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Cramerton adopts Mill Village overlay changes allowing larger lots and two‑story homes
Summary
The Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners unanimously approved TA24-01, revising the Mill Village Character Protection Overlay to increase lot coverage limits, set a two‑story height cap, clarify carriage houses, and allow taller accessory structures; a resident urged caution about demolition-driven change.
The Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners on Nov. 19 unanimously adopted TA24-01, amending the Mill Village Character Protection Overlay to increase flexibility for homeowners and developers in designated mill-house neighborhoods.
The change raises maximum building lot coverage from 25% to 50%, replaces a formulaic height approach with a two‑story maximum, explicitly allows carriage houses, and permits accessory structures to match the height of the principal structure. Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval.
Resident Micky Jenkins, who identified Front Street as home, told the board she supports simplifying the height standard but warned that allowing two‑story rebuilds after demolition could alter the single‑story character on blocks like hers. “Demolition, in my view, is the enemy of preservation,” Jenkins said, urging the board to consider unintended effects on neighborhood character.
Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins presented the amendments as intended to introduce greater flexibility to an overlay the Planning Board and staff found overly restrictive; the Planning & Zoning Board reviewed the changes in October and recommended unanimous approval. Mayor Pro Tempore Richard Atkinson moved for approval; Commissioner Jennifer Ramsey seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The board also approved the Statement of Consistency for TA24-01, finding the amendment consistent with the Town’s adopted plans. The amendments do not change demolition permitting processes; they instead revise development standards. Details required of future projects include façade materials and other design standards where applicable.
Next steps: The updated overlay language is now adopted and will be reflected in the Town’s Land Development Code. Staff said they will implement the ordinance language and apply it to future permit reviews; no additional board action was specified at the meeting.
