Council adopts amended tree‑removal amendment limited to commercial district, retains emergency-removal language

The Southern Shores Town Council on Dec. 3 adopted an amended zoning-text amendment (ZTA 24-05) that keeps new emergency‑removal language while limiting the broader lot‑disturbance/stormwater permit requirement to the General Commercial zoning district.

Town attorney Philip Huenthol opened a public hearing on ZTA 24-05, and Planning Director Wes Haskett summarized the proposed changes, which were prompted by a planning-board recommendation to expand an existing permit requirement for tree removal beyond the General Commercial district and to add definitions and procedures for tree emergencies. "In the case of a tree emergency the zoning administrator would have the authority to issue a lot disturbance stormwater management permit within 72 hours after a tree is removed in an emergency or waive the requirement altogether," Haskett explained.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Council member Matt (speaker 12) moved to adopt ZTA 24-05 while omitting specified text on page 3 (lines 12–13) so the permit requirement will remain targeted to commercial properties; the motion was seconded and the council approved the amendment by voice vote. The mayor announced, "The amended ZTA passes 4 to 0."

What it does and why it matters: the adopted language preserves emergency-removal authority (for fire, storm damage, utility repairs and similar events) while narrowing new routine permitting requirements to commercial districts; proponents said that aligns the rule with existing vegetative-buffer and commercial development standards and avoids imposing new permitting on private residential lots.

Next steps: staff will finalize the ordinance text and post amendments as adopted. Any future expansion of permit requirements beyond the commercial district would require a separate public-review process and council action.