants, and places of lodging. Raczkowski said more flexibility would be allowed for
these types of businesses as follows: "freestanding pole signs located within four hundred (400)
feet of the right of way of an interstate interchange may be increased in sign copy area up to a
maximum of two hundred square feet and up to a maximum height of eighty feet and may be
illuminated."
Chairman Johnson said the new language would help a situation in the Tomlin Mill Road
area.
Raczkowski said due to the planning board making a request, a definition for a filling
station and automotive service station was added.
Commissioner Griffith voiced concerns about the loopholes that small business owners had
to endure between the federal, state and local governments. She said that with the current business
climate the county needed to do whatever it could to help businesses survive. Griffith said that if
the regulations were too restrictive, they needed to be modified across the board.
A copy of the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following staff -initiated text amendment to the Land Development Code is being presented
for a recommendation at this time.
Existing text that is h9ld GAGI NA4111 strike thFOUgh is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
14
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Signs Permitted in Non -Residential Zoning Districts with a Zoning Permit
This section regulates the types of signs that are allowed only in non-residential districts. One
may think of these types of signs as the typical restaurant, gas station, or storefront signs. Sign
permits are required for these signs.
The following section uses road classification to set sign regulations. These road designations are
defined in the Iredell County Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
Permanent On -Premise Signs on a Single Parcel or Lot
Permanent on -premises signs are permitted in the respective non-residential zoning districts for
single establishments on single parcels or lots upon issuance of a zoning permit regarding the
proposed sign (s), provided stated conditions and stipulations are met, as follows.
One freestanding sign is allowed per Parcel. Except, lots with frontage on two minor
thoroughfares or higher classified roads may have one freestanding sign per road, where each
sign is allowed to have the maximum copy area as designated in Table 6.2.
Table 6.2 Permanent On -Premise Sign Standards
Permanent On -Premise Signs Permitted for Multiple Establishments on a Single Parcel or Lot
One combined or common permanent on -premise freestanding sign for multiple establishments
on a single parcel or lot shall be allowed on each public road and may exceed the maximum
copy area for freestanding signs in Section 6.6 by the following percentages:
•
2- 10 establishments - up to 25%
• 1 1 - 20 establishments - up to 50%
• 21 - 30 establishments - up to 75%
• 31 - 40 establishments - up to 100%
• 41 - 50 establishments - up to 125%
• 51 or more establishments - up to 150%
Wall signage shall be figured based on a ten percent (10%) of wall space formula. The wall
space of each establishment shall be figured separately.
Permanent On -Premises Signs Permitted for Establishments on Adjacent Parcels or Lots Utilizing
Shared Parking and Driveway Connections
Establishments on adjacent parcels or lots utilizing shared parking and driveway connections
may exceed maximum copy area for freestanding signs in Section 6.7 by twenty-five percent
(25%) for a combined or common freestanding sign. Such combined or common freestanding
sign shall not be considered to be an off -premise sign for any of the establishments advertising
on the sign. Establishments participating in combined or common freestanding signs may not
also have individual freestanding signs.
15
Maximum
Freestanding
Max.
Max. Wall
Sign
Use
Road Type
Copy Area
Signage
Height
�on
(Square
(Feet)
Feet
Major
10% of Wall
Thoroughfare
72
Space
18
yes
and
Office,
Boulevard
Institutional,
10% of Wall
Commercial
Minor
32
Space
10
Yes
Thoroughfare
All Lesser
10% of Wall
Roads
1632
Space
6
NO
Major
Thoroughfare
72
100 Square
18
Yes
and
Feet
Boulevard
Industrial
Minor
72
100 Square
10
Yes
Thoroughfare
Feet
All Lesser
32
100 Square
6
NO
Roads
Feet
Permanent On -Premise Signs Permitted for Multiple Establishments on a Single Parcel or Lot
One combined or common permanent on -premise freestanding sign for multiple establishments
on a single parcel or lot shall be allowed on each public road and may exceed the maximum
copy area for freestanding signs in Section 6.6 by the following percentages:
•
2- 10 establishments - up to 25%
• 1 1 - 20 establishments - up to 50%
• 21 - 30 establishments - up to 75%
• 31 - 40 establishments - up to 100%
• 41 - 50 establishments - up to 125%
• 51 or more establishments - up to 150%
Wall signage shall be figured based on a ten percent (10%) of wall space formula. The wall
space of each establishment shall be figured separately.
Permanent On -Premises Signs Permitted for Establishments on Adjacent Parcels or Lots Utilizing
Shared Parking and Driveway Connections
Establishments on adjacent parcels or lots utilizing shared parking and driveway connections
may exceed maximum copy area for freestanding signs in Section 6.7 by twenty-five percent
(25%) for a combined or common freestanding sign. Such combined or common freestanding
sign shall not be considered to be an off -premise sign for any of the establishments advertising
on the sign. Establishments participating in combined or common freestanding signs may not
also have individual freestanding signs.
15
Permanent On -Premises Signs Permitted for Establishments at Interstate Interchanges
This exception shall be allowed only for signs for automotive service or filling stations, restaurants
or places of lodging. Permanent on -premises freestanding pole signs located within four
hundred (400) feet of the right-of-way of an interstate interchange may be increased in sign
copy area up to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet and up to a maximum height of
eighty (80) feet and may be illuminated.
Definitions
Filling Station. An establishment where flammable or combustible liquids or gases used as fuel
are stored and dispersed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles. Such an
establishment may offer for sale at retail other convenience items and may also include a
freestanding automatic carwash.
Automotive Service Station. An establishment where flammable or combustable liquids or gases
used as fuel are stored and dispersed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles
and where light maintenance activities such os enigine tune-ups, lubrication, battery
replacement, and minor repairs may be provided. Maior repairs such as motor replacement or
rebuilding, painting and body repair are not permitted.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. A few grammatical changes and
definitions for filling station and automotive service stations were recommended at that time.
The staff made the changes recommended by the Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and recommended the
staff add a 100 square foot maximum for freestanding signage in office, commercial, and
institutional districts so that it did not exceed the amount allowed for industrial uses. This
proposed change is not included in this staff report because the staff feels there could be
ramifications that the Planning Board is not aware of. The Planning staff would like to review this
to make sure there are no negative impacts as a result of the change. Once the staff review is
complete, we will bring the request back to the Planning Board for review. However, staff would
like to proceed with the original amendment as proposed.
