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Zoning official to extend temporary emergency housing permit at 1114 Montreat Road; neighbors raise concerns
Summary
After public comment and staff review, the town’s zoning administrator indicated that, under Section 5.18 of the land‑use code and the FEMA disaster date (09/28/2024), an administrative one‑year extension for temporary emergency housing at 1114 Montreat Road will be granted; neighbors and nearby organizations urged stricter scrutiny and raised concerns about scale and neighborhood impacts.
Council heard extended public comment and staff explanation about the temporary emergency housing operation at 1114 Montreat Road and whether the town should extend the site’s authorization for one additional year.
Several neighbors and community members described neighborhood impacts and questioned whether the site meets the land‑use code’s criteria for emergency housing. "This has been a terrible situation for my neighborhood," said Frank Cappelli, who said neighbors experienced noise, workers in yards, and other disruptions. Other speakers — including Will Troxler — raised procedural questions about standing and the scale of a rotating 100‑person program being run by NC Baptist on Mission.
The site’s representative, Richard Weeks of NC Baptist on Mission, described the organization’s disaster‑relief mission and asked the council to grant the extension, saying the group provides trained volunteers for rebuilding and repair work following disasters.
Staff (the zoning administrator) explained the applicable code: temporary emergency housing is permitted for up to two years from the declared disaster date and "may be extended by the zoning administrator for up to one additional year." The zoning administrator stated the FEMA disaster declaration date (09/28/2024) and concluded that an additional one‑year extension would therefore make the use expire on 09/28/2027. He said that the decision rests with the zoning administrator under the town code and that staff had vetted the application and related documents, including letters from state emergency management.
Council members listened to both neighbors and the applicant but did not overrule the staff determination; the board discussed the desire for neighborhood engagement and clearer communication but acknowledged that the code provides staff authority for administrative extensions.
The decision to grant an administrative one‑year extension was described by staff as the necessary outcome under the code; council asked staff to continue engagement with the neighborhood and to clarify next steps should the applicant seek a permanent zoning amendment.
