Currituck County clears rule change to let pool contractors expand outdoor storage, adds vegetative buffer condition

Currituck County commissioners on July 20 approved a text amendment (PB26‑04) to the Unified Development Ordinance establishing a standalone "pool contractor" use and allowing expanded outdoor storage and display areas for that use in general business, light industrial and heavy industrial districts — with a required Type D vegetative buffer as a condition of approval.

Staff had recommended denial of the amendment as submitted, arguing the requested increase in outdoor storage (from 25% to up to 50% of the buildable area) would create industrial‑type operational characteristics in general business zoning. The planning board recommended approval, and the applicant pressed that a narrowly tailored standard for pool contractors would address operational needs.

Jordan Daneker, an owner and representative of Evolve, described why fiberglass pool shells and other inventory require larger outdoor laydown areas and said the business aims to present a layered, landscaped buffer between the display area and the highway: "We're great at creating layers. The intent is to make it look nice, not necessarily to thicken it up," Daneker said, describing plans to meet a Type D buffer and to limit display pool heights.

Key elements of the approved amendment and condition:

- Pool contractor use will be recognized in the UDO as a standalone use confined to specified districts. - Outdoor storage areas for pool contractors may occupy up to 50% of a lot's buildable area where allowed by the amendment. - Outdoor storage must maintain a 100‑foot setback from the front property line; required opaque fencing and landscaping standards apply. - The board required installation of a Type D vegetative buffer along the front of the storage area fence beginning at the sides of any display pool and extending with a 50‑foot return on both sides as a condition of approval.

Commissioners asked about safety and anchoring of titled display pools, and Daneker said his company would limit display pool height and properly anchor posts; he said typical display pools for his business would be 8 feet wide and not exceed 10 feet in height when positioned for display. Staff noted building inspectors would impose any necessary anchoring or safety requirements.

A commissioner moved to approve PB26‑04 with the Type D buffer requirement; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The change provides a regulatory path for pool contractors to operate with larger outdoor storage/display needs in more zoning districts, while the buffer condition aims to mitigate visual and corridor‑appearance impacts for motorists and nearby properties.

Next steps: The amendment takes effect under county ordinance process; site‑level proposals will still require site plan review and applicable building or anchoring requirements.