Board backs land‑development‑code tweaks to protect agricultural and equestrian uses and require buffers

The planning department presented proposed amendments to the county’s Land Development Code intended to clarify unintended consequences of transect density rules and to add standards in specific overlay contexts.

Staff said the edits will (1) clarify that permitted agricultural uses are not required to meet minimum residential density standards, (2) define and permit "equestrian subdivision" uses in transects 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3, (3) add stables as a permitted use in the T3 district where appropriate, and (4) require buffering and screening between 3.5 and 2.5 transects west of I‑95 where previous mapping produced gaps in protection. Staff recommended the ordinance for approval as consistent with comprehensive‑plan objectives to refine and implement the Timber to Tides and William Burgess overlay policies.

A motion to recommend approval was made, seconded and the board voted in favor. Staff said the amendments are intended to correct unintended consequences and to provide clearer standards before future development review stages.

Why it matters: the changes are countywide in scope (though some apply only inside the Timber to Tides overlay) and are intended to preserve agricultural and low‑intensity uses where intended and to ensure appropriate buffering between different transect intensities.

What’s next: the board recommended the ordinance, which will proceed through the county adoption process as an LDC amendment (ordinance 2026‑028 referenced in the record).