[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6510351,"mediaKeyId","5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae","parentId",5386423,"title","Committee reviews proposed ban on signs painted on inoperable vehicles and new outdoor‑lighting rules","audioSeconds",1195,"startMs",3507000,"endMs",4702000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae&start=3507&end=4702","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae/thumbnail_3507000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6510351/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Committee-reviews-proposed-ban-on-signs-painted-on-inoperable-vehicles-and-new-outdoorlighting-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510351-f82ad24b20f306af8be4358ff81f07d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433893&Signature=JylK4W0rwz7OMoexKgN~OCnpY0U9hdsknKccBpt~t2BrOjA2p--0cKqB7Q6cbNtleB7rzSPtIacGIavP33~aZBo82RnK7bXc2blSZsAsOLBXcl2MdQI1e~jQ3tcdEh2V2KVi39eklmGFIYG6caW9hGR6ZK9oBPdi3RjxrszuJuESYuNNkY1672Nzzb3KJKEOpkZ9TZF00JGvE7vif15pHHWA4KShPBo1HUPQ2VRqaK1BQlwdgorUrzhQeCwumqbew5oU2QdfN2W9l9qhvtcYQjy2E2dDT-jC6MARHNqi256oDS93IhSfq-gVu6u9I-hqHcbbQMDvc6XqOleGegNyQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rocky Mount","date","2025-07-15T11:06:05Z","article","City staff presented a proposed amendment July 14 to prohibit signage attached to inoperable or unlicensed vehicles and to adopt comprehensive outdoor‑lighting standards for Rocky Mount.

The proposal would add a prohibition on signs “attached to, painted on, or otherwise positioned on inoperable or unlicensed vehicles,” while exempting licensed, operable vehicles “actively used in the normal course of business” and vehicles stored in business loading or service areas. The stated purpose is to close a gap staff said operators have used to avoid the sign code.

On lighting, staff proposed new standards addressing glare and spill‑over, prohibiting flashing or intermittent lights and “high intensity beams,” and requiring new developments to submit lighting plans demonstrating compliance. Joseph said staff proposes an amortization period of 180 days from adoption for existing nonconforming lights and suggested encouraging (not mandating) that nonessential lighting be extinguished after 10 p.m. where practicable.

Council reaction: Some council members expressed caution about appearing to regulate content or specific messages displayed on vehicles. Councilor Blackwood and others asked about enforcement capacity and whether the problem is concentrated in a few locations; staff said complaints have come intermittently and cited several specific corridors and a truck frequently cited near the YMCA. The City Attorney reminded council that the U.S. Supreme Court has limited government authority to regulate signage based on content, so the ordinance focuses on size, placement and type rather than message.

Other related actions in the amendment: staff proposed clarifications for off‑street automobile parking as a special use permit in the R‑6 MFA district so standards are consistent across residential zones.

Outcome at the Committee of the Whole: council members signaled consensus to move forward with the outdoor‑lighting standards, but they asked for more internal discussion on the vehicle‑sign prohibition, enforcement protocols and thresholds (e.g., how to treat operable trailers or business vehicles). Staff said they would return with additional detail and noted enforcement would be handled by Development Services (code enforcement) alongside periodic inspections and the fire marshal.

Ending: The proposed changes aim to tighten the city’s control over nonpermitted advertising and intrusive lighting while respecting constitutional limits on content‑based regulation; staff will refine enforcement plans and return to council on vehicle signage before an ordinance is introduced.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City. Council Committee of the Whole Meeting, July 14","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented a proposed amendment July 14 to prohibit signage attached to inoperable or unlicensed vehicles and to adopt comprehensive outdoor‑lighting standards for Rocky Mount.","taxTitle","Rocky Mount, Nash County, North Carolina","taxId",5685,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510354,"Council staff propose zoning limits for internet cafes; staff say ~25 suspected sites citywide",1550,1477000,3027000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae&start=1477&end=3027","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae/thumbnail_1477000.jpg","/articles/6510354/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Council-staff-propose-zoning-limits-for-internet-cafes-staff-say-25-suspected-sites-citywide","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510354-13de44201904a1ecf9c23cbc2034e763/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433893&Signature=TLhljLDmeQCaC5V8LKErhMsy16tDWpFiG6lBpMqLVGoAeh9LEC4TS1Ku7fsS3DRxsoIb-rshPoMc1wVgJJ1zEu9TwnMKiJfo33CrCGA8FtlXdeemKQMJawSl6U2mKa0PvXT-wTLD6AjQ21a2CFcPOXOcryAoAlx~jcACbx04FaPFjmXIN-gbo2rDe0EPCDCH352gnB8XKxSp8XbQi1tZ92Y98MdU3JhXJHPeBA6GJTJu8q4Jjko1vmQphlleLRd5fcqPkd1uKPlNSpX-WxdighJn-GxLReMX3A4NDmKVqNwck7MwoZMfo68wIRKSVjECq-0W1hw24~~2LA4m2ehxJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff proposed July 14 to add “Internet cafes,” commonly called sweepstakes operations, as a permitted use under the Land Development Code in specified commercial zones and with separation and buffer requirements intended to limit concentrations.

