Union County planning board approves special-use permit for Charlotte Aero Modelers with 8 a.m.–11 p.m. hours

The Union County Planning Board approved a special-use permit on Sept. 16, 2025, allowing Charlotte Aero Modelers to establish an RC airplane airfield on 6 leased acres of a 264-acre property at 9509 Morgan Mill Road (parcel 01222002), owned by Alan Balcom. The board added conditions including compliance with the site plan, local/state/federal regulations, a 500-foot buffer for amplified sound and an operating window of 8 a.m.–11 p.m.

Planning staff presented the application as a request for an outdoor “major entertainment/spectator sports” special-use permit under the Union County Development Ordinance (see Table 25-1 and section 30-08). Staff said the site is zoned RA-40, is largely undeveloped and the club’s proposed 6-acre lease area would occupy a small portion of the larger parcel. Staff recommended approval if the project meets all applicable regulations, the submitted site-specific plan and the 500-foot exterior buffer intended to keep amplified sound at or below 65 decibels.

Scott Gant, who identified himself as president of Charlotte Aero Modelers, told the board the club has been at its current site since 2009, has about a 15-year safety record with no injuries, and typically hosts roughly 3–4 air shows a year attended by pilots from across the country. Gant described planned facilities as a 700-foot runway, a climate‑controlled ADA‑compliant clubhouse (approximately 24 by 65 feet), a 24-foot‑by‑125‑foot covered shelter, a small equipment shed, about 20 permanent parking spaces and an adjacent grass overflow area for event parking. He said about 85% of the club’s aircraft are electric and that turbine aircraft are rare in the club (he estimated three turbine pilots).

Board members pressed the applicant on hours of operation. The site-specific notes in the packet already included a no-flying-after-10 p.m. restriction and a provision allowing only electric aircraft between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. The board voted to extend allowable operating hours to 11 p.m. for rare, limited night electric operations and to set a morning start of 8 a.m. The board also required the club to adhere to the site layout presented to staff at the meeting.

The board approved the permit by voice vote; the transcript records ayes and no named oppositions. Staff reminded the board and the applicant that the special-use permit runs with the land and that any appeal of the board’s written decision would go to Union County Superior Court within 30 days.

The applicant said the clubhouse would be used only by members and occasional guests and would not be rented commercially. Gant emphasized the club’s AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) membership and “Gold Leader” safety accreditation, and that the AMA provides liability insurance for members. The board incorporated staff’s other standard conditions: compliance with the Union County Development Ordinance, applicable building codes, and all local, state and federal requirements.

With those conditions, the board concluded the five findings of fact required for a special-use permit (consistency with zoning standards, no material danger to public health or safety, no substantial injury to property values, harmony with the surrounding area, and conformity with the comprehensive plan). The board closed the public hearing before deliberating and issued the approval with the stated conditions.

The club may proceed with the site work subject to permits and the approved site plan; staff noted further permits (e.g., building, erosion and sedimentation control, stormwater) will be required and must be satisfied before construction.