The Planning Board voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of this amendment is to assign a maximum number of signs for a parcel, which was
not carried over from the previous Zoning Ordinance, to clarify an issue with illuminated signs
and sign size for non-residential uses that are permitted in residential districts, and to allow more
visibility for uses that are typically located at interstate interchanges but that might not be
located right at the interchange.
The Zoning Ordinance had a maximum number of signs for a parcel as did the old RPO
regulations. The changes in Section 6.7.1 above are intended to get that regulation back in the
code.
The changes in Table 6.2 are intended to make sure that uses that are permitted in both
residential and commercial districts located on lesser roads such as churches have the same
sign regulations. The current code would allow a church located on a lesser road in a residential
district to have a 32 square foot sign, but a church in the NB district on a lesser road would only
be allowed a 16 square foot sign. Also, those signs in residential districts could be illuminated,
while those in commercial districts could not.
The new Section 6.7.4 was based on a section that was located in the Zoning Ordinance until
2006, when it was removed as part of an amendment to the entire sign section. Since then, we
have had multiple requests for additional signage for these type uses. The staff feels that the
regulations that were deleted should be reinstated.
Therefore, the staff is recommending the proposed text changes.
Section 8.12 Erosion Control Permit Approval Process; Section 9.6.8 Pre -
Construction Conference; Section 9.6.13 Inspections; Section 10.18.3 Graded Slopes and
Fills; Section 10.18.5 Ground Cover; Section 10.18.11 Additional Measures and Section 16.4
Definitions: Raczkowski said the county had agreed to enforce the state's model erosion control
ordinance. He said changes were now recommended due to the state making revisions.
Raczkowski said the only revision that was not a result of the state changes related to pre -
construction meetings.
16
Commissioner Griffith asked if a pre -construction meeting might have helped in the case of
the earlier speaker (Frank Del Piano) and his cracked storm drain pipe.
Raczkowski said probably not. He said the county records indicated that everything was in
order in regards to Del Piano's subdivision development.
Commissioner Robertson said the state inspected roads to see if they were up to standards
but no one was there to decide how to handle runoff. He said there had been many problems
associated with water in Mr. Del Piano's subdivision.
Raczkowski said the planning department had engineering certification records on the
development.
A copy of the staff report is as follows:
EXPLANATION OF THE REQUEST
The following text amendments to the Land Development Code are related to Erosion Control
requirements and are being presented for information only at this time.
Existing text that is bold and with SIFike thFOugh is text to be removed. Text in red and underlined
is new text to be added.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
Section 8.12 Erosion Control Permit Approval Process
No person shall undertake any land -disturbing activity that will disturb more than one (1)
acre (more than one half ('/2) acre in a water supply watershed area) on a tract unless,
thirty (30) or more days prior to initiating the activity, a Plan for the activity is filed with
and approved by the County. This shall include the aggregation of smaller lots within a
subdivision or development that are under the same ownership and which are equal to
or greater than one (1) acre. The process for gaining plan approval is found in the steps
detailed on the following pages.
The County shall forward to the Director of the Division of Water Quality a copy of each Plan for
a land -disturbing activity that involves the utilization of ditches for the purpose of de -watering or
lowering the water table of the tract. The land -disturbing activity shall be conducted in
accordance with the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan.
Step 2. Erosion Control Plan is Step 3. Plan is reviewed
submitted to the Erosion Control by the Administrator and
Administrator and an Erosion any necessary change'
Control Permit is issued. made.
Step 4. redificate of .e of Plan
Approval is issued and posted on
site and 1 etter of Approval is sent
to applicant authorizing tha
oro can begin. Erosion control
plan is aaproved and Letter of
Approval sent.
Depending upon the size and scope of the project the applicant may schedule a pre -
application meeting with the Erosion Control Administrator to review the proposed plan and
control measures.
Step 2. Plan is Submitted
The Erosion Control Plan is submitted to the Administrator and an Erosion Control Permit is issued.
This permit acknowledges receipt of the plan but does NOT authorize any work to begin. Work
may only commence after Step 4.
Step 3. Plan is Reviewed
The Plan is reviewed by the Administrator and anv reauired chanaes are made.
17
Step 4. Plan Approval
The Erosion Control Administrator shall approve the plans and will send the Letter of Approval to
the financially responsible party. Work cannot begin until the Certificate of Approval has been
The Erosion Control Administrator shall require a pre -construction meeting prior to beginning any
site work. As part of the pre -construction meeting, the Erosion Control Administrator shall issue a
Certificate of Plan Approval on the site. This shall, authorize the applicant to begin work. See
Section 9.6.8 for information on the pre -construction meeting.
Section 9.6.2 Plan Types
Plans shall be broken into two categories, minor and major. The minimum requirements for these plans
are shown in Table 9.2.
Major Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
A plan for the location, installation and maintenance of measures to control all anticipated
erosion, and prevent sediment and increased runoff from leaving the site of a land disturbing
activity of one (1) acre or greater. This plan requires a seal from an Engineer, Architect, or
Surveyor.
Minor Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
A plan for the location, installation and maintenance of measures to control all anticipated
erosion, and prevent sediment and increased runoff from leaving the site of a land disturbing
activity of one half (1/2) acre to one (1) acres inside a water supply watershed. This plan may
NOT require a seal from an Engineer, Architect, or Surveyor.
Table 9. 2 Erosion Control Plan Reauirements
Required Information
Major Plan
Minor Plan
Vicinity Ma w/North Arrow and Scale
x
x
General Site Features
Legend w/North Arrow, Scale, etc.
x
x
Property Lines
x
x
Existing Contours to o lines
x
x
Proposed Contours
x
x
Limits of Disturbed Area (acreage total, delineated
limits, and label)x
x
Planned and Existing Building Locations and Elevations
x
x
Planned and Existing Road Locations and Elevations
x
x
Lot and/or Building Numbers
x
x
Geologic Features (rock outcrops, seeps, springs,
wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, dams, etc.
x
x
Easements and Drainage Was
x
x
Profiles of Streets, Ditch Lines, Utilities, etc.