Joseph, director of development services, told the Committee of the Whole the proposal would define Internet cafes, allow them in the B‑2 (Commercial Corridor) and B‑5 (Commercial Services) districts only, require separation from other cafes, parks, churches and residences, prohibit accessory‑use placement of such machines in other businesses, and bar them from historic and redevelopment districts.

Joseph said, “there are presently approximately 25 suspected, Internet cafes around the city.” He told council that only four locations now operate with certificates of occupancy issued before the city’s most recent restrictions, and that another nine of the roughly 25 would meet the proposed zoning and buffer standards and could lawfully continue if they obtained valid certificates of occupancy.

Context and legal history: staff explained the city previously regulated Internet cafes in the Land Development Code from about 2010 until 2016; that year a North Carolina Supreme Court ruling prompted changes. The city discussed enforcement and certificates of occupancy with the Rocky Mount Police Department and faced litigation by would‑be operators; staff said a later 2022 state supreme‑court ruling led the city to close locations at that time. Because the courts have been active on the subject, staff emphasized the amendment is intended to treat the use as a land‑use question separate from state courts’ determinations about whether the games offered violate gambling laws.

Council questions and staff response: Councilmembers asked who would enforce compliance and how nonconforming or covert operations (machines placed inside convenience stores) would be handled. Joseph said enforcement would be led by Development Services in coordination with the fire marshal office and that operators unable to meet the standards would be notified and given time to comply. The City Attorney advised that nonconforming status requires the use to have been legally authorized in the first place; locations that “sneaked” machines in behind another use would not automatically be lawful nonconforming uses.

Next steps: council members asked for more research on enforcement models used in other North Carolina cities (staff cited Greenville, Wilson and others) and on whether local fees or taxes could be applied; staff said state law limits municipal privilege‑license authority and that local fee authority would need additional legal review. Council directed staff to gather more information; the item will not be placed on the council agenda until that follow‑up occurs.

Ending: The proposed amendment would provide a zoning path for some existing sites while tightening location and accessory‑use rules; council members said they want further analysis of enforcement, revenue options and legal exposure before a final proposal is brought to a council vote.","City staff proposed July 14 to add “Internet cafes,” commonly called sweepstakes operations, as a permitted use under the Land Development Code in specified commercial zones and with separation and buffer requirements intended to limit concentrations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510359,"Rocky Mount staff seek land‑use rule to allow ‘pocket neighborhoods’ of small clustered homes",1208,382000,1590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae&start=382&end=1590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae/thumbnail_382000.jpg","/articles/6510359/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-staff-seek-landuse-rule-to-allow-pocket-neighborhoods-of-small-clustered-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510359-83b3c401fc383a7a2987e67aae4945bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433893&Signature=XuNnEM0M58aa-LQNem8RrbpnfzpUg8EXMSp4i-hybzi1TTWEiJGtjfbqSY67KAvAp5zlvdNiPoYr6QYj6zs7mhhEqC0zConAcZCXnrj79B7lkNv3AUr08AkNhvwovleU04Z8CTPQlstoJhNTSioFCMwb2h2oOtOoqO4HhRxMt-UzFRvBiGCR3ruBlpJsaG70G~zhy0rQq7hrEdHLJaRpIoPIxyWjm~Tg4lPwMwhkokQrB9F09UzfKYzEnN08WOpMA3rhluBEERMuxP4R1DdUfrLW1~zW9nZLuslhhoCsEZevtDv2-qQzesQCU2mvyULruQQxWz-MGY5rZPAbWG51iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a Land Development Code (LDC) text amendment July 14 to permit “pocket neighborhoods,” a clustered type of residential development around a common open space, in selected zoning districts in Rocky Mount.

The presentation came from Joseph, director of development services, who told the Committee of the Whole the amendment would “add pocket neighborhoods as a land use within certain residential zoning districts” and define the new housing type for inclusion in the LDC. The planning board has reviewed the proposal and recommended approval, and staff said the item will be scheduled for a forthcoming City Council meeting.

Why it matters: staff and council framed the amendment as a tool to increase housing variety and support infill development near downtown. Joseph said the form is intended to “establish a sense of community” and to provide flexible ownership models — either a single owner leasing units or individual lots sold to homeowners.

Key details from staff presentation:
- Proposed minimum site (pocket neighborhood) area: 15,000 square feet. Individual clusters would be allowed on sites that meet that minimum; a larger parcel could contain multiple clusters.
- Unit counts: minimum 4 dwellings per cluster, maximum 12.
- Maximum dwelling gross floor area proposed: 1,800 square feet.
- Proposed permitted locations: denser residential districts named in the presentation (R‑8 and R‑6, the R‑6 MFA multifamily residential district), planned residential districts, and office/institutional districts.
- Required materials: site plan and subdivision plat for the entire pocket neighborhood at the time of approval; individual buildings would be permitted later through standard building permits.
- Standards proposed for parking, fences, storage and requirement to establish a homeowners association if units are sold individually.

