County moves to adopt fire‑code Appendix D standards for subdivision access; planning board referral set

Planning staff opened a legislative public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chatham County’s subdivision regulations to adopt Appendix D of the North Carolina Fire Code (standards for fire‑apparatus access roads) by reference. David Camp (central permitting director) and Fire Marshal Billy Judson explained that Appendix D provides detailed roadway design elements—grades, turnaround geometry, signage and gate requirements—that clarify the general access requirements already in section 503 of the fire code.

Camp told the board that Appendix D is optional unless specifically adopted by local ordinance and that many nearby jurisdictions (Alamance, Orange, Guilford and some municipalities) have adopted similar provisions. "It is not mandatory unless specifically adopted by local ordinance," he said. Staff closed the hearing with no public speakers signed up and referred the amendment to the planning board for review and recommendation; staff noted that, if adopted, Appendix D will codify requirements such as when a secondary access is required for subdivisions above a statutory lot threshold.

Provenance: Topic introduction SEG 4205; topic finish SEG 4510.