x
x
Stockpiled Topsoil or Subsoil Locations
x
x
Soil Borrow Info*
x
x
Army Corps 404 Permit and Water Quality 401
Certification if applicable)
x
x
Erosion Control Measures on Plan
Legend
x
x
Location of Permanent Measures
x
Location of Temporary Measures
x
x
Construction Drawings and Details for Temporary and
Permanent Measures
x
Maintenance Requirements for Measures
x
Contact Person Responsible for Maintenance
x
Site Drainage Features
Existing and Planned Drainage Patterns (include off-site
areas that drain throughproject)x
Method of Determination of and Calculations for
Acreage of Land Being Disturbed
x
Size and Location of Culverts and Sewers
x
Soil Information: type andspecial characteristics
x
Soil Information Below Culvert Storm Outlets
x
18
Required Information
Major Plan
Minor Plan
Name and Classification of Receiving Water Course or
Name of Municipal Operator (only where storm water
x
discharges are to occur
Stormwater Calculations
Pre -construction runoff calculations for each outlet
from the site at peak dischargepoints)
x
Design calculations for peak discharges of runoff
(including the construction phase and the final runoff
x
coefficients of the site
Design calculations of culverts and storm sewers
x
Discharge and velocity calculations for open channel
and ditch flows easements and rights-of-way)x
Design calculations of cross sections and method of
stabilization of existing and planned channels (include
x
temporary linings)
Design calculations and construction details of energy
dissipators below culvert and storm sewer outlets
x
diameters and apron dimensions
Design calculations and dimension of sediment basins
x
Surface area and settling efficiency information for
proposed sediment traps and/or basins
x
Vegetative Stabilization
Area and acreage to be vegetatively stabilized
x
x
Methods of soil preparation
x
x
Seed type and rates (temporary andpermanent)
x
x
Fertilizer type and rates
x
Mulch type and rates
x
x
Financial Responsibility and Ownership Form
Completed, signed and notarized Financial
Responsibility/Ownershipform
x
x
Copy of the most current deed for the site
x
x
Certificate of assumed name, if the owner is a
partnership
x
x
Name of registered agent if applicable)
x
x
Narrative and Construction Sequence
Narrative describing the nature and purpose of the
construction activityx
Construction sequence related to erosion and
sedimentation control (including installation of critical
measures prior to the initiation of the land disturbing
x
activity and removal of measures after areas they serve
are permanently stabilized
Bidspecifications related only to erosion control
x
If within the municipal limits, a letter from that
municipality stating the project meets their zoning
x
x
requirements.
Designation on the plans where the 7 or 14 day around
x
x
stabilization requirements apply as per Section II.B.2 of
the NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit
NCGO10000
Design of basins with one acre or more of drainage
x
x
area for surface withdrawal as per Section 11.6.4 of the
NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit
NCG010000
*If the same person conducts the land -disturbing activity and any related borrow or waste
activity, the related borrow or waste activity shall constitute part of the land -disturbing activity
unless the borrow or waste activity is regulated under the Mining Act of 1971, or is a landfill
regulated by the Division of Waste Management. If the land -disturbing activity and any related
borrow or waste activity are not conducted by the some person, they shall be considered
separate land -disturbing activities and must be permitted either through the Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act as a one -use borrow site or through the Mining Act.
Section 9.6.8 Pre -Construction Conference
When deemed necessary by the A.dministrato.,a pre nets . Alen conference may be requ e.d
The contractor or financially responsible party shall contact the Erosion Control Administrator to
set up a pre -construction meeting on site. Plans will need to be present at the pre -construction
conference, where Iredell County will stamp it approved and issue a Certificate of Approval.
19
Any constructions prior to the pre -construction meeting will be considered work without an
approved plan and in violation of this ordinance.
Section 9.6.13 Phase Self Inspections
The landowner, the financially responsible party, or the landowner's or financially responsible
party's agent shall perform an inspection of the area covered by the plan after each phase of
the plan has been completed and after establishment of temporary ground cover in
accordance with G.S. 113A-57(2). The person who performs the inspection shall maintain and
make available a record of the inspection at the site of the land -disturbing activity. The record
shall set out any significant deviation from the approved erosion control plan, identify any
measures that may be required to correct the deviation, and document the completion of
those measures. The record shall be maintained until permanent ground cover has been
established as required by the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan. The
inspections required by this subsection shall be in addition to inspections required by G.S. 1 13A-
61.1 . These self inspection reports are subject to review by Iredell County when requested at the
time of inspection.
Section 10.18.1 Design and Performance Standards
A. Maximum Peak Rate of Runoff
Except as provided in Section 205(b)(2) of this ordinance, erosion and sedimentation control
measures, structures, and devices shall be planned, designed, and constructed to provide
protection from the calculated maximum peak rate of runoff from the ten-year storm. Runoff
rates shall be calculated using the procedures included in but NOT limited to the "North
Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual".
B. HQW Zones
In High Quality Water (HQW) zones the following design standards shall apply:
1. Uncovered areas in HQW zones shall be limited at any time to a maximum total area of
twenty acres within the boundaries of the tract. Only the portion of the land -disturbing
activity within a HQW zone shall be governed by this section. Larger areas may be
uncovered within the boundaries of the tract with the written approval of the
Administrator.
2. Erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and devices within HQW zones
shall be planned, designed and constructed to provide protection from the runoff of the
twenty-five year storm which produces the maximum peak rate of runoff as calculated
according to procedures in the "North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning
and Design Manual" or according to procedures adopted by any other agency of this
state or the United States or any generally recognized organization or association.
3. Sediment basins within HQW zones shall be designed and constructed such that the
basin will have a settling efficiency of at least seventy percent (70%) for the forty (40)
micron (0.04 millimeter) size soil particle transported into the basin by the runoff of that
two year storm which produces the maximum peak rate of runoff as calculated
according to procedures in the "North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning
and Design Manual" or according to procedures adopted by any other agency of this
state or the United States or any generally recognized organization or association.
4. Newly constructed open channels in HQW zones shall be designed and constructed with
side slopes no steeper than two horizontal to one vertical if a vegetative cover is used for
stabilization unless soil conditions permit a steeper slope or where the slopes are stabilized
by using mechanical devices, structural devices or other acceptable ditch liners. In any
event, the angle for side slopes shall be sufficient to restrain accelerated erosion.
5. Ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion must be provided for any portion of a land -
disturbing activity in a HQW zone within fifteen (15) working days or sixty (60) colen i^
days following completion of construction or development, whichever period is shorter
seven (7) days.
