Huntersville staff backs garage and mechanical‑equipment zoning changes; resident urges approval

Huntersville planning staff presented two related zoning text amendments on Nov. 18 aimed at easing rules for garages and certain mechanical equipment placements. Staff recommended approval of both proposals and said the changes align with provisions of the town’s 2040 community plan supporting form and flexibility.

The town‑sponsored amendment TA25‑12 would add a cross‑reference to permit detached garages in other yards for lots of 5 acres or larger (with the proviso that the structure be screened from the road) and make a housekeeping change to correct side‑yard setback language. Becca, the planning presenter, told the board the amendment “is consistent with the plan” and recommended approval.

Northwood Raven’s proposal, TA25‑11, would revise rules for attached garages — allowing reduced rear‑setback requirements for single‑family homes accessed from an alley — and would permit certain mechanical equipment (pool or HVAC systems or other permanent equipment) to encroach into rear setbacks if properly screened from public streets or alleys. Staff said the change would include heightened screening requirements to avoid new visual nonconformities.

Floyd Johnson, a resident and public commenter on TA25‑12, said he and his wife had sought a variance and were unsuccessful and asked the board to approve the amendment to prevent tearing up their backyard to place a detached garage. “I really think it’s common sense,” Johnson said. No formal votes on the text amendments were recorded; staff told the board each amendment will go before the planning board and then return for final action on Dec. 16.

What happens next: Both TA25‑11 and TA25‑12 will be on the planning board agenda the day after the meeting and are scheduled for final action by the board of commissioners on Dec. 16.