HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-2025 Agenda Review Minutes
Minutes of the New Hanover County Planning Board Agenda Review
June 3, 2025
An agenda review of the New Hanover County Planning Board was held on June 3, 2025, at
3:00 PM in the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Dr.,
Conference Room 138 in Wilmington, North Carolina
Members Present
Cameron Moore, Vice Chair
Pete Avery
Clark Hipp
Hansen Matthews
Kaitlyn Rhonehouse
Members Absent
Colin Tarrant, Chair
Kevin Hine
Staff Present
Rebekah Roth, Director of Planning & Land Use
Ken Vafler, Operations Supervisor
Robert Farrell, Development Review Supervisor
Katia Boykin, Planning & Land Use Supervisor
Lisa Maes, Administrative Supervisor
Zach Dickerson, Senior Planner
Ryan Beil, Development Review Planner
Shauna Bradley, Administrative Specialist
Amy Doss, Development Review Planner
Bruce Gould, Administrative Specialist
Katherine May, Development Review Planner
Virginia Norris, Long Range Planner
Meeting called to order at 3:08 PM
Review of the Regular Meeting Agenda
Item 1: Rezoning Request (Z25-06 Heron Cove)
Staff provided an overview of the proposal to rezone approximately 10.8 acres located at
6425 and 6437 Gordon Road and 1927 Gordon Acres Drive from R-15, Residential to a
(CZD) R-5, Residential Moderate High District for an 81-lot residential subdivision. This
item was continued from the May 1, 2025, regular meeting. The applicant has reduced
the number of proposed lots from 81 to 67. The revised site plan is included in the
packet.
The Board discussion focused on the reduction in lots and additional amenities, including
additional parking and the preservation of a large tree in the Right of Way. The Board
further discussed the design of the development and how the proposed design is being
impacted by the current shape of the property.
It was mentioned that Chair Tarrant and Vice Chair Moore would need to recuse themselves
from this item, and the Board selected Mr. Avery to serve as Chair for this agenda item.
Item 2: Rezoning Request (Z25-12 3419 Castle Hayne Road)
Staff provided an overview of the proposal to rezone approximately 4.31 acres zoned R-20,
Residential located at 3419 Castle Hayne Road to (CZD) CS, Commercial Services, for a
marine contractor office with warehousing.
The Boards discussion focused on potentially continuing the item to allow for re-advertising
due to a mistake in the initial application regarding the zoning district.
Item 3: Rezoning Request (Z25-13 4222 Castle Hayne Road)
Staff provided an overview of the proposal to rezone approximately 2.00 acres zoned R-20,
Residential located at 4222 Castle Hayne Road to (CZD) B-2, Regional Business, for the
uses of Contractor Office and Offices for Private Business and Professional Activities.
The Board did not have a discussion on this matter.
Item 4: Rezoning Request (Z23-04M 6900 & 6904 Carolina Beach Road)
Staff provided an overview of the proposal to modify existing approximately 13.94 acres
(CZD) RMF-L, Residential Multi-Family- Low Density, and (CZD) B-2, Regional Business
district located at 6900 and 6904 Carolina Beach Road to reduce the maximum unit count
and density, and to modify the approved housing type from multi-family to single-family
attached dwelling units. Though the general footprint, height, and infrastructure remained
consistent with the original approval, the updated proposal refiected a reduction in units and
maintained stormwater and access conditions previously permitted.
Board members reviewed the changes and asked questions about site constraints and
consistency with the existing approval. A question about a structure labeled “storage
building” was clarifled as a residential unit, and staff conflrmed that the revised layout still
met applicable standards. Staff and the Board acknowledged that the requested
modiflcation aligned with community preferences expressed during the earlier public
process.
It was mentioned that Mr. Matthews and Chair Tarrant would need to recuse themselves from
this item.
Item 5: Concept Presentation – Maintenance Amendment to the UDO (Sign Regulations)
Staff outlined a forthcoming maintenance amendment to the UDO, focused on updating and
clarifying sign regulations. The primary issue prompting the update involves digital signs.
Under the current ordinance, applicants were able to convert static signs into digital signs
by obtaining only an electrical permit, bypassing zoning review. Staff explained this had
caused inconsistencies and enforcement difficulties. The proposed amendment would
close that loophole, align terminology with current statutes, and address outdated
provisions from the original 2001 ordinance. The revision will also include clearer deflnitions
and guidance on sign replacement and nonconforming signs, considering changes to state
law that removed certain local government authorities. Draft language would be released for
public comment in July. Board members were encouraged to begin reviewing the structure
and goals of the update ahead of formal consideration.
Staff Updates
Ms. Roth noted that the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) had
released its draft 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for public review. The document
outlined proposed roadways and multimodal improvements through the horizon year of
2050. Comments were due by the end of June, and board members were encouraged to
review the plan.
It was also announced that Shauna Bradley had joined the department as the new
administrative specialist and would be supporting the Planning Board.
Lastly Ms. Roth reminded the Board that Chair Tarrant’s flnal meeting would be in July 2025.
Applications for a new appointee were currently open, with a decision expected in time for
the August meeting. Officer elections would also take place at the August meeting.
Meeting Adjourned 4:08 PM