Table 10.5 Stabilization Timeframes:
Site Area Description
Stabilization
Timeframe Exceptions
O Perimeter dikes, swales. ditches.
7 dans
None
and slopes
High Quality Water (HQW) Zones
7 days
None
Slopes steeper than 3:1
7 days
If slopes are 10' or less in length and
are not steeper than 2:1 14 do s
20
Section 10.18.3 Graded Slopes and Fills
The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle that can be retained by
vegetative cover or other adequate erosion control devices or structures. In any event, slopes
left exposed will, within twenty-one (21) Galendar days seven (7) days on slopes greater than 3:1
and fourteen (14) days on other areas (See Table 10.5) of completion of any phase of grading,
be planted or otherwise provided with temporary or permanent ground cover, devices, or
structures sufficient to restrain erosion. The angle for graded slopes and fills must be
demonstrated to be stable. Stable is the condition where the soil remains in its original
configuration, with or without mechanical constraints.
Section 10.18.5 Ground Cover
Whenever land -disturbing activity is undertaken on a tract, the person conducting the land -
disturbing activity shall install erosion and sedimentation control devices and practices that are
sufficient to retain the sediment generated by the land -disturbing activity within the boundaries
of the tract during construction upon and development of said tract, and shall plant or
otherwise provide a viable permanent ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion after
completion of construction or development. The viable permanent ground cover must be
established prior to the removal of existing erosion control measures. Except as provided in
Section 10. 17.1 B(5) of this ordinance, provisions for a ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion
must be accomplished within fifteen (15) working .days or ninety rom calendar days following
completion of construction or development, whichever period i st.^.de, seven (7) days on
perimeter areas and slopes greater than 3:1 and fourteen (14) days on other areas (See Table
10.5).
Table " 10.6 Maximum Permissible Velocities for storm water discharges in feet per second
(F.P.S.) and meters per second (M.P.S.):
Material
are allowed.
Slopes 3:1 or flatter
14 days
7 days for slopes greater than 50' in
len th.
E All other areas with slopes flatter
14 days
None, except for perimeters and
than 4:1
HQW Zones.
Section 10.18.3 Graded Slopes and Fills
The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle that can be retained by
vegetative cover or other adequate erosion control devices or structures. In any event, slopes
left exposed will, within twenty-one (21) Galendar days seven (7) days on slopes greater than 3:1
and fourteen (14) days on other areas (See Table 10.5) of completion of any phase of grading,
be planted or otherwise provided with temporary or permanent ground cover, devices, or
structures sufficient to restrain erosion. The angle for graded slopes and fills must be
demonstrated to be stable. Stable is the condition where the soil remains in its original
configuration, with or without mechanical constraints.
Section 10.18.5 Ground Cover
Whenever land -disturbing activity is undertaken on a tract, the person conducting the land -
disturbing activity shall install erosion and sedimentation control devices and practices that are
sufficient to retain the sediment generated by the land -disturbing activity within the boundaries
of the tract during construction upon and development of said tract, and shall plant or
otherwise provide a viable permanent ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion after
completion of construction or development. The viable permanent ground cover must be
established prior to the removal of existing erosion control measures. Except as provided in
Section 10. 17.1 B(5) of this ordinance, provisions for a ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion
must be accomplished within fifteen (15) working .days or ninety rom calendar days following
completion of construction or development, whichever period i st.^.de, seven (7) days on
perimeter areas and slopes greater than 3:1 and fourteen (14) days on other areas (See Table
10.5).
Table " 10.6 Maximum Permissible Velocities for storm water discharges in feet per second
(F.P.S.) and meters per second (M.P.S.):
Source: Adapted from
recommendations by
Special Committee on
Irrigation Research,
American Society of Civil
Engineers, 1926, for
channels with straight
alignment. For sinuous
channels, multiply
allowable velocity by 0.95
for slightly sinuous, by 0.9
for moderately sinuous
channels, and by 0.8 for
highly sinuous channels.
Section 10.18.11
Additional Measures
A. Whenever the County
determines that
significant erosion and sedimentation is occurring as a result of land -disturbing activity,
despite application and maintenance of protective practices, the person conducting the
land -disturbing activity will be required to and shall take additional protective action.
B. On any project where there is more than 1 acre of drainage going to an erosion control
measure, a surface dewatering device will need to be installed to this measure. Refer to
Section 11.6.4 of the NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit NCGO10000 for further
information.
Section 16.4 Definitions
Erosion Control Measure. Those best management practices employed to prevent or reduce
erosion or sedimentation and are typically necessary when ground disturbance occurs.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board recommended changes in
the process in Section 8.12, changes to the Pre -construction conference in Section 9.6.8, and a
21
Material
F.P.S.
M.P.S.
Fine sand (noncolloidal)
2.5
0.8
Sandy loam (noncolloidal)
2.5
0.8
Silt loam (noncolloidal)
3.0
0.9
Ordinary firm loam
3.5
1.1
Fine gravel
5.0
1.5
Stiff clay (very colloidal)
5.0
1.5
Graded, loam to cobbles (noncolloidal)
5.0
1.5
Graded, silt to cobbles (colloidal)
5.5
1.7
Alluvial silts (noncolloidal)
3.5
1.1
Alluvial silts (colloidal)
5.0
1.5
Coarse gravel (noncolloidal)
6.0
1.8
Cobbles and shingles
5.5
1.7
Shales and had pans
6.0
1.8
Source: Adapted from
recommendations by
Special Committee on
Irrigation Research,
American Society of Civil
Engineers, 1926, for
channels with straight
alignment. For sinuous
channels, multiply
allowable velocity by 0.95
for slightly sinuous, by 0.9
for moderately sinuous
channels, and by 0.8 for
highly sinuous channels.
Section 10.18.11
Additional Measures
A. Whenever the County
determines that
significant erosion and sedimentation is occurring as a result of land -disturbing activity,
despite application and maintenance of protective practices, the person conducting the
land -disturbing activity will be required to and shall take additional protective action.
B. On any project where there is more than 1 acre of drainage going to an erosion control
measure, a surface dewatering device will need to be installed to this measure. Refer to
Section 11.6.4 of the NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit NCGO10000 for further
information.
Section 16.4 Definitions
Erosion Control Measure. Those best management practices employed to prevent or reduce
erosion or sedimentation and are typically necessary when ground disturbance occurs.
PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board first reviewed this staff -initiated text amendment on May 2, 2012. At this
meeting, the proposal was presented for information only. The Board recommended changes in
the process in Section 8.12, changes to the Pre -construction conference in Section 9.6.8, and a
21
definition for erosion control measure. The staff made the changes recommended by the
Board.
The Planning Board heard the request for a second time on June 6, 2012 and recommended
text changes to the wording taken directly from the State's Model Erosion and Sedimentation
Ordinance.
The Planning Board voted 6-2 to recommend approval of the proposed text amendment with
the changes recommended by Mr. Fields.
STAFF COMMENTS
The purpose of these amendments is to parallel regulation changes made by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in August 2011. DENR made changes related to
groundcover requirements and surface dewater measures. These changes can be seen in
Chapters 9 & 10. The changes in Section 8.12 and 9.6.8 have been proposed by the Erosion
Control staff in order to address problems with projects started before contacting the County
and changes to plans after they have been approved.
The Erosion Control staff contacted State Sediment Specialist T. Gray Hauser, Jr. with NC DENR,
Land Quality Section, Division of Land Resources, Erosion and Sedimentation Control to discuss
the proposed changes since text changes to the Erosion Control regulations are required to be
approved by the State. The proposed change was not supported by Mr. Hauser. The
recommended text change by the Planning Board was not supported by the State; therefore it
has not been included in the proposed text changes in this staff report.
The staff is recommending the changes proposed.
Commissioner Robertson commended the planning department on the way the written
document material was submitted.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the changes as proposed by the staff.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Update Regarding the Expansion of the Charlotte Urbanized Area Boundary:
Planning and Development Director Joey Raczkowski said the board of commissioners was
informed in May that due to federal regulations, and the 2010 Census, portions of Iredell County
as well as the towns of Mooresville, Troutman, and Statesville were now considered to be a part
of the Charlotte Urbanized Area. He said several meetings had occurred and the Mecklenburg
Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO) had formed a subcommittee of the
Technical Coordinating Committee to study the issue. He said in May the board directed him to
find out the associated costs, but this had not been determined. Raczkowski said, however, a
consultant would be hired to develop a MUMPO membership fee schedule with preliminary
estimates available by August 1.
Commissioner Robertson and Commissioner Griffith asked what would happen if the
county refused to join MUMPO.
Raczkowski said the county could say no; however, due to federal regulations the
Charlotte Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) would receive the funds to provide
transportation planning for Iredell County. He said the risk would be no voting representation
for Iredell County.
Griffith voiced concern about being connected to Mecklenburg County in road planning.
She asked if Charlotte would stop road construction in Iredell County is the membership vote
was no. Griffith also asked who would pay the consultant's fees.
Raczkowski said anything paid into the MPO would not be effective until next year. He
said existing federal government planning funds would be used for any studies.
known.
Griffith asked if the county would have to vote on the matter before the costs were
22
Raczkowski said no.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the county used council of governments' hours to pay
administrative costs for the Lake Norman Regional Planning Organization. He said it was
understood this organization was going to be abolished and replaced by the MUMPO. Robertson
asked why the council of governments would not continue to be used.
Raczkowski said that annually $4,800 was paid to the council of governments, and the
cost was based on population. He said each RPO and MUMPO could have different methods for
their fee structure.
County Manager Smith said the county line was the delineation between two different
funding districts in the state. He said a discussion had occurred about the possibility of
establishing an entity even if it was a part of the overall MUMPO (separate but joined entity to
provide Iredell County's work). Smith said the funding line might also be a good tool for some
negotiating power. He said, however, it was unknown if this would be possible.
Commissioner Griffith said, "It's just like with the light rail. They want to come one
mile into Iredell County and have us share the bulk or a good portion of the expense with no
plans of ever moving it forward and no plans to end it or the amount of money we will pay
forever, because they've now come into Iredell County. If they are going to do it anyway, I'll
vote no strictly on principle. At some point we can say no to the federal government. We have
to at some point. They can't just continue to force things down people's throats. If we're going
to do it, 1 say no on the principle."
Chairman Johnson asked if Smith was proposing for the county to have its own appointee
for the MUMPO, or to have our own MUMPO in an effort to have more representation.
Smith said the county would have to fall into MUMPO's organizational structure. He
said possibly the structure could be changed where the county was a part of MUMPO, but Iredell
County, Statesville and Troutman would have more influence on what goes on north of the
county line. Smith said the funding might be negotiated.
Raczkowski said MUMPO was aware the county wanted some type of agreement. He
said Iredell County was not alone in this endeavor as Gaston, Catawba and others felt the same
way.
Chairman Johnson said some organizations were too heavily influenced by Raleigh and
Chapel Hill, and they forgot how they impacted the people in the real world.
Griffith asked, assuming the county said no to being a MUMPO member, what authority
that organization would have over the roads.
Raczkowski said the agency would provide the future planning for transportation
improvements.
Griffith asked how many people would represent Iredell County.
Raczkowski said this was unknown. He said this would be a part of the memorandum of
understanding, and the subcommittee would work with the staff on this. Raczkowski said at
some point input from the board would be needed on the planning area or the final border. He
offered two scenarios (A & B) or maps for possible boundaries.
No action was requested from the board at this time, and the two scenarios as well as the
staff report for this item are as follows:
23
Valk—Pnany High Country RPO
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liedell County Planning, Development & Tranepertatlon 5ervlcea
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24
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liedell County Planning, Development & Tranepertatlon 5ervlcea
June 26, 2012
24
CHARLOTTE URBANIZED AREA EXPANSION
As a result of the 2010 Census, portions of Iredell County and the towns of Mooresville, Troutman,
and Statesville are now considered part of the Charlotte Urbanized Area. Federal regulations
require the local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to incorporate all urbanized areas
into their transportation planning processes. Locally, the Mecklenburg Union MPO (MUMPO) will
be tasked with this responsibility. Federal regulations mandate that all urbanized areas be
transitioned under the umbrella of the MUMPO by March 27, 2013.
The Urbanized Area boundaries as delineated by the Census Bureau have 'rough' or 'jagged'
edges because the boundary follows census tracts. This boundary must now be 'smoothed' to
include a logical area that encompasses the various transportation systems (primarily road
networks) that will be included in the MUMPO planning area.
