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Council approves special‑use permit, setback reduction for Lumbee River EMC substation expansion
Summary
After a staff presentation and presentation by the engineering applicant, the Fayetteville City Council unanimously approved a special‑use permit and a reduction of the required setback from 100 to 40 feet for a Lumbee River EMC substation upgrade at Bailey Lake Road.
Fayetteville — The council unanimously approved a special‑use permit allowing Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation to upgrade an existing substation at 6787 Bailey Lake Road and to reduce the Unified Development Ordinance setback from 100 feet to 40 feet to reflect the site's historic layout.
Staff described the facility as a longstanding substation (dating to the 1980s) that requires upgrades to add capacity, including a second transformer, to meet current demand. An engineering representative for the applicant explained the technical need: the existing transformer has been operating at or near full capacity and the project would add distribution lines and a new transformer to improve reliability for surrounding homes and businesses.
Council asked questions about visual buffering, safety measures and how the design would comply with stormwater and state electrical standards. The applicant said the work would meet all applicable local, state and federal standards and that most upgrades would not be visible from Bailey Lake Road; fencing and gates would secure the site. Thompson moved approval, reciting findings of fact as required for special use approvals; council adopted the permit unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will complete permit paperwork and ensure construction meets required standards and stormwater/utility regulations.
