Hearing on
subdivision
rules Monday

By LEE HINNANT

Residents will have a chance to voice their opinions Monday about Columbus County’s first serious effort to regulate development when county commissioners hold a public hearing on the proposed subdivision ordinance.

The hearing is slated for 6 p.m. in the commission chamber off West Smith Street in Whiteville.

“Anybody who has any concerns should come to the public hearing,” said Stevie Cox, Columbus County planner. Residents may ask questions, voice support or opposition or suggest changes to the 193-page document.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider passing the ordinance during their regular meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

The ordinance sets minimum standards for building lot sizes, setbacks for structures, road access and building density. It establishes three types of subdivisions: family, minor and major – which have progressively more stringent requirements.

Cox said the Planning Board had worked on the rules for more than two years, held four joint work sessions with county commissioners and held public informational meetings at each of the four county high schools.

“We have worked diligently … to put together a document that is fair and equitable and complies with the law and meets the needs of residents,” he said.

Family subdivisions are designed to make it relatively simple for someone to create eight or fewer lots and give them to family members. Minor subdivisions create up to eight lots. Major subdivisions – which come under the most restrictive rules – create nine or more lots.

Cox said the rules would help ensure a level of quality in future developments. “It’s really going to impact people who are seeking to do major projects more than the little guy,” Cox said.

Copies of the ordinance are available at all public libraries, the Planning Office and the office of the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners at 111 Washington St., Whiteville.