HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-2025 Agenda Review Minutes
Minutes of the New Hanover County Planning Board Agenda Review
March 4, 2025
An agenda review of the New Hanover County Planning Board was held on March 4, 2025, at 3:00
PM in the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Dr., Conference Room
137 in Wilmington, North Carolina
Members’ Present
Colin Tarrant, Chair
Cameron Moore, Vice Chair
Pete Avery
Clark Hipp
Hansen Matthews
Kaitlyn Rhonehouse
Members Absent
Kevin Hine
Staff Present
Rebekah Roth, NHC Director of Planning & Land
Use
Karen Richards, Deputy County Attorney
Ken Vafier, NHC Planning Operations Supervisor
Lisa Maes, NHC Administrative Supervisor
Katia Boykin, NHC Housing Supervisor
Ryan Biel, NHC Associate Planner
Zach Dickerson, NHC Senior Planner
Katherine May, NHC Associate Planner
Virginia Norris, NHC Long Ranger Planner
The meeting was called to order by Chair Tarrant at 3:04 PM
Agenda
Item 1: Text Amendment Request TA25-01
Mr. Dickerson gave an overview of the text amendment request on behalf of Wilmington Lodge No.
343, to modify accessory use, inspector storage, and camping regulations for lodges, fraternal, and
social organizations. Continued from the February meeting for further research, staff reviewed
statewide Moose Lodge regulations and found that most permitted camping under grandfathered
rules or special use permits, with new camping activities prohibited. Concerns over environmental
health and waste disposal led staff to propose an alternative amendment requiring on-site waste
disposal, though feasibility discussions with CFPUA were ongoing. Due to potential impacts on
nearby residential areas, staff recommended denial but provided an alternative amendment to
reduce such impacts.
The Boards discussion focused on the broader implications and the potential for site-specific
special use permits rather than a county-wide change.
Item 2: Rezoning Request 25-02: 2626 Castle Hayne Road
Ms. May gave an overview of the rezoning request to rezone an existing community business zoning
district for use as a medical and dental office and clinic. It was noted that the proposed rezoning
involved no changes to the previously approved site plan, with only minor interior modifications
anticipated. The rezoning primarily aimed at accommodating the new use of the property. However,
some improvements were required, including upgrading the driveway to the right-of-way.
The Board did not have any questions or comments on this matter.
Item 3: Text Amendment Request T25-02
Mr. Farrell gave an overview of the proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to
ensure compliance with North Carolina General Statutes. These amendments focused on three key
areas: accessory dwelling units, performance guarantees, and non-conforming signs.
Destination 2050 Update
Ms. Norris led a discussion on updating the goals for Destination 2050, with board members
reviewing the relevance of existing goals, identifying outdated objectives, and proposing new ones
aligned with the County’s strategic plan. The conversation included the future of agricultural and
rural land use. Board members also emphasized the need for green space preservation as
agricultural land transitions to residential use. The discussion also covered affordable housing
challenges, emphasizing the need to promote affordability and the importance of regional
coordination with neighboring counties to manage shared growth effectively.
Ms. Boykin provided an update on public engagement efforts, including pop-up focus groups,
stakeholder interviews, and a public survey designed to capture statistically significant feedback.
Staff Updates
Ms. Roth reminded the Board of the upcoming joint work session scheduled for May 1, 2025. The
primary objective of this session is to formalize the goals for the Comprehensive Plan update. Board
members were encouraged to provide input ahead of the meeting, particularly regarding prioritizing
and refining existing goals. Ms. Roth emphasized the importance of reducing the total number of
goals to make them more actionable and achievable.
Meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM