Date set for public hearing on proposed development moratorium

Posted Monday, May 7, 2007

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The proposed moratorium would be in place for no more than 12 months and would apply to any new residential subdivisions containing more than 25 lots or units. The moratorium would not apply to commercial developments nor to any developments in Pittsboro, Siler City and Cary, “because these towns have their own land use jurisdictions and have water and sewer services to support growth,” according to Carl Thompson, chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

“The moratorium is not meant to be in place any longer than needed,” Thompson said. “The goal is to give us time to update our land use ordinances to more effectively address the impact of rapid growth in certain parts of the county. Once the revised ordinances are in place, we can lift the moratorium.”

The resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners noted that the existing growth rate has caused overcrowding in the schools, has strained the county’s financial resources by requiring large expenditures for water and other county services, and has threatened the county’s watersheds, which impacts the quality of water supplies.

The public hearing is intended to get feedback from the public on whether or not the residential development moratorium should be imposed.

Any development applications received by the Planning Department as of May 8, 2007, will be held until the moratorium issue has been decided.