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Planning board unanimously approves text requiring town engineer review of schematic plans
Summary
The board approved text amendment 2026‑3 (Appendix 2B) to require LaBella (town engineer) to review and provide written recommendations on schematic zoning plans; members debated wording to allow minor administrative adjustments, then approved staff edits and a renumbering suggestion.
The Weddington Planning Board unanimously approved a text amendment on April 27 that will require the town engineer (LaBella Associates) to review and provide a written recommendation for schematic zoning plans before they come to the planning board or town council.
Discussion centered on wording that would give the town engineer authority to confirm whether plans meet the intent of the UDO regarding stormwater flow and SCM facilities, while still allowing limited, non‑material, construction‑level adjustments to be addressed during subsequent construction document (CD) review. Board members and staff debated whether the phrase "on a preliminary basis" should remain; proponents said the wording preserves administrative flexibility for minor field adjustments encountered during construction, while ensuring the engineer flags major changes that must return to the board.
Staff said the item will be placed near other stormwater requirements in Appendix 2B (an administrative suggestion to number it B35A to keep it with other stormwater items), and that the purpose is to avoid schematic plans that claim impractical SCMs or omit engineering analysis. The motion to approve the text as submitted with staff formatting edits (B58 to be modified administratively) passed unanimously.
The amendment formalizes engineering review earlier in the entitlement process, a response to prior applications where schematic plans lacked realistic stormwater exhibits. The change aims to ensure more complete packet materials and clearer town and applicant expectations before items proceed to the council.
