Milton board adopts ordinance updates to comply with N.C. General Statute 160D

The Milton Town Board voted Sept. 13 to adopt revisions to the town’s ordinances to conform with North Carolina General Statute Chapter 160D, following a public hearing and a motion to accept the updates.

Mayor Patricia Williams opened the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. and summarized the ordinance changes needed to align zoning definitions, business and commercial district rules, sign and landscaping provisions, and related sections with the state’s 160D updates. Commissioner Sherri Garrard moved to accept the updated Milton Town ordinances with the corrections noted in the meeting packet; Commissioner Cathia Stewart seconded and "all were in favor," the board recorded. The motion carried and the vote was noted at 8:22 p.m.

The ordinance amendments cited N.C.G.S. 160D (including Article 9, Parts referenced in the packet), specific subsections addressing district classifications and signage, and related statutory references presented during the hearing. The town clerk retained copies of both the original and amended ordinances in the meeting folder for public inspection.

After the vote the board recessed into a closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. 143-318.11 to consult with the town attorney on a separate matter concerning parking and a stalled trail project on Crop Street. Attorney John Thomas was present to advise on title and easement issues; he reported statutory limits on claiming title by possession and said the town had not abandoned Crop Street. He will study options and recommend steps to prevent obstructions and advance completion of Phase I of the trail.

The board took no additional formal actions on the zoning amendments at the meeting beyond adopting the amended language and directing the clerk to publish and file the ordinance materials as required.