Ultimately, MUMPO prefers that Iredell County and the three municipalities work out the final
border proposal and collectively submit one agreed upon border to MUMPO for their review
and consideration.
FEES/COSTS TO PARTICIPATE
At the May 1, 2012 Board of Commissioner meeting, the commissioners expressed interest
regarding fees/costs for the county to participate in MUMPO. Staff from the three municipalities
has also expressed this same interest on behalf of their respective jurisdictions. MUMPO is well
aware of the need to further clarify a revised fee structure. However, the fee structure will
depend largely upon how much of Iredell County is incorporated into the MUMPO planning
area. In addition, the amount of Iredell County that will be incorporated into MUMPO depends
largely upon how much land area each of the three municipalities decides to include in the
MUMPO planning area.
The fees and costs to participate in MUMPO will be discussed at upcoming MUMPO meetings.
There are several factors that could affect how the fee schedule is developed, including
population as well as the number of on-going and future transportation related projects in the
future areas to be served by MUMPO.
MUNICIPALITY UPDATES
Statesville and Troutman
Staff from these two jurisdictions report that they do not intend to bring anything further to their
elected officials until more is known about the costs to participate. However, staff from both
municipalities has indicated that the potential land area they are considering to include in the
MUMPO planning area includes the current boundary for the long-range transportation planning
area.
Mooresville
On July 2, 2012, the Town of Mooresville will consider a request from staff to endorse a boundary
outlining the area to include in the MUMPO planning area. Similar to Statesville and Troutman,
this boundary reflects the same area included in the long-range transportation planning area.
Iredell County Scenarios
As previously mentioned, the area that Iredell County ultimately selects to include in the MUMPO
planning area greatly depends upon decisions yet to be made by the municipalities. However,
two scenarios have been developed by county staff in order to assist with the decision making
process (see attached maps).
The 'Scenario A' map depicts the area of Iredell County that could possibly be included in the
MUMPO planning area. This scenario assumes that the three municipalities will use each of their
respective long-range transportation planning area boundaries as the area to include in the
MUMPO planning area. There are several fragmented areas left over that surround the
municipalities and fall within the county's transportation planning area.
The 'Scenario B' map also assumes that the municipalities will use each of their respective long-
range transportation planning area boundaries as the area to include in the MUMPO planning
area. This map depicts a potential boundary for Iredell County that has received a lot of
discussion in the past few weeks, with the northern most boundary of the MUMPO planning area
being extended to the South Yadkin River. This potential MUMPO boundary offers a distinct
physical feature for the MUMPO planning area to follow, incorporates the residual areas that
remain outside of the municipal long-range transportation planning areas, and includes all of
the major transportation systems that feed into the Urbanized Areas within the municipalities.
Lastly, this potential MUMPO border scenario also corresponds with the borders of Traffic Analysis
Zones (TAZs) which are used extensively to predict future transportation improvements and
needs (see attached TAZ map).
25
Additional agreement may be necessary on the east end of I-40 so that the entire interstate
corridor is located within the MUMPO planning area.
LAKE NORMAN RURAL PLANNING ORGANIZATION (LKN RPO)
Regardless of where the new MUMPO planning area boundary will ultimately be defined, most
likely the existing Lake Normal Rural Planning Organization will cease to exist. The LKN RPO is the
current agency that provides transportation planning for Iredell County and the surrounding
area to the west.
This issue presents another set of challenges. The Board of Commissioners will have to decide
which of the surrounding Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) to join in order for the remainder of
the county (outside of the MUMPO planning area) to remain eligible to receive transportation
planning services. County staff has already begun conversations with the three RPOs that
surround Iredell County to the west, north, and east. Initially, it appears that joining the Unifour
RPO may make the most logical sense due to examining commuting patterns, interconnectivity
of existing road networks, and given that the Unifour RPO is located within the same NC DOT
Division 12 as Iredell County.
MUMPO ACTIONS
Given the size of the Charlotte Urbanized Area, many counties and municipalities in this region
have been affected and are underway with similar processes of evaluating scenarios and are
involved in similar discussions with MUMPO. The MUMPO staff and members of MUMPO
committees have been very receptive and engaging with county and municipal staff.
Therefore, communication and information sharing between the county, the municipalities, and
MUMPO is positive and free flowing.
On June 20, 2012, the MUMPO Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), which is comprised of
elected officials from the MUMPO membership, agreed to create a small subcommittee to work
through the logistics of this difficult transition. The TCC emphasized MUMPO's commitment to
working with every county and municipality. Joey Raczkowski was present for this meeting and
was able to introduce himself to the Chair of the TCC, Mint Hill Mayor Ted Biggers, and
emphasize that Iredell County will be fully participating in the transition process.
NEXT STEPS & RECOMMENDATIONS
o Feedback and/or general consensus from Board of Commissioners regarding the two
scenarios presented that outline potential MUMPO boundaries.
o Feedback and/or general consensus from the Board of Commissioners regarding the
potential for the remainder of Iredell County (outside of the MUMPO planning area) to join
an existing and adjoining Rural Planning Organization.
o Awaiting announcement from MUMPO of the first subcommittee meeting. The first
subcommittee meeting will provide additional details regarding the overall schedule of the
transition as well as outline the major topics to be discussed (fees, amended Memorandums
of Agreement, MUMPO boundaries, etc).
o Joey Raczkowski will continue to meet with MUMPO and adjoining RPOs. Updates will be
provided to management and the Board of Commissioners on an as -needed basis, and will
advise when management and/or elected official presence is necessary at future MUMPO
or RPO meetings.
o Once the transition is complete, Iredell County elected official participation and presence
within MUMPO will be critical.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #1 for the Purpose of Funding Union
Grove VFD $19,729.25 as a Match to a Grant from the North Carolina Office of the State
Fire Marshal: County Manager Ron Smith said the Union Grove VFD had received a grant in
the amount of $19,729.25 through the North Carolina Volunteer Fire Department Fund for 2012.
He said a 50% match was needed, and it would be derived from fund balance.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve Budget Amendment #1 in the amount of
$19,730 for the grant match.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0
26
Request for Approval of a Lease/Purchase Master Agreement as well as Budget
Amendment #2 and Other Documents Required for the Information Technology Services (ITS)
Virtualization Project: Finance Director Susan Blumenstein recommended approval of a 59
month lease/purchase with IBM for hardware/software required for the county's IT department. She
said the agreement would not bind future boards as it included a non -appropriations clause.
