Morehead City Council approves ‘in-regulation quarters’ as new use, requests to broaden definition

MOREHEAD Metropolis — The metropolis council very last 7 days accepted a new use allowing “in-regulation quarters” as a secondary dwelling unit on specific residential lots, with the intent of afterwards growing the use to be much more broadly relevant throughout the town.

The Morehead Metropolis Council held a public hearing throughout its standard regular assembly June 8 on the ask for to increase a definition and linked requirements for in-legislation quarters below the city’s unified improvement ordinance. As proposed by applicant Greg Patterson, the use is only permitted in the R20 household district on tons of at the very least 10 acres in measurement, with occupancy minimal to a optimum of two people, connected by blood or relationship to the major dwelling owners.

The town preparing board reviewed the ask for throughout its May assembly. Regardless of some associates elevating fears the new use could be abused, such as for illegal holiday rental purposes, the board voted unanimously to propose its acceptance.

Neighborhood attorney Jane Gordon represented the applicant in the general public hearing June 8 to clarify the key intent driving the request – to enable option housing solutions for families in Morehead Town. She reported other metropolitan areas in North Carolina let equivalent employs, which are from time to time referred to as “mother-in-regulation suites” or accessory dwelling models. She explained Mr. Patterson’s proposal was deliberately restrictive in get to lessen opportunity impacts on density and similar problems.

“It’s a somewhat insignificant influence as proposed in terms of the amount of lots that would be qualified for the design of in-law quarters,” Ms. Gordon reported. “…Allowing in-law quarters on R20 tons of 10 acres or increased doesn’t affect, really, the density of the metropolis or bring about any parking challenges or something else like that.”

The council, however, felt the proposed use is overly slim and needs to extend the definition to contain extra regions of the town. As setting up director Sandi Watkins assisted figure out, the use would be applicable to only all around 30 plenty inside Morehead City’s company limits and additional-territorial jurisdiction.

“I individually would like to see this expanded past this slim scope,” Councilman David Horton stated, with settlement from other council users.

Councilman George Ballou had inquiries about setback prerequisites, road entry and septic methods hookups, among other subjects, if the use have been authorized. Ms. Gordon reported those subject areas weren’t resolved in the primary proposal, and Mr. Ballou mentioned he’d like to see some of that information codified, as perfectly.

Soon after some extra dialogue, the council made the decision to undertake the modification as proposed whilst directing city manager Ryan Eggleston to do the job with Ms. Watkins on an expanded definition so the use can implement in additional places. Mr. Eggleston said he would do so and options to return with a proposal in October.

In other company at the assembly, the council took the subsequent actions:

Adopted ordinance 2021-O-14 approving metropolis-initiated text amendments of the entire UDO for mandated compliance with N.C. Normal Statute Chapter 160D.
Adopted ordinance 2021-O-16 approving to rezone five parcels, such as 4738, 4716, 4712, 4708 and a single unaddressed parcel on Arendell Street. Parkview Baptist Church ask for the rezonings to convey all properties below the very same zoning classification.
Approved a sketch system for a subdivision at 3822 Galantis Travel.
Accepted a letter of assistance for Performing Narratives’ “Our Town” grant software.
Approved appointments to the arranging board and advised appointments to the board of adjustment.
Obtained a management report from Mr. Eggleston on ongoing and not too long ago done jobs.

The council also adopted the June consent agenda, which involved the pursuing items:

Authorised minutes of the May 4 council workshop and May well 11 typical assembly.
Accepted the finance director report and tax collector report.
Acknowledged notice of tax overpayments in the sum of $2,636.09 for the month of May possibly.
Authorized requests for refunds of overpayment of ad valorem taxes in the total of $630.56 for May possibly.
Authorised request to authorize the addition of a recreation heart coordinator posture beneath the fiscal 2020-21 price range.
Adopted resolution 2021-R-25 endorsing the Carteret Neighborhood Faculty Spanish Mackerel and Dolphin Fishing Match and authorizing action vital for the party to be held Saturday to Sunday, July 10-11, with a rain date of Saturday to Sunday, July 17-18.
Adopted resolution 2021-R-26 for getting federal cash under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Adopted resolution 2021-R-27 requesting the N.C. Section of Transportation cut down the pace restrict on Freeway 24.
Adopted contingency finances amendment of $2,250 for unexpected emergency repairs to transient and Evans Street docks.
Adopted finances ordinance amendments 2021-17 and 2021-18, productive on adoption, and 2021-20, effective July 2.