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Planning board approves a bundle of UDO text amendments after clarifications
Summary
The Planning Board approved multiple UDO text amendments to definitions, chapter tracking, invasive plant guidance and plan‑reference language after staff agreed to clarify technical wording (DBH/caliper, flood percentages, and enforcement scope). All amendments passed unanimously.
The Planning Board considered several Unified Development Ordinance text amendments on March 16 and voted unanimously to approve the package after staff agreed to revise technical definitions and clarify enforcement scope.
Staff (May Armstrong and Lauren) proposed adding and amending definitions in Section 12.12 (ZTA 20261) to increase clarity and consistency with state blueprint and regulatory language. Board members asked for corrections to flood‑frequency percentage references, a clearer definition of tree caliper (suggested use of diameter at breast height/DBH), and inclusion of missing acronyms such as FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) and NFIP references. Staff agreed to revise the draft language and return recommended edits.
The board also approved moving the record of amendments to the front of Chapter 13 (ZTA 20262) for ease of use and removing the recommended/invasive plant list from the UDO so it can be maintained in the town’s specification book and follow North Carolina agencies' guidance (ZTA 20263). Staff clarified the plant list is applied chiefly during subdivision and site‑plan reviews, not in routine private backyard plantings, though homeowners associations or covenants may be more restrictive.
Finally, the board approved an amendment clarifying how the UDO references adopted comprehensive plans and how plan conformance is applied to transportation and service extensions (ZTA 20264). Board members requested staff add missing definitions and adjust wording on caliper/BREAST‑height measurement and flood percentages before finalization.
All four text amendments passed on unanimous votes; staff said corrected language will be circulated to the board prior to final ordinance drafting.
