ORD-2009-009-Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment: Hillsborough Area-

Browse Search

In reviewing this matter, staff believes there is an opportunity to allow for, and encourage, the adaptive reuse of single-family residential structures by eliminating the Special Use Permit requirement. Staff further believes that additional language maybe necessary to require any new structure, built within two hundred (200) feet of a residential subdivision, to obtain a Special Use Permit to ensure that the scale of the project does not adversely impact existing residential dwelling units. PLANNING BOARD REVIEW: The Planning Board reviewed this item at its January 14, 2009 regular meeting. Planning Board members agreed with the majority of the concerns identified by the County Commissioners during the public hearing and expressed the need to complete a comprehensive re-evaluation of the existing development standards within the various economic development districts. During review of the item, the following comments/concerns were discussed: A resident of the Cornwallis Hills subdivision, Ms. Margo Pinkerton, informed the Board that in her opinion the proposed amendments were reasonable as they related to the four {4) single-family residential properties having direct frontage along Old NC Highway 86, but expressed concern over the possible reduction of any required buffer that affected a large parcel of property separating several residential structures within the subdivision from Old NC Highway 86. Ms. Pinkerton expressed concerned over requiring parking to be located towards the rear of these properties in the event they were re-developed, specifically expressing concern over light trespass, an increase in noise levels, an increase in pollution, and an increase in crime. Staff Comment: The proposed amendment would apply only to EDD zoned property where an existing residential structure was proposed for use as a professional office. A perimeter buffer to separate development within the Hillsborough EDD from external developments would still be required. With specific reference to the Cornwallis Hills subdivision, there are three (3) adjacent properties that are located within the Hillsborough EDD and have frontage along Old NC Highway 86. In the event these properties are developed, each property will have to adhere to the one hundred (100) foot perimeter buffer established within the EDD Design manual. The proposed amendment does not impact the perimeter buffer requirement. 2. Board members discussed the impact the proposed amendment would have on buffering requirements in the event an existing single-family residence was deconstructed. Staff Comment As staff testified during the November Quarterly Public Hearing, the proposed amendment would only apply in cases where an individual proposed to utilize an~ existing single-family residence and maintain the residential facade of the building. In the event an existing single-family residential structure was deconstructed, existing buffer standards would be observed.