Iredell commissioners considering changes to Land Development Code to protect watersheds

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

BY KARISSA MILLER

The Iredell County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing Tuesday and then vote to consider the creation of a watershed density averaging text amendment — a move designed to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff.

The meeting, which is at 7 p.m., is open to the public and will take place at Iredell County Government Center, 200 S. Center Street in Statesville.

According to Planning Director Matthew Todd, the county watershed regulations control built-upon areas based on the designated protected watersheds. The different watersheds within the county have different percent impervious limitations and/or minimum lot sizes.

Density averaging is a process the state requires the county to allow transfer of impervious allotments from one property to another. The following are examples of some of the text amendments being requested to be added to the Land Development Code:

♦ Built-upon areas must be designed and located to minimize stormwater runoff impact to the receiving waters, minimize concentrated stormwater flow, maximize the use of sheet flow through vegetated areas, and maximize the flow length through vegetated areas.

♦ Areas of concentrated density development shall be located in upland areas and, to the maximum extent practicable, away from surface waters and drainage ways.

The remainder of the text amendment outlines the application process and criteria for density averaging.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other matters, the board will conduct a public hearing and then vote on an up to $675,000 economic development incentive over a three-year period for Project NC Park 40/77. This is based on the company’s investment of $50 million to $56 million and the creation of new jobs in the county.

Also, during the meeting, the board will:

♦ Present an award to former County Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hepler.

♦ Consider a request from Animal Services for approval of a budget amendment in the amount of $30,000 to implement a contracted intake coordinator and expand the trap, neuter and return program.

♦ Consider a request from the Department of Social Services to appropriate additional federal funds for Pandemic and regular low-income home energy assistance (LIEAP) payments.

♦ Consider a request from the Health Department for the approval of the fee policy and the proposed fee structures for FY 2022-2023.

♦ Consider a request from the health department of a budget amendment in the amount of $246,219 for Communicable Disease Pandemic Recovery funds.

♦ Consider a request from administration for approval of a license agreement between Iredell County and Kiwanis Club of Statesville, Inc. for the 2022 Agricultural Fair.