Zoning changes up for approval by commissioners

The first county commissioner meeting of the new year is set for Monday night at 6 p.m.

Jordan McMillen, county planning director, will present the board with two zoning ordinance text amendments, one for solar collectors and solar farms, and the other for recreational vehicle use.

Recommendation for the approval of both amendments will be made.

Carolina Solar Energy submitted a valid petition for a text amendment that would add a use to the zoning ordinance allowing for solar energy systems, which will be presented to the board.

According to a staff report from the Department of Planning and Development, over the past several months there has been significant interest in locating solar energy systems, solar panels and solar farms within North Carolina.

Warren County High School is adding a second solar project, with construction to begin in the spring.

So far no specific projects have been submitted for consideration in Vance County, but companies are prioritizing sites within the county and are positioning themselves to submit at least two projects once the regulations are developed.

The county’s zoning ordinance currently states that any use not specifically permitted is prohibited, and solar farms are not mentioned within the ordinance. Therefore, they are currently prohibited in the county.

A second request to amend the zoning ordinance will be made, which adds provisions to further regulate the use of campers and recreational vehicles from being used as a long-term secondary residences or on a long-term basis.

The Department of Planning and Development spent a considerable amount of time over three months hearing public input, determining the specific issues, considering various options and drafting language to address the issues identified.

The department hopes to amend the zoning ordinance by adding camper and campground as defined terms. Furthermore, they wish to amend a different section of the zoning ordinance by adding specific regulations concerning utilities and campers.

An appointment is scheduled by Allen Hunter to present an application that will be submitted to the Wildlife Resources Commission for a no wake zone.

The application will have to be submitted by the Vance County board of commissioners, the local governmental unit with territorial jurisdiction over the waters in question.

The process for rule-making under the North Carolina administrative code may take a year to 18 months.

Other topics on the agenda for Monday night include committee reports and recommendations, county manager’s report, pending business, county attorney’s report, consent agenda items and matters as needed from the water district board.

County board meetings are held on the second floor of the county administrative building and are open to the public.

Contact the writer at amauser@hendersondispatch.com.