Planner told to narrow scope of zoning proposal for Township 7

The scope of any Craven County zoning for fast-growing Township No. 7 just east of the Trent River was narrowed on Monday.

Craven County commissioners heard a report from Craven County Planner Don Baumgardner on the status of a draft zoning plan. The commissioners advised him to scale back on some aspects of it.

The proposal is expected to be ready for the commissioners to review in about two months. Among the provisions expected to be left out are landscaping and buffer requirements, parking and infrastructure, off-street parking and loading requirements, outdoor lighting, sign regulations, and telecommunication facilities.  

Development in Township No. 7 prompted the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport to request in early 2006 that the county zone to protect it from encroachment. That was done, but rapid growth continued along U.S. 70 from James City to Havelock.

In November 2007, Commissioner Steve Tyson asked for the county to look more closely at some kind of zoning far that whole area.

Craven County leaders have resisted most efforts to impose zoning except some zoning for military air compatibility use around the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point and Havelock.

When Tyson asked for the county to look at zoning in his district, he said: "Basically, I'm asking the commissioners whether they think it would be a good thing to at least draw up a plan while we are looking at growth along U.S. 70."

He said the county needed to at least know what was involved in considering zoning there.

Baumgardner and his staff have been working on a possible ordinance with a consultant and the Planning Board. Baumgardner went before the commissioners Monday "to clarify sections of the ordinance" so it can be interpreted by the public and enforceable by staff.

Harold Blizzard, county manager, said that "he is looking for feedback."

The commissioners seemed to think some kind of regulations to prevent drainage problems produced by new building is needed countywide.

Tyson said some of the items Baumgardner highlighted "seem more like city zoning," particularly landscaping requirements.

Chairman Jason Jones said he was "not looking to restrict things" in a way that would require people to come to the county before doing anything. "We'll read it," he said. "I don't know if we'll accept it."