Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Open Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts expanded open‑space and tree‑protection rules, choosing full‑preservation standard
Summary
Southern Pines adopted a rewrite of open‑space UDO provisions that prioritizes preservation of sensitive natural areas and tree protection; council selected staff’s recommended full‑preserved option and added clarifications allowing removal of invasive vines and noxious vegetation by town arborist determination.
After public hearings and months of staff and focus‑group work, the Southern Pines Town Council adopted amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance on June 9 that change how open space is measured and protected in new development. The ordinance keeps the existing numeric open‑space minima (10% ordinary developments, 20% plan developments) but changes the required form and priority of that open space so the most ecologically valuable areas receive preservation priority.
Planner James Broadwell told the council the amendment ranks open‑space types in order: (1) sensitive natural areas (wetlands, floodplains), (2) tree‑protection areas, (3) undisturbed buffers, (4) usable open space and (5) planted buffers. Broadwell said the update does not increase total open‑space acreage requirements but requires developers to prioritize preservation when those features exist on site. Staff recommended the “full‑preserved” option — requiring preservation of qualifying natural areas rather than allowing a 50% preserve/50% manage approach — as most consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan.
During the hearing, staff incorporated a public suggestion to clarify that invasive species and other vegetation verified by the town arborist (examples cited: vines, poison ivy) may be removed from preserved areas to improve native canopy health. Several residents urged the council toward stronger protection: Karen Tissing said invasive thickets can make otherwise usable open space unusable, and Dorothy Brower described the cultural and ecological value of the town’s longleaf pine heritage. Community advocates and council members argued that the rule change will better protect the town’s character and long‑standing trees and will preserve habitat for species including the red‑cockaded woodpecker.
Councilmembers voted that the amendments are consistent with the comprehensive plan and approved the full‑preserved option presented in staff’s packet. The ordinance is now part of the town’s UDO; staff said exceptions and administrative adjustments remain available when rigid preservation would render a site undevelopable or otherwise deny reasonable use.
Council members and staff said they will monitor implementation to ensure the policy does not unintentionally prevent reasonable development while delivering the community benefits of preserved canopy and habitat.
