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Aberdeen continues NC‑5 corridor overlay hearing after developer objects to larger setbacks
Summary
The Board continued the public hearing on the proposed NC Highway 5 Priority Corridor Overlay to Jan. 26, 2026, after a developer and nearby property owners said they were not sufficiently notified and raised concerns that increasing front setbacks from 25 to 50 feet would harm development feasibility.
Aberdeen’s Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 heard a staff presentation on the proposed NC Highway 5 Priority Corridor Overlay (NC 5‑PCO) and voted to continue the public hearing to Jan. 26, 2026 to allow additional stakeholder input.
Planning Director Pam Graham explained the overlay would apply enhanced development standards within 300 feet of both sides of NC Highway 5 to encourage higher-quality development, protect the viewshed and reduce congestion. She said the underlying base zoning districts (R-20, Light Industrial, General Commercial, Planned Development) would remain, and that the overlay’s subsection D would eliminate nonconforming status for pre-existing development where the PCO standards conflict with previously applicable standards.
A property owner and developer who identified himself as Mr. Vincent said he was unaware of the proposal, had contacted adjacent property owners who were also unaware, and urged a delay. He said increasing the front setback from 25 feet to 50 feet would be “a big difference” and could “kill a lot of projects,” and asked the board to delay adoption so stakeholders could provide input.
Mayor Pro‑tem Bryan Bowles asked whether adjoining property owners had been notified; Director Graham said staff used a half-page newspaper ad, corridor signage, and mailings for addresses outside the newspaper’s circulation when there are more than 50 property owners. After discussion, Bowles moved and Commissioner Elease Goodwin seconded a motion to continue the hearing to Jan. 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The board agreed to allow staff to work with stakeholders on possible language that would offer options to property owners, and Manager Paul Sabiston suggested staff explore compromise approaches such as allowing property owners alternative options to preserve usability.
The continuation gives staff time to gather more stakeholder input and to explore potential amendments that could allow alternatives to a strict 50-foot setback.
