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Mill Village Character Preservation overlay approved; residents ask for clearer rules on fences and architecture
Summary
The board unanimously approved RZ24‑05 to establish a Mill Village Character Preservation overlay. Residents expressed support but asked for clearer ordinance language on features such as chain‑link fences and asked about architectural guidelines; staff said existing chain‑link fences will be grandfathered and that architecture regulation is limited without a historic district designation.
Mayor Pro Tempore Richard Atkinson moved to approve RZ24‑05, the Mill Village Character Preservation Overlay; Commissioner Scott Kincaid seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins said the overlay, created in May but not yet applied to parcels, is intended to preserve character in the mill village area; the Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the overlay in September and unanimously recommended approval with conditions to be refined in ordinance language.
Public comment included Jesse Padgett of Woodlawn Avenue, who expressed support for the overlay but asked for clearer language so future residents understand what is allowed, specifically asking about chain‑link fences. Watkins responded that existing chain‑link fences would be "grandfathered in" but new fences would need to meet the updated requirements. Khristopher Ward of Second Street requested to review draft ordinance language and said he saw no references to architectural guidelines in the current draft; Watkins said proposed changes and additional details would be presented at the Nov. 19 meeting and noted that North Carolina state law limits a municipality’s authority to regulate architectural design unless an area is formally designated as a historic district.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the overlay as presented; staff will return with draft ordinance language and any recommended architectural guidance or clarifications for the November meeting.
