THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 12, 1995 TAG: 9501120387
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CURRITUCK LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Currituck County's Planning Board has recommended sweeping changes for future developments in an effort to retain its rural flavor and hold the reins on residential growth.
The nine-member panel late Tuesday evening approved several amendments to the county's Unified Development Ordinance that would increase minimum lot sizes in most sections of the county and require more from developers.
``We're talking about a major change in history when we talk about changing these lot sizes,'' said Jack Simoneau, director of planning and inspections.
In some cases, the changes that will now be brought before the Board of Commissioners are a throwback to a time before development began to take off in the county.
The proposals were suggested by county commissioners at a work session on growth control last month. A public hearing on the recommendations is the next step before commissioners vote on the measures.
Currituck planners also want to review all developers' sketch plans before they are forwarded to commissioners for a public hearing.
``This is going to lengthen the review process by 50 calendar days by including an extra step and sending it to you all first,'' said H.B. Briggs Jr., the county's chief planner.
The provisions that the Planning Board approved include:
Increasing minimum lot sizes in all agriculturally zoned areas - which comprise most of the county - from 30,000 square feet to three acres.
Increasing mainland minimum lot sizes within common open space subdivisions by at least 10,000 square feet. Lot sizes in subdivisions within agricultural areas would go up by at least 20,000 square feet.
Increasing the minimum lot frontage on new streets from 100 to 125 feet. Current homes located less than 125 feet from the road would be grandfathered in.
Requiring development impact statements on subdivisions of 20 lots or more. Impact statements now are required for proposed housing complexes of 50 or more lots.
Requiring street lights, curbs and gutters, sidewalks and recreational improvements for subdivisions. Such recreational amenities could range from swing sets for children to tennis courts and swimming pools.
Establishing an expiration date on subdivision plats approved prior to April 1, 1989, when no work has begun. ``If it's just a paper subdivision, then it becomes void,'' Simoneau explained.
Not every measure met with unanimous approval, but members of the Planning Board all agreed that action is needed now to prevent an urban takeover.
``You've got to have some living space between yourselves if you're living in the country,'' said LaRee Lynn, who also was elected chairman of the board at Tuesday's regular session.
``I mean, Currituck County is agriculture. That's why I came here,'' said Planning Board member Shirley Falls.
``Currituck County's agriculture days are going to come to a close in our lifetime,'' fellow member Jimmy Waterfield warned. Waterfield is the new vice chairman. by CNB