Town Board will assume Board of Adjustment duties for zoning appeals

The Town of Cooleemee Board voted unanimously Oct. 21 to transfer Board of Adjustment duties from the Planning Board to the Town Board for future zoning appeals and other matters specified in the town zoning book.

At a public hearing held during the regular meeting, no members of the public spoke. Commissioner Tippett moved for the change and Commissioner Almond seconded; the motion carried 4-0. Mayor Jeff Smith presided over the meeting.

The board adopted the amendment after staff and elected officials reviewed how several small towns in the area handle appeals and board responsibilities. Clerk Steven Corriher and the mayor reported that the change aligns Cooleemee with practices in nearby municipalities reviewing similar zoning and appeals processes.

The change means the Town Board, rather than the Planning Board, will hear certain appeals and make determinations identified in the town's zoning book. The motion and unanimous vote were procedural and administrative; the board did not hear or decide any pending appeal during the Oct. 21 meeting.

The board provided no additional timetable for when the new practice will take effect beyond the vote at the meeting. Any specific appeals that arise under the new arrangement will be scheduled under the board's normal meeting procedures.