Commissioners add UDO requirement that stubbed streets bear signs warning future extension possible

The Pender County Board of Commissioners on May 19 approved a zoning text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance requiring that newly constructed stub streets carry signage notifying the public that the street "may be extended to an adjacent property in the future." The sign would be removed once the connecting road is built.

Purpose and debate - Planning staff said the amendment responds to homeowner confusion when a cul‑de‑sac‑like street later becomes a connector during subsequent adjacent development. The signage is intended to make future connectivity transparent to prospective buyers and neighbors. - Commissioners discussed enforcement and durability of signage, noting code enforcement and homeowner associations may be responsible for long‑term upkeep. One commissioner expressed concern about repeated sign replacement if signs are vandalized; staff said developers would be responsible initially and enforcement mechanisms exist through code compliance. - Discussion at the meeting linked the topic to broader concerns about vegetation and tree planting in developments; commissioners asked staff to review tree spacing and planting specifications in the UDO with an arborist to reduce future maintenance issues.

Board action - The board approved the zoning text amendment and made findings the change is consistent with connectivity policies in the Pender Comprehensive plan and advances public welfare by clarifying future roadway expectations for residents.

Next steps - Planning staff will incorporate the new sign requirement into permit review and coordinate enforcement mechanisms; staff will also review tree‑planting standards in the UDO for potential technical refinements with arboricultural input.