Municipal leaders are continuing to push back against proposed changes to Moore County’s development standards along several of the area’s busiest highways.
The debate centers on the county’s Highway Corridor Overlay District, which regulates the appearance and design of development along major roads outside municipal limits. The district currently covers portions of U.S. 1, U.S. 15-501, N.C. 22, N.C. 211 and N.C. 690.
County commissioners began reviewing the regulations this spring as part of a broader discussion about property rights, development costs and whether some of the existing requirements should be reduced or eliminated.
What Could Change?
One proposal would reduce the area covered by the overlay district from within 400 feet of a highway right of way to just 50 feet. The changes could also eliminate the list of businesses and land uses currently prohibited within the district, including storage-building sales, cemeteries and shooting ranges.
Some planted screening requirements would remain along the highways. However, many other landscaping and design requirements would be determined by the property’s underlying zoning classification.
A county staff report said the goal is to remove regulations that increase costs for developers and consumers while allowing the underlying zoning districts to determine which uses are permitted.
Municipal Leaders Voice Opposition
Leaders in Whispering Pines, Pinehurst and Aberdeen have expressed concerns that weakening the standards could change the appearance of major roads leading into their communities.
The Whispering Pines Village Council recently approved a resolution supporting the existing standards. The resolution argues that the overlay district helps protect Moore County’s rural character, natural environment and visual quality while supporting transportation safety.
Village leaders also said highway corridors serve as the front doors to local communities and can influence tourism, business investment and property values. Pinehurst approved a similar resolution opposing weaker standards in May.
The current county code says the overlay district was established to protect public health and safety, preserve the area’s rural character and create attractive gateways into communities. Those objectives also align with Moore County’s updated land-use plan, which calls for responsible development without unnecessary sprawl.
Discussion Delayed Until September
The Moore County Planning Board had been scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed changes last week. The board continued the discussion until its regular meeting on September 3.
Representatives from several municipalities attended the previous meeting and were prepared to address the board.
The upcoming discussion will help determine whether the county keeps its existing highway protections, adopts the proposed changes or develops a compromise. For residents and municipal leaders, the outcome could shape how Moore County’s major entrances look and develop for years to come.
Source: The Pilot
