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speak about
subdivisions
Columbus County residents should take advantage of four public forums that will be used to explain the county’s long-awaited subdivision ordinance.
The subdivision ordinance sets minimum standards for family and small subdivisions and more stringent rules for larger developments. For example, subdivisions off private roads with more than two homes would require access by gravel roads. Subdivisions with eight or more lots are classified as “major” subdivisions and would have even more requirements. Subdividing farmland, even if there are no plans for development, would require a permitting process.
The subdivision ordinance has been a work in progress by the county’s able planning board for two years. It is the county’s first real attempt to bring much-needed land-used planning here. It will be particularly useful when growth from the beaches begins to expand into Columbus County. This growth will come sooner than later.
Some subdivisions that exist now -- most notably run-down, packed-in mobile home parks -- are good examples why the new ordinance is needed.
But the ordinance is still a work in progress, planning board members say. Now is the time for the public to hear about it, ask questions and suggest improvements. Too many times, major changes such as this one are well-publicized and there are public hearings, but no one attends. It’s too late to complain after commissioners approve ordinances.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available at the county planning department at 111 Washington St., Whiteville, and at all county public libraries. A list of the meeting times and places starts on today’s front page.