Brunswick Continuing to Discuss Major Development Ordinance Changes

At their meeting in early July, the Brunswick County Commissioners heard a two hour staff update on the proposed Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), tree and landscaping requirements, and the Transportation Overlay Zone (TOZ) text amendments. As a reminder, both the tree/landscaping and TOZ amendments were unanimously denied by the Brunswick County Planning Board at a prior meeting. The culmination of the Commissioners discussion was that a follow up meeting should be scheduled with the development community to get additional feedback and input on the issues under consideration.

On July 29, members of the development community gathered to discuss and provide targeted feedback on the proposed amendments which will have substantial implications for property rights, landowners, homeowners, businesses, and investments in the county. The meeting, attended by Commissioners Thompson and Forte, as well as Planning Board members Cheek and Gaver, was a productive session aimed at providing specific feedback from the development community on these critical issues.

To greatly simplify our recommendations:

• On TIA, revert back to original process/timing of having TIA completed and approved by NCDOT before building permits can be issued. With the county not in the road business, ultimately NCDOT has responsibility for the transportation infrastructure and will ensure developers design and install facilities that address traffic impacts.

• On trees/landscaping, while some incremental changes can be made, adopting similar provisions to New Hanover County is challenging—since they have legislative authority for a tree protection ordinance and Brunswick currently does not. The “incentives” provided will not offset the substantial cost of compliance with the proposed open space and tree requirement provisions.

• On TOZ, a total overhaul is necessary. If the ordinance is intended to address “seeing backyards from major roadways” then it needs major clarifications in many sections. Our recommendations focus on perimeter buffers and attempting to craft something that is viable and will not adversely impact landowners while providing screening and accommodating NCDOT right of way, utility easements, access, signage visibility and essential site improvements.

Ultimately, on these issues, education of the community is critical. Brunswick County has ongoing, historical forestry and agricultural uses which will continue to be transitioned into development. Overall, we need to continue to invest in infrastructure, jobs and housing at all levels to accommodate the growth that is headed our way. Instead of attacking private investment, concerned citizens could be advocating for using their tax dollars on open space purchases or parks bonds and school bonds to enhance public services in Brunswick County

The meeting was a valuable opportunity for dialogue between the development community and county officials. The developers expressed their appreciation for being included in these discussions and their commitment to ongoing participation.

We believe in the importance of finding balanced solutions that respect private property rights while addressing public concerns and planning for the county’s future growth.