Council members asked how the new type differs from prior land‑trust and multifamily options and whether community groups could be involved. Joseph said the pocket‑neighborhood use could be part of a land trust but does not require it, and staff “would welcome [community organizations] to the table.” Councilman Kaston Blackman pushed on design control; Joseph said the ordinance requires a comprehensive site plan so neighbors and staff would see the overall layout before construction begins.

Next steps: staff will place the text amendment on an upcoming council agenda for formal consideration, after the Committee of the Whole review. The planning board’s recommendation and the staff packet will accompany the item when it reaches council.

Ending: If adopted by council, the amendment would add a defined, small‑scale clustered housing type intended to expand infill and affordable housing options in specified Rocky Mount residential districts.","City staff presented a Land Development Code (LDC) text amendment July 14 to permit “pocket neighborhoods,” a clustered type of residential development around a common open space, in selected zoning districts in Rocky Mount.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510346,"Rocky Mount police report: short‑term uptick in quarterly figures but year‑to‑date crime trending down; chief to retire",4931,4939000,7047,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae&start=4939&end=7","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386423-68ba0752f49222c7ccd2f8ba955c0cae/thumbnail_4939000.jpg","/articles/6510346/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-police-report-shortterm-uptick-in-quarterly-figures-but-yeartodate-crime-trending-down-chief-to-retire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510346-6874b921a692b7b7461620a646ee41ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433893&Signature=i2aVA9wUVzSTyzmL60w~vEXOES6pqDe~GbYoLr~7eREIdQoU0W-u5fB4zlVEq68UfL-PP40F0mT92qKdQNsikS6lbl8OpnafmwaXVyIO9-pK8O3VlTzXEUVqyf-XQlUyOmPL3zd1Kgqg-pbZT1~GTHb-FD7-QBOGWQ5gIDYmDik1GU3pPyHTr6p8isnBlSAayV7NH1GOei5wZe7Qir6lFzSPyHeBB9-a4Yrkx4HkDAL3GXoQs-HacBNgNn2kslJzkLLhIuICZY1c-gRMboKPrGlR9fsVDBIhSVtdTjWxs6Lcan3f2QlEvCPCCMtkW5V0HVKWAYQkaWnHlkvcNaRAXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rocky Mount Police Chief presented quarterly crime statistics and department updates July 14, and council members paused to thank the chief ahead of his upcoming retirement celebration.

Chief Hassle reported a 36% increase when comparing quarter‑to‑quarter figures — driven by 80 additional aggravated assault victims and about 75 more property‑crime victims in the later quarter — but said year‑to‑date numbers remain lower than the same period last year. “We’re still year to date. We’re trending downward 10% on crime,” the chief said, adding that violent crime was down about 8% year to date and property crime down 11% year to date compared with the prior year.

The chief discussed data and technology the department uses, and he framed better staffing as a key factor in reductions over a longer timeframe. He said the department has reduced vacancies — from 42 vacancies in 2020 to 6 in 2024 and to zero vacancies as of the meeting date — and that, combined with targeted technology, contributes to long‑term reductions. The chief reported a 33% decrease in violent crime between 2020 and 2024 overall.

Technology and operations: the chief cited a suite of detection and analytical tools used by the department to guide patrols and investigations, including a shot‑detection system, automated patrol‑routing analytics that refresh more frequently than prior manual methods, and an integrated camera and license‑plate reader network accessible through a centralized real‑time operations center. He said the department also uses state and federal reporting systems (NIBRS) and participates in UNC benchmarking to compare performance with peer cities.

Other operational points mentioned: calls for service in the quarter were lower than the previous quarter, traffic enforcement and traffic stops were down, and overall arrests and warrants reflect a mix of violations and re‑arrests where individuals do not appear for court. The chief also noted firearm seizures (133 weapons seized in the period cited) and explained that not every seized firearm corresponds to a weapons arrest; some are taken for safekeeping or seized in domestic situations.

Council questions focused on overdose calls, gang list changes, transient populations in vacant properties and how crisis mental‑health responses are coordinated. The chief described collaborative responses with Integrated Health’s crisis team for behavioral health incidents and explained processes for no‑trespass agreements with property owners to reduce repeat occupancy of abandoned buildings.

Ending: council members expressed appreciation for the chief’s work and for the department’s data‑driven approach; the chief noted his upcoming retirement celebration and the council thanked him for his service.","Rocky Mount Police Chief presented quarterly crime statistics and department updates July 14, and council members paused to thank the chief ahead of his upcoming retirement celebration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee reviews proposed ban on signs painted on inoperable vehicles and new outdoor‑lighting rules

Council staff propose zoning limits for internet cafes; staff say ~25 suspected sites citywide

Rocky Mount staff seek land‑use rule to allow ‘pocket neighborhoods’ of small clustered homes

Rocky Mount police report: short‑term uptick in quarterly figures but year‑to‑date crime trending down; chief to retire