Planning board approves UDO amendments to allow major subdivisions in planned developments and gated communities

The Moore County Planning Board voted to approve text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance that would allow major subdivisions in Plan Development Conditional Zoning Districts (PDCC) and permit them by special-use permit in certain gated community zoning districts (7 Lakes and Woodlake).

Planning staff said the PDCC district is intended to encourage innovative mixed-use site planning but previously did not allow major subdivisions as a component of planned developments. The proposed amendments update Chapter 6 (principal use table) and Chapter 19 (subdivision standards in sections 19.9.b and 19.10.a) so that major subdivisions follow the principal use table and are available as options within planned development conditional zoning. Staff said utility availability and adequacy would continue to be reviewed through the Subdivision Review Board (SRB) process.

A board member moved to adopt the planning board consistency statement required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-604 and authorized the chair to execute it; the motion passed. The board then approved the UDO amendments as presented. The final approval carried after a voice vote in which one board member recorded a nay.

Staff said the change is intended to give developers and the county more flexibility to encourage efficient use of land, mixed uses and preservation of open space while retaining SRB oversight of utilities and infrastructure.

The amendments will be forwarded to the Moore County Board of Commissioners for review.