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Planning staff recommend zoning penalty changes and name architect for detention-center design
Summary
Planning staff recommended removing criminal penalties for zoning violations to comply with state law, set civil penalty amounts, and reported two RFQ responses for a detention-center architect, recommending Moseley (award subject to subsequent cost negotiations).
Planning staff presented two ordinance changes and an RFQ recommendation. Staff said prior language authorizing criminal penalties for zoning violations no longer aligns with North Carolina general statute and recommended removing criminal penalties except where unsafe conditions apply. The planning office recommended five civil-penalty categories to enforce the ordinance: a $300 noncompliance fee plus $50 per day thereafter, a $150 stop-work order fee, a $300 vacate order fee, a $275 administrative hearing fee and a $50 reinspection fee per trip.
Staff also reported the county received two qualifications packages for architectural services for a Northampton County detention center: Dynotech Incorporated and Moses/Moseley Architects (as listed in the RFQ response). Staff recommended awarding design services to Moseley (subject to a later negotiation on cost). If the board approves an award, staff said negotiations on fees will follow per applicable procurement statutes.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about appeal rights and the nonrevenue nature of penalties; planning staff said penalties are intended to encourage compliance rather than generate revenue and that the ordinance requires warnings before enforcement. The board did not record a final procurement vote in the excerpt provided; staff said they would return with contract-cost negotiations if the board directs.
