MOORE COUNTY, N.C. — Discussion of proposed changes to development standards along several of Moore County’s major highways has been delayed following opposition from municipalities and community leaders.
The county’s Highway Corridor Overlay District establishes additional development standards along portions of U.S. 1, U.S. 15-501, N.C. 22, N.C. 211 and N.C. 690 outside municipal boundaries.
Current regulations generally apply to property within 400 feet of the highway right of way. Proposed changes would reduce that area to 50 feet and allow underlying zoning classifications to determine more of the permitted uses.
County leaders have discussed whether the existing standards increase development costs and place unnecessary restrictions on private property. Supporters of revising the rules believe reducing the requirements could make it easier and less expensive to develop commercial property.
Opponents argue that the standards protect the appearance and rural character of the community’s gateway corridors. Pinehurst, Aberdeen and Whispering Pines are among the municipalities that have adopted resolutions opposing the proposed rewrite.
Business, tourism and community leaders have also raised concerns about possible changes to setbacks, landscaping, lighting, buffers, building materials and site design. They say consistent development standards help protect Moore County’s identity, quality of life and tourism economy.
The Moore County Planning Board had been scheduled to review the proposal on September 3. That discussion has now been moved to its October 1 meeting.
Before then, the Planning Board and Moore County Board of Commissioners will hold a joint work session on September 21. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Rick Rhyne Public Safety Center.
Source: Information and reporting from The Pilot.
