Pegram Planning Commission debates zoning permit rules, defers Northcutt subdivision

PEGRAM — The Pegram Planning Commission on Oct. 14 deferred an application for a six‑lot subdivision and began reviewing proposed changes to Article 8 of the town’s zoning ordinance that would clarify when site plans and building permits are required and how zoning changes must be noticed.

Chairman Gene Hannah called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and recorded five members present. Commissioner Bill Herbert moved to approve the Sept. 9 minutes and waive reading; Commissioner Randy Howington seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The commission deferred agenda item 8.1, a Northcutt application for subdivision plats creating six residential lots on Beech Hill Road (Map 095, parcels 014.00 and 30.00). Commissioner Jason Picanzo moved to defer the matter to the Nov. 11, 2024 meeting because the applicant had not provided required information; Commissioner Randy Howington seconded. The motion carried on a 5‑0 vote.

During New Business the commission opened a review of Article 8 and Section 8.030 of the zoning ordinance to determine when site plans and building permits should be required and how zoning changes should be advertised. Staff and members discussed a series of clarifications recorded in the minutes:

• Section 8.030 was described as currently requiring a permit for work to a property or house; building a one‑ or two‑family house remains the only category noted as not required to appear before the Planning Commission.

• Home remodels would not require a site plan; accessory buildings would require a site plan but, in some cases, could be approved administratively by the building/codes official rather than coming before the Planning Commission.

• Projects under 500 square feet would not require a permit. Private pools would require a permit with plans approved by building/codes staff; commercial pools would still be required to come before the Planning Commission.

• Roof replacements limited to surface work with no change in pitch and window replacements would not require a permit.

Commissioners also discussed notice procedures for zoning changes. The minutes record a proposal to advertise zoning changes in the newspaper 21 days before a public hearing and final reading, to post signs on affected properties 21 days prior to the hearing, and to send certified letters at least 15 days in advance to homeowners whose properties touch the parcel and those across the street. The town would furnish signs and letters while the applicant would pay for and place signs; the town would handle mailing. The proposed notice language would apply to both the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Town attorney Martha Brooke Perry was directed to draft the ordinance amendments, including the signage and certified‑letter requirements, for consideration at the commission’s Nov. 11 meeting.

During public comment, Susie Cole, a resident of 4502 Scenic View Drive, asked that the town include early voting dates and times in its text alert system; the minutes do not record a formal response or action on that request.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. following a motion by Commissioner Randy Howington, seconded by Commissioner Jason Picanzo; the vote was unanimous.