At a glance: Mooresville board approves water tank contract, zoning text changes and other measures; schedules land‑use hearings with one rezoning postponed

Mooresville — At its May 5 meeting the Mooresville Board of Commissioners approved a series of contracts, zoning changes and procedural items. Key outcomes:

Shepherd’s elevated water tank: The board awarded a construction contract for a new 1,000,000‑gallon composite elevated water storage tank at 2014 Charlotte Highway (behind Shepherds Fire & Rescue) to Landmark I LP in an amount not to exceed $7,463,000. The project will be funded from system‑development fees, not current ratepayer revenues, and has a contract time of 540 days. The motion to award the contract was made by Commissioner Luis and seconded by Commissioner Avon; the board voted in favor.

Unified Development Ordinance amendments (Batch 4): The board approved a package of text amendments affecting interstate signage, window signage and electric‑vehicle charging. Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval; the purpose cited was to give more flexibility to businesses and to align with the town’s economic‑vitality goals. The board voted 5–1 in favor (Commissioner Qualls cast the lone no). The amendments allow interstate signage in additional commercial districts (with distance limits), permit certain window signage above ground‑floor level subject to the 50% coverage cap, and remove strict EV‑charging requirements while providing parking flexibility if developers voluntarily include chargers.

Land‑use hearing schedule: The board approved scheduling multiple land‑use public hearings but removed the Patterson Farm Road annexation/rezoning (CZ 202504080) from the June 2 agenda. Commissioners asked staff to arrange a public work session for the applicant to present additional information and to return later with a hearing date.

Brumley Farms waiver: The board granted a request for a waiver for the Courtyards at Brumley Farms (108 single‑family lots on 55 acres) after the applicant presented a reconfigured intersection design with a signalized turn lane. The board amended the motion so the waiver would be effective only if the applicant dismisses an outstanding appeal/lawsuit related to the previous zoning denial. Motion by Commissioner DeWeese; second by Commissioner Dingler; motion passed.

Resolution on House Bill 765: The board adopted a resolution opposing changes in House Bill 765 (2025 session) and related proposals that would alter local planning and zoning authority. The resolution urges the North Carolina General Assembly to leave planning and zoning to locally elected boards and to terminate bills that the town believes would strip local responsibilities. Commissioner Qualls moved the resolution; Commissioner West seconded, and the board approved it.

How these passed (selected votes and movers): - Shepherd’s elevated tank contract (to Landmark I LP, ≤ $7,463,000): motion by Commissioner Luis; second by Commissioner Avon; vote: unanimous in favor. - UDO Batch 4 text amendments (interstate signage, window signage, EV charging): motion by Commissioner West; second by Commissioner DeWeese; vote: 5–1 (No: Commissioner Qualls). - Waiver for Brumley Farms (contingent on dismissal of lawsuit): motion by Commissioner DeWeese; second by Commissioner Dingler; vote: unanimous after amendment to require dismissal. - Resolution opposing House Bill 765: motion by Commissioner Qualls; second by Commissioner West; vote: unanimous.

Other notes: The town attorney reviewed the limits of municipal authority under North Carolina law and reminded the public that municipalities can exercise only powers granted by state statute. Public comment on multiple agenda items was robust; staff noted deadlines for several public‑comment periods on grant and mobility plans.

Ending: The May 5 meeting mixed routine proclamations and recognitions with several substantive land‑use and infrastructure decisions. The board deferred a contentious rezoning tied to a proposed data center to give the public and commissioners time for more information and verification before any formal hearing.