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Commissioners amend subdivision rule to allow single entrance under 100 lots; require two for 100 or more
Summary
Princeton amended Subdivision Ordinance 405.9 to allow subdivisions with fewer than 100 lots to have a single main entrance (with an emergency gravel/Knox Box option) while requiring two entrances for subdivisions of 100 lots or more; the board approved the amendment 4-0 after staff and fire personnel input.
The Princeton Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 16 to amend Subdivision Ordinance 405.9 (Subdivision Entrances), permitting subdivisions with fewer than 100 lots to provide a single main entrance while requiring two dedicated entrances for subdivisions of 100 lots or more.
Town staff said the change follows discussions with NCDOT, the county planning authority and the town's planning board; the proposed language allows a main entrance plus a secondary gravel emergency access with a Knox Box for subdivisions under 100 lots and requires two main entrances once a subdivision reaches 100 lots. Staff described the amendment as intended to give flexibility for developments where two full public entrances are impractical because of road frontage, geometry or proximity to an existing elementary school.
Commissioners debated where to set a numeric threshold for secondary access. Several members suggested a lower threshold (for example 50 lots) might be appropriate in some layouts; others noted county standards vary and that the Board of Adjustment can consider variances on a case-by-case basis. Fire personnel (Chief Salem) said he had discussed the proposal with staff and had "no concerns" with the amended language, noting that in a significant emergency a secondary access can help response and egress but that layout and frontage constraints can make two full entrances infeasible for some sites.
The board moved to adopt the ordinance amendment as written (subdivisions with fewer than 100 lots provide at least one main entrance; subdivisions with 100 lots or more must provide two entrances or a main entrance plus an emergency gravel entrance with Knox Box). Commissioner Holmes made the motion; Commissioner Martin seconded. The motion passed 4-0.
Why it matters: The change modernizes the town's review standard to reflect input from NCDOT and local emergency responders and to reduce barriers for developers where two full-access points are not practical. The amendment preserves the town's ability to require additional access or to require a variance review in particular site layouts.
Staff said the council will circulate a cleaned-up draft of the amended ordinance following the meeting.
