Anson County planning board approves special-use permit for salvage yard on US 74 West

The Anson County Planning Board voted unanimously Nov. 13 to approve a Class B special use permit (SUP 25-0008) allowing an automotive salvage yard at 12322 US Highway 74 West, a 5.57-acre parcel zoned light industrial and adjacent to the town of Peachland.

Planning staff summarized the application and recommended approval, saying the proposal meets the ordinance’s standards on lot size, screening, parking and operations. The staff presentation noted environmental features including portions of the site in the 100-year flood zone and a nearby floodway along Lanes Creek, and referenced state transportation rules that apply to scrapyard screening. “Based on the application, regulatory compliance and the totality of details provided, the planning department does recommend approval,” planning staff said.

Applicant Igor Pujina, who was sworn in for testimony, and his partner Rami described plans for a 6,000-square-foot warehouse, gravel surfacing, a six-foot chain-link fence with privacy screening along Highway 74, designated storage for fluids and batteries, spill kits and firefighting equipment, and an anticipated staff of five to 10 employees. “Our goal is to operate a clean, organized and compliant facility that supports local jobs and provides affordable auto parts to the community,” Rami said.

Board members asked detailed questions about whether fencing must follow the property line where steep slopes and a creek exist, how hazardous fluids would be managed, and what would happen if the business ceased operations. Planning staff said the fence component and screening are required by the ordinance but noted that the ordinance does not include a bond or reclamation requirement for removing materials if the business closes; regulatory enforcement for leaks or contamination would be handled by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). “If there were any violations, the county would inform DEQ, who would then handle that based on their administrative code,” planning staff told the board.

An adjoining landowner, James (Jamie) Caldo of 77 Baxter Street, asked that the property be kept tidy because it forms a gateway into Anson County, inquired whether the fire-damaged existing building would be demolished, and raised concerns about a current tenant on the site allegedly conducting illegal burns and dumping sewage. Caldo said he spoke on behalf of Peachland residents and asked for strong buffers. The applicant said they plan to have a contractor assess the structure and that the tenant would be removed as part of taking control of the property.

After discussing the required findings of fact, a board member moved to approve the permit and the motion was seconded. The chair called the question and announced the motion passed unanimously. Planning staff said they will draft formal findings of fact and conclusions within about a week and that the applicant will need to obtain any DOT permits required for the scrapyard.

Votes at a glance • SUP 25-0008 (Igor Pujina) — Approved unanimously; planning staff to draft findings of fact and conclusions and issue permit; applicant must obtain DOT permit as required. • Findings of fact and conclusions for variance matters referenced during the meeting (Betty Hamilton and Walter Crawford Jr.) — Board approved the findings of fact and conclusions documents by voice vote. • October 9 meeting minutes — Approved by voice vote.

What happens next Planning staff will prepare the written findings of fact and conclusions to finalize the SUP and provide them to the applicant; the applicant must secure a separate DOT permit for the scrapyard before proceeding with DOT-regulated work. If the site becomes noncompliant with the screening or other ordinance standards, staff indicated enforcement would be pursued under the terms of the special-use permit.

(Reporting note: quotes and attributions are taken from the Nov. 13 Planning Board recessed meeting transcript.)