Commissioners hold public hearing on ordinance updates under NCGS 160‑D; Planning Board asked to revise language

Washington County commissioners on March 1 heard presentations and public comment as part of a statutorily required update to local ordinances under North Carolina General Statute 160‑D.

Planning & Inspection Director Allen Pittman and Planning Board Chair David Clifton outlined a multi‑item rewrite intended to bring the county’s zoning and subdivision provisions into compliance with the new statutory framework. The board opened a public hearing on the Flood Ordinance as part of that process; no final adoption was recorded at the meeting.

Chair Bill Sexton questioned specific subdivision provisions, asking why playground language would allow general public access and whether the ordinance should allow property to be divided for multiple children across generations. "I have 3 daughters and would like to give them each a lot," Sexton said, urging clearer, generationally aware language. Pittman cautioned that exempting families could create enforcement and land‑use complications and said staff would work with the Planning Board on rewording.

Commissioner Ann Keyes asked whether the changes would apply only to farms or to all property; Clifton warned that parcel splits can affect emergency services and utilities. Pittman and Clifton said the Planning Board and staff will revise the draft and return updated language with other zoning ordinance work next month. County Attorney Curtis Potter reviewed bond references and reported no immediate legal issues.

The public hearing was closed by a unanimous vote after commissioners thanked staff for the substantial work on the rewrite. The board did not adopt the ordinances at this meeting and directed staff and the Planning Board to bring revised drafts back for further consideration.