Blumenstein said that if a future board decided to not appropriate the funds, the equipment would be
returned.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve (1) the Lease/Purchase Master Agreement
(2) Budget Amendment #2 for $563,446 and (3) all other documents relevant to the lease/purchase.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays - 0
recognize value of BM Lease as Financing Proceeds and
BA#2
7/77/2012
04880 05445 61080 0 Deprecliable Assets -Tech I 138,500 I (563,446
563,446
(563,446)
701,946
Hardware & Software for Virtualization Project
To appropriate fund balance for a grant match for Union Grove Volunteer Fire Department in the
amount of $19,730.
BA#1
$ 435,771
7/17/2012
Software
127,675
Account#
Current Change Amended
$ 563,446
General
*Commercial
Governmental
Fund
Operating Lease
Financing Savings
204880 499500
Appropriated Fund Balance
-
(19,730)
(19,730)
205525 537610
Union Grove VFD
263,100
19,730
282,830
Request for Approval of a Lease/Purchase Master Agreement as well as Budget
Amendment #2 and Other Documents Required for the Information Technology Services (ITS)
Virtualization Project: Finance Director Susan Blumenstein recommended approval of a 59
month lease/purchase with IBM for hardware/software required for the county's IT department. She
said the agreement would not bind future boards as it included a non -appropriations clause.
Blumenstein said that if a future board decided to not appropriate the funds, the equipment would be
returned.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve (1) the Lease/Purchase Master Agreement
(2) Budget Amendment #2 for $563,446 and (3) all other documents relevant to the lease/purchase.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays - 0
recognize value of BM Lease as Financing Proceeds and
BA#2
7/77/2012
04880 05445 61080 0 Deprecliable Assets -Tech I 138,500 I (563,446
563,446
(563,446)
701,946
Hardware & Software for Virtualization Project
Total Amount to be leased or financed
Hardware
$ 435,771
Software
127,675
$ 563,446
*Commercial
Governmental
Operating Lease
Financing Savings
Total Amount Financed
$ 563,446
$ 563,446
Imputed Interest Rate
6.92%
Stated Interest Rate
3.58%
Monthly Payment
11,293
10,429
864
Annual Payments
135,516
125,146
10,370
Total Cost 59 Months
$ 666,288
$ 615,302
50,986
Remains with
Ownership
IBM
County
Information Technology - Budget
FY13
$130,000
Transfer to Debt Service
Principal
$106,740
Interest
18,410
$125,150
* Although this is proposed as a commercial lease, Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) 13 requires
"capitalization" of the lease since the term
(59 months) will exceed 75% of the estimated useful life of the
equipment and software. Capitalized leases
are treated as debt
(installment financing) for financial statement
purposes.
27
Request for Approval to Award a Purchase Contract for Three New Ambulance
Chassis with Turn -Key Remount of Currently Owned Modular Bodies: Purchasing Agent
Dean Lail said the FY 12-13 budget included the remount of three ambulances at a cost of
$285,259. He said bids were solicited, and the low bid was $80,998 per vehicle remount for a total
of $242,994. Lail said the EMS department had reviewed the bids, and the recommendation was for
the contract to be awarded to Northwestern Emergency Vehicles, the low bidder. He said also that if
awarded, the purchase contract included a one-year additional quantities clause that would allow
EMS to purchase additional remount vehicles at this same price should the need arise and additional
funds were approved.
Chairman Johnson asked if this type of truck was running well.
Assistant EMS Director Steve Mauney said the Chevrolet 4500 chassis with the Duramax
motor was "pretty much the gold standard of the industry."
Commissioner Mitchell said there was only a $1 difference on a couple of the bids. He
asked if the county had used Southeastern and Northwestern before.
Mauney said historically, Northwestern had been providing the construction. He said last
year was the first time the county had gone through a remount, and Southeastern had provided it.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the purchase contract with
Northwestern Emergency Vehicles.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
BID OPENING
AMBULANCE REMOUNTS
10:BOAM JULY 3, 2012
Staff: Antonla earcelo, Purchasing Specialist
P.S. Mauney, Asst Dir, EMS
Blair Ritchey, EMS Special Services
ATTENDEES: Stafford Easshender, Southwestern Specialty Vehicles
Rick Chiavichlen, Select Custom Appara'
BID COMPANY NAME
SIGNED
PER UNIT BID
TOTAL BID
AWARD TO START
DELIVERY PERIOD
E%CEPTIONS
Northwestern EV
X
$
80,998.00
PER VEHICLE
RECEIPT OF AWARD
90 DAYS
NONE
FIRST CLASS FIRE
X
$
87,777.00
PER 2012 VEHICLE
RECEIPTOFAWARD
90 DAYS
NONE
ALT
$
87,314.00
PER 2011 VEHICLE
MndelYear
SOUTH EASTERN SV
%
$
80,999.00
PERVEHICLE
7/9/2012
75-90 DAYS
NONE
SELECT CA
X
$
89,817.00
PER VEHICLE
60 DAYS
90-120 DAYS
NONE
Request to Decrease Zoning/Building Permit Fees for Small Scale Construction
Projects that Satisfy a Requirement or Goal for a Club or Organization such as an Eagle Scout
Project or Similar Projects: County Manager Ron Smith said at a recent meeting the board had
requested a review of the fee schedule in relation to scout projects. He said that after consulting with
the Central Permitting Manager and the Director of Code Enforcement, there was a recommendation
to use the base fee ($60) and to add a small amount for technology for a flat charge of $61.80 for the
projects. Smith said, however, it was recommended for the central permitting manager to be given
the flexibility to insure the projects met the intent of the board's direction.
Commissioner Robertson said the action would assist the Boy Scouts.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to decrease the zoning/building permit fees for small
scale construction projects that satisfy a requirement or goal for a club or organization such as an
Eagle Scout Project or Similar Projects.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for an Annual
Conference Voting Delegate: County Manager Smith said the business meeting for the NCACC
Annual Conference would be on August 18, 2012.
Chairman Johnson asked for any volunteers.
Commissioner Griffith volunteered to attend the conference's business meeting.
