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Planning board approves zoning change to allow alternative parking surfaces
Summary
On Feb. 12, 2026 the CERC City Planning Board approved a text amendment to section 7.6 of the zoning ordinance to allow certain alternative parking surfacing methods (for developments that trigger paving requirements); staff said the change supports stormwater control and aligns with the comprehensive land use plan.
CERC City Planning Board members voted Feb. 12 to approve a zoning text amendment that allows certain alternative parking surfacing methods as substitutes for required paved parking in specific circumstances. The board approved the amendment after staff explained the proposal and recommended adoption.
Staff member Jeremy introduced the application submitted by engineer Nick Lanier, saying the change would amend section 7.6 (off-street parking and loading standards) to permit approved alternative systems where developments trigger the paving requirement. "Staff is recommending approval of this proposed text amendment to allow alternative surfacing for parking lots that is supported by policy 5.1x of the comprehensive land use plan," Jeremy said. He said the applicant provided documentation showing the TruGrid system as one example and that any approved method would be reviewed by staff and state regulators.
Under the current ordinance, developments that require five or more parking spaces must be paved under the NCDOT driveway manual, typically with asphalt or concrete. Jeremy told the board alternatives such as permeable paver systems can allow immediate infiltration and better manage stormwater. He added the Coastal Forest Overlay District already permits alternative surfacing to protect tree canopy and limit impervious coverage.
A committee member moved to approve the amendment; the Chair recorded a first and a second and then asked for a vote. One board member verbally recorded "aye" on the public record and the Chair declared the plan approved. The transcript does not include a full roll-call or final numeric tally.
Board members and staff said the amendment gives developers flexibility for new development or redevelopment and that proposed materials would be scrutinized for structural strength and compliance with state permitting requirements. Jeremy cited large retail developments as potential candidates to use approved alternative surfacing, noting staff would only approve materials that meet performance expectations.
After the vote Jeremy announced a personnel update: board member Derek Arthur is no longer a member because he spends more time out of state and has a Florida license; the council will consider appointments at an early-March work session. Jeremy also reviewed updated development-tracking materials in the meeting packet and invited members to contact staff about ongoing construction projects.
The board adjourned after the chair received a motion and recorded an "aye" vote. The council is expected to consider appointments to fill the vacancy at its early March work session.
