Halifax County delays mining and quarrying ordinance after agreement with Halifax Aggregates

The Halifax County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday to postpone a legislative hearing on proposed countywide development regulations for mining and quarrying and to accept an agreement with Halifax Aggregates that pauses competing development activity while the county pursues a moratorium.

County counsel Tony Robbins presented the proposed two-page agreement and asked the board to delay further action on the ordinance "for a period of time not to exceed six months," saying Halifax Aggregates had already agreed not to file development applications during that period. "I don't see a downside to doing this," Robbins said.

The agreement Robbins described would have two main elements: the county would renew a countywide moratorium on mining and quarrying development approvals for up to six months, and Halifax Aggregates and its affiliates would agree not to file applications for special-use permits or rezoning for mining or quarrying in Halifax County or to contest the moratorium. Robbins noted the county could resume ordinance consideration earlier than six months if needed.

Why it matters: the ordinance under consideration would set countywide development rules for mining and quarrying,…