DRRC 03-22-07 Meeting MinutesNotes of DRRS Meeting March 22, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
In attendance were Members: Claus Bader, Greg Unger, Gary Oates, June Wilmot, Roger
Thomas, Kevin Kemiey, Paige Manuel, Cordell Watt, & Charles Triplett
Staff. Patrick Barker (EDC), Senior Planner Susan Eddy & Zoning Administrator Mark Cheran
Item 1— SIC Codes
Planner Eddy introduced Patrick Barker the Executive Director of the Economic Development
Commission. Mr. Barker gave a presentation on the North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) which replaced the Standard Industrial Classification, upon which the County's
commercial and industrial districts are based. Mr. Barker noted shortcomings of the SIC. Mr.
Barker also noted some uses that he believed needed to be added to our zoning districts and uses
that he believed should be in different districts. There was some discussion of doing away with
codes altogether. Members thought that this was too drastic of a step. Members agreed that
converting to NAICS and revisiting the precise uses in the business and industrial districts was a
worthwhile endeavor. There was some concern expressed about creating more nonconforming
uses.
Members also suggesting adding a new mixed commercial and industrial district to the zoning
ordinance. Transportation was viewed as the most important issue to be addressed. Uses would
be less important. Performance standards would be needed. Size limits, height and outdoors
storage were mentioned as important considerations. It was noted that B2 land is more
expensive than industrial land and the county did not want to drive away industry with land only
available at B2 prices.
Mr. Barker then discussed warehousing and distribution. Large distribution facilities are in
demand in this county. Mr. Barker pointed out that they use up valuable industrial land, but do
not generate good paying jobs or tax revenues the way that manufacturing does. He suggested a
cap of 250,000 square feet of warehousing, with a special use permit beyond that size. Members
were hesitant about this course of action. Members saw the discouragement of warehousing as a
decision to be first resolved at the political level.
Item 2 - Subdivision Streets
Planner Eddy reminded Members of the meeting on private subdivision streets to take place on
Monday, March 26 at 9:00. Planner Eddy sought volunteers to attend on behalf of the DRRS.
Member Oates and Unger agreed to attend. Members were in general not supportive of
subdivision streets maintained by HOAs.
Item 3 — Other
Planner Eddy sought the Members' opinions on the height of monuments. Members agreed that
the underlying zoning district height should be used. Members supported removing monuments
from § 165-24 (Heigth Limitations, exceptions).
Planner Eddy updated the Members on the sign ordinance, which should go the PC in May and
the first UDA ordinance which should come before the DRRS next month.
The meeting ended at 8:45 pm.
SKE
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