Commissioners approve special-use permit for 85,000-sq-ft metal fabrication facility; applicant pledges jobs and emissions controls

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners approved a special-use permit for Standard Technologies to operate a metal product fabrication facility at 4901 Las Tortugas Drive, finding that the proposal met the four quasi-judicial criteria required by county code.

Attorney Matt Nichols presented the applicant's case and introduced client Max Valentine (owner of Standard Technologies) and engineering and appraisal team members. The concept plan described an 85,000-square-foot, single-story warehouse for metal fabrication, welding and powder coating. Nichols said the company sees potential to partner with Cape Fear Community College and estimated the project would create about 65 jobs.

Cal Morgan, an appraiser engaged by the applicant, testified that comparable industrial properties adjacent to residential areas did not suggest a negative impact on nearby property values. Commissioners asked detailed technical questions about powder-coating emissions and permitting; the applicant said a non-Title V electrostatic dry powder-coating permit with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality would be required and that the captured powder would be filtered and either recycled or disposed of. "No external emission ... the only thing that would come out of the building would be the heat generation from any of our ovens," said Max Valentine.

The applicant confirmed operations would be indoor and that initial staffing would be first shift (with second and third shifts possible as the business grows). Staff noted required buffers along residential boundaries, stormwater design to meet county and state standards, and that adjacent property owners within the required 500-foot notification circle had been notified; staff reported no public opposition at the planning board stage.

After closing the hearing, the board moved to approve the special-use permit, citing the staff findings and testimony. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote; staff reminded the board that any future expansion or modification of the approved use would require the board’s approval.