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Mount Holly council approves multiple planning and code updates on trails, accessory structures and home occupations
Summary
Council approved three zoning text amendments updating trail design and emergency access standards, accessory structure rules and allowing staff review of home occupations; staff also proposed modernizing nuisance abatement notices for later drafting.
The Mount Holly City Council approved three separate text amendments on Sept. 8, 2025, updating standards for trail construction and emergency response, tightening regulations for accessory buildings and structures, and allowing staff review of certain home‑occupation permits. Staff also presented a proposed change to nuisance‑abatement notice procedures for further drafting with the city attorney.
Planning staff presented the proposed trail standards (Case TA259), which set a standard 8‑foot trail width with either six inches of crush‑and‑run stone or paving with concrete or asphalt, require 8‑foot clearance on footbridges, UTV turnaround areas and rounded switchbacks for emergency access, 4x4 mile markers painted safety yellow, kiosks at trailheads and road intersections, drainage standards and a maximum slope of 12 percent based on National Park Service guidance. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval; Council voted to adopt the text amendment following the public hearing (motion by Mister Huff, second by Miss Harris).
On accessory structures (Case TA2510), planning staff said changes allow commercial properties to remain unrestricted in number and size of accessory structures, permit temporary use of shipping containers during renovation, and add a table limiting number and square footage of accessory structures for other property types. The amendment requires a primary structure before accessory structures are built on lots smaller than one acre, limits accessory height to the principal dwelling height, requires three‑foot separation between accessory structures for fire safety, and allows accessory buildings in the front yard on properties larger than one acre subject to setbacks (150 feet from right of way and 30 feet from side property lines). The Planning Commission unanimously supported the measure; Mister Craig moved to approve and Mister Reeves seconded; the council approved the amendment.
The council also approved changes to the zoning table and notes related to home occupations (Case TA257) that, if adopted, would remove the need for a special‑use permit and allow staff to review home‑occupation permits provided they meet state and local requirements. Planning staff and the planning commission voted unanimously in favor; Mister Craig moved for approval and Mister Huff seconded.
In new business, staff presented a proposed update to the city code of laws (chapter 50, section 50.035) to modernize notice methods for nuisance abatement by removing a mandatory requirement for certified letters and property postings. Staff said certified letters often are returned or ignored, delaying abatement by at least 25 days and costing about $10 each. Staff presented the research and asked the council for direction to work with the city attorney on a final ordinance; council asked staff to return with draft language.
All three zoning text amendments were advanced by council action after public hearings; no public speakers signed up for those hearings. The nuisance‑abatement change was presented for feedback and will return to council as a formal ordinance after legal review.
