City Council hopes to speed approval process, allow more building materials
Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 6, 2013
SALISBURY — Developers and builders now have more types of building materials to choose from and a faster way to earn approval for projects.
City Council on Tuesday approved a significant text amendment to the 2008 Land Development Ordinance after a year of study.
The changes will streamline the development process and update and modernize the list of building materials and design standards allowed in the city, staff said.
Developer Chris Bradshaw said the additional flexibility on building materials will save money for customers and could spur more construction.
“It keeps the customers from having to use a product that’s a lot more expensive,” said Bradshaw, who advised the committee that came up with the changes. “This is more economical, especially when the building is out of sight.”
For example, Salisbury had banned the use of any kind of metal on buildings. Now, builders can use architectural-style metal panels with hidden fasteners, Bradshaw said. Rather than eliminating all concrete block, city code now allows smooth-face concrete block on the rear of buildings, he said.
“This gives us options,” Bradshaw said. “It keeps cost down, and it makes sense.”
Materials now allowed include heavy-duty polymers, glass and ceramics. Public landmarks still must be built from brick, stone or certain types of stucco.
City Council also created a new, three-person commission that will be made up of community volunteers with expertise in architecture and building design. The Alternate Methods of Design Commission will hear requests from developers and builders who want to request a variance from city code but don’t need a conditional district overlay.
The CD process, which can take 60 days, still will be required for developments with a master plan and large-scale commercial and industrial projects that need to be vetted publicly, said Preston Mitchell, the city’s Planning and Development Services manager.
The new commission will be able to approve qualifying projects within days or weeks.
Bradshaw said he has a project in the works that was facing the 60-day CD process and now will go before the new commission for quicker turnaround.
Also on Tuesday, City Council eliminated the 2,000-square-foot building footprint limit in areas zoned Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Buildings could go up, but they could not have a larger footprint.
Not all property in the city is in small, urban-sized lots, Mitchell said, and a multistory building isn’t feasible in all areas. The footprint limit wasn’t fair, he said, and recommended the city allow the private market to make the decision on building size.
“This is going to make it a lot more feasible for buildings to be built and constructed,” Bradshaw said.
Councilman Brian Miller expressed concern that the city will have a hard time finding qualified people to serve on the new commission. Councilwoman Karen Alexander said that’s why the committee waived the requirement that volunteers be licensed architects.
Builders, developers, former architects and historic preservationists may have the credentials to serve, Alexander said.
Applicants must demonstrate experience or be licensed. To apply, call the city clerk’s office at 704-638-5224.
In other business
At Tuesday’s council meeting:
• Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education Chairman Dr. Richard Miller and spokeswoman Rita Foil gave an update on awards and distinctions the school system has received recently and gave the city a copy of a new marketing DVD that promotes local schools.
Miller said the school system wants to partner with the city to attract business and industry to Salisbury.
Integro Technologies plans to break ground next week on a new headquarters in the 300 block of South Main Street. The company said it was attracted to the location in part because the city plans to build an $8 million central office for the Rowan-Salisbury School System on the other end of the block.
• City Council amended the backflow prevention and cross-connection control chapter of city code, related to determining the degree of hazard of fire systems. The changes will better prevent backflow, or the unwanted flow of used or contaminated water in a reverse direction, from entering the public drinking water system, said Preston Mitchell, the city’s Planning and Development Services manager.
• City Council adopted findings of fact for a $3.7 million lease-purchase financing arrangement for capital improvements to the city’s 800 Mhz trunking system. The city will seek approval from the state Local Government Commission to borrow the money.
• Heather St. Aubin-Stout was appointed to the Community Appearance Commission. The city needs someone to serve as the alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. To apply, call the city clerk’s office at 704-638-5224.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.