28
OTION by Chairman Johnson to appoint Commissioner Griffith as the voting delegate for
the conference.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of the June 2012 Refunds & Releases: MOTIO by
Commissioner Griffith to approve the June 2012 refunds and releases.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Releases for the Month of June 2012
Refunds for the Month of June 2012
Breakdown of Releases:
County
$
38,145.45
Solid Waste Fees
$
26.00
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
13.16
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
26.51
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
20.89
All County Fire #4
$
658.10
B&F Fire #5
$
31.63
Statesville City
$
21,973.35
Statesville
Statesville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville Town
$
7,104.66
Mooresville
Mooresville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
743.14
Love Valley
$
-
Harmony
$
-
Troutman
$
14.41
Davidson
$
13.97
Refunds for the Month of June 2012
Monthly
$68,771.27
Monthly
Total
$1,532.26
Request for Approval of the June 19, 2012 Minutes: MOTION by Commissioner Griffith to
approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Consideration/Approval of a Pyrotechnic Application for a Private
Wedding Ceremony in an Unincorporated Area of Iredell County: Chief Deputy Fire Marshal
Garland Cloer said an application had been submitted from East Coast Pyrotechnics for an event
(wedding) that would occur at Carrigan Farms in August. He said all requirements had been met,
and due to the display site being in a wooded area, the South Iredell VFD had been contacted to be
on standby.
29
Breakdown of Refunds:
County
$
718.08
Solid Waste Fees
$
-
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$
-
Shepherd's Fire #2
$
-
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$
-
All County Fire #4
$
96.24
B&F Fire #5
$
-
Statesville City
$
-
Statesville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville Town
$
582.39
Mooresville
Downtown
$
-
Mooresville School
$
135.55
Love Valley
$
-
Harmony
$
-
Troutman
$
-
Davidson
$
-
Monthly
$68,771.27
Monthly
Total
$1,532.26
Request for Approval of the June 19, 2012 Minutes: MOTION by Commissioner Griffith to
approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Consideration/Approval of a Pyrotechnic Application for a Private
Wedding Ceremony in an Unincorporated Area of Iredell County: Chief Deputy Fire Marshal
Garland Cloer said an application had been submitted from East Coast Pyrotechnics for an event
(wedding) that would occur at Carrigan Farms in August. He said all requirements had been met,
and due to the display site being in a wooded area, the South Iredell VFD had been contacted to be
on standby.
29
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve the request in order for the engaged
couple to have fireworks on their wedding night.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Troutman Planning/Zoning Board-ETJ (1 appointment): Commissioner Mitchell
nominated Katie Barnwell.
OTION by Chairman Johnson to close the nominations and to appoint Barnwell by
acclamation.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
REQUEST FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE: Mr. Jerry Carr, a resident
of 154 Deerfield Lane, Statesville, NC, requested financial assistance in improving a road not on
the state maintained list. Carr, a retiree and former resident of New York, said he purchased his
property located off of Buffalo Shoals Road about one year ago, and the postal service was
threatening do stop delivering mail due to the road condition. He said it was understood the
county had denied the request in the past, but his neighborhood had many retirees.
Commissioner Mitchell asked how many people residing off of Deerfield Lane, would be
willing to assist.
Carr said 23 people had agreed and several of these owned four or five tracts.
Commissioner Mitchell asked if a cost estimate had been received for road paving.
Carr said several people had been called, but no one had agreed to visit the area and
provide an estimate.
Mr. Mitchell said his experience had been that with the non -state maintained roads, the
residents would not even agree to help pay for gravel. He said it was difficult to obtain 75%
participation for a road paving.
Chairman Johnson mentioned concerns about a precedent being set. He said at one time
the county had approximately 200 miles of unpaved road, and there would be large costs to assist
with all of them. Johnson said that if a project cost $100,000.00, with the residents paying their
share over five years with $20,000 being paid annually, that soon the county would have a cash
flow problem as more requests were added. He said much money would be on credit with an
assumption it would be paid. Johnson mentioned sympathy for the retirees, but he said money
would have to be taken from other retirees to repair the road. He said, "I don't know how fair it
is to them (other retirees)." Johnson said the board of commissioners couldn't just look at one
road, that all of the roads would have to be reviewed. He said many people were in the same
situation, and it would cost a lot of money. Continuing, Johnson said he had traveled on the road
and was aware of its condition. He said that if four or five road projects were occurring at one
time, the county's debt could easily be a million dollars.
Carr said all of the residents he talked to had indicated a willingness to pay some money
upfront and to have the remainder placed on their taxes.
Johnson asked Mr. Carr to provide an estimate on how much money the residents were
willing to pay upfront and the total project cost.
Carr mentioned difficulty in finding someone to provide a cost estimate. He said one
individual had provided an estimate of $29,000 to gravel the road only to his residence, and this
included cutting the ditches, draining the water, and bringing the segment up to meet state
standards. Mr. Carr said the individual said it would cost $39,000 to include blacktop.
30
Chairman Johnson said the county was not in the road construction business, and it was
expressly prohibited from engaging into this by state law. He said the residents would have to
provide the cost estimate before it could be considered, plus information would need to be
provided on how much participation would occur from the residents. Johnson said the county
did not have an engineer on staff to inspect the roadway and develop a cost amount. Mr.
Johnson mentioned that he could provide the names of some individuals who might be able to
assist, and Mr. Carr could telephone him for the information.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Industrial Land Use Study: County Manager Smith presented an industrial land use study
to each commissioner. He said the board had discussed one particular area a few weeks ago, but
the planning department had evaluated the entire county. Smith said the planning director
would be asked to summarize the report at a future meeting.
Citizens' Informational Workshop for Proposed Interstate Improvements & High
Occupancy Toll Lanes: Mr. Smith said the public was invited to attend a meeting in regards to
this matter on the following dates:
• Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at the Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius
or
• Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Ivory Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court, Charlotte
Ambulance Chassis/Remounts: County Manager Smith thanked the board for approving
the ambulance remount agenda item. He said the EMS Department needed the new chassis and
remounts.
CLOSED SESSIONS: Pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) 5/Property Acquisition and G.S.
143-318.1 l(a) 6/Personnel, Chairman Johnson made a motion at 8:55 p.m. to enter into closed
session.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 9:25 P.M.)
Performance Pay Increase: OTION by Chairman Johnson to award a 2% performance
pay increase to the county manager and register of deeds.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ADJOURNMENT: MOTIO by Chairman Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 9:26
P.M. (NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval: August 7, 2012
31
Jean C. 91lloore
Clerk to the Board