TITLE
Title
TEXT AMENDMENT CASE # 23-05-PLBD-00048: AMEND ARTICLE 4 (ZONING DISTRICTS) TO ADD SECTION 4.10, SPECIAL PURPOSE LOTS AND AMEND SUBSECTION 5.14.A.2.C WITH THE CORRECT CORRESPONDING SECTION REFERENCE TO SPECIAL PURPOSE LOTS UNDER WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TOWERS
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
J. Leslie Bell
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BACKGROUND
Background
Special purpose lots are lots that are ancillary to and support principal uses and are specific in their application. Thus, these lots would be exempt from certain dimensional standards (e.g., lot size) of the respective zoning district and may be used for non-occupied structures. Special Purpose Lots are intended to allow sites for family or church cemeteries, mail kiosks (in subdivisions or group developments), sewer lift stations, radio, television, and communication towers, off-site sewage treatment, and other similar utility uses (not to include solar farms which are relatively larger) that are supportive and supplementary to the surrounding development.
On January 8, 2025, the Planning Board recommended approval of Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment Case #23-05-PLBD-00048 to the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to add provisions (Section 4.10) for Special Purpose Lots (also included in the previous Guilford County Development Ordinance). This amendment revises Section 5.14.A.2.c. to add the correct section reference for Special Purpose Lots under the Individual Development Standards for wireless communication towers. With this revision, a Special Purpose Lot would be permitted when it is determined by the Director of Planning and Development, after considering comments from the Technical Review Committee (TRC), that the proposed lot’s dimensions accommodate the intended use and planting yards if required per the UDO. An application which includes a Special Purpose Lot shall not be deemed incomplete until it provides the Director with sufficient detail to allow the Director to make this calculation.
The Planning Board recommended unanimously (draft minutes attached) to the Board of Commissioners the adoption of Text Amendment Case #23-05-PLBD-00048, as presented herein. (Ayes: Donnelly, Craft, Little, Bui, Buchanan, Stalder and Alston. Nays: None. Absent: Drumwright and Gullick)
The full text of the proposed amendments is attached. The text to be added is shown with a single strikethrough, and the new text is underlined.
Consistency with Adopted Plans:
Text Amendment Case #23-05-PLBD-00048, as presented by staff, is consistent with Future Land Use Element Goal #1 of the Guilford County Comprehensive Plan, which states that “Guilford County shall position itself to accommodate new growth and redevelopment that is efficient and cost-effective; improves the quality of life for residents; enhances economic vitality...” Introducing language in the UDO for moderated reviews of the above-listed, low-intensity, ancillary uses will ensure continued growth of the principal uses that drive economic vitality and quality of life.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Hold a legislative hearing and adopt Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment Case #23-05-PLBD-00048 and the aforementioned statement of plan consistency, as presented herein, to establish minimum requirements for Special Purpose Lots under the UDO Section 4.10 and amend Section 5.14.A.2.c with the correct corresponding reference.
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