Planning Board

Town of Swansboro Planning Board Special Meeting Minutes January 11, 2022 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. Board members in attendance were Michael Favata, Christina Ramsey, Scott Chadwick, Jeff Conaway, Laurent Meilleur, and Ed McHale. The board had one vacancy. It was noted that this meeting was being held in person and via ZOOM, an electronic platform put into place to allow virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic that had recently taken a huge toll on the United States and other parts of the World requiring social distancing and limited public appearances. Laurent Meilleur attend through the Zoom platform and joined the meeting at 5:45 pm. Elections In accordance with the Planning Board’s General Rules, a Chairman and Vice-Chairman shall be elected from within the membership by the members at the first meeting each calendar year. On a motion by Mr. McHale, seconded by Mr. Favata and approved unanimously, Scott Chadwick and Christina Ramsey were reappointed to serve as Chair & Vice-Chair. Business Political Sign Ordinance Amendment Planner Ansell reviewed that an amendment was proposed in November to clarify the allowances for political signs in order to: 1. Align the ordinance regulations with NC GS § 136-32, Regulation of signs; 2. Remove the requirement for a sign permit making enforcement more manageable; 3. Clarify the penalties for placement of signs which do not meet these criteria; 4. Clarify the types of signage allowed under this section; and 5. Clarify the size limitations for signage under this section. At that time, the Board tabled the request in order for Staff to consult with the Town Attorney on limiting sign placement and the number of signs allowed and review of documents from other communities provided by board member Mr. Conaway. In review of the materials provided it appeared that other communities were limiting the number of signs allowed on private property, which was consistent with the guidance received from Attorney Parson. During discussion and review of the ordinance the board desired to see a requirement added for candidates or their representatives to obtain a copy of the ordinance and sign that they received them, only allow 1 sign per parcel, and match size allowances to align with state requirements. Page 1 of 2 On a motion by Mr. Chadwick, seconded by Mr. Ramsey the board recommend approval of the amendment to Section 152.268, Signs Requiring Neither Permit Nor Fee, and Section 152.269, Signs Requiring a Permit But No Fee, of the Unified Development Ordinance to clarify the allowances for political signs with the addition of the following additions: • Candidates or their representatives must obtain a copy of the ordinance requirements from Town Hall and sign that they received a copy prior to installation of any signs; • No more than one (1) sign per candidate shall be placed on any parcel; • And to align size requirements with state requirements. The motion was found consistent with the comprehensive plan and approved unanimously. Staff Comments Mrs. Ansell informed the board on the following matters: • The Historic Preservation Commission would be considering their seat appointment at their meeting in the coming week. • The Resiliency Coastal Communities Program grant program was still handling considerations related to holding a public input meeting and once scheduled those details would be shared with the Board. • Requested the Board feedback on the meeting format moving forward. Mr. Meilleur requested that the meetings still be available through Zoom, and the remaining board members were in agreeance to have hybrid meetings when needed. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. McHale, seconded by Mr. Meilleur, the meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm. Page 2 of 2