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By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

County commissioners unanimously approved increasing all lot sizes for new homes last month, paving way for what they hope will be more appealing subdivisions.
The new minimum lot size is 40,000 square feet, up from 30,000 square feet in the RA and R-20 zoned areas, which is most of the county (not including towns).
Other changes approved by the board:
• On lots served by public water and not sewer, minimum lot widths went from 70 feet to 80 feet, and minimum depths went from 100 feet to 150 feet.
• Staff can approve subdivisions of 10 or fewer lots, after going through a review process to make sure all regulations are met.
• Subdivisions with 11-25 lots must include a 15 percent common area suitable for recreation; and have sidewalks maintained by a homeowners association. These must be approved by the county’s planning board.
• Subdivisions with 26-40 lots must also include lighting for the sidewalks, and 18 percent common space, and must be approved by the planning board and county commissioners.
• Subdivisions with 41-60 lots must have a 20 percent common area, with the addition of street trees and two NCDOT approved entrances/exits, and be approved by both boards.
• Subdivisions with more than 61 lots must have a 22 percent common area, with the addition of street curbs and gutters, and be approved by both boards.
Some 16 subdivision proposals already filed with the county will not be affected.
The changes, according to one commissioner, will make prices for new homes here higher. Another commissioner questioned the motives of the affordable housing discussion.
“I just need to say this before my head explodes,” said Commissioner Terry Renegar. “I understand what we’re trying to do here, but everyone needs to understand that this is going to add a lot of costs. I’m OK with that, but, you know we have an issue with affordable housing and this isn’t going to help.
“I understand that the message from the county is to slow down building and make it more attractive. I’m with that, but this is not going to help affordability at all.”
Commissioner Brent Shoaf questioned motives of some of those in the affordable housing debate.
“The point Mr. Renegar made is very valid. We’ve wrestled with the issue of affordable housing. It’s not something we take lightly. I feel as if the notion of affordable housing is one that often gets thrown into the argument by the people who want to develop.”
Higher density developments belong in the towns, not out in the county, Shoaf said.
“We’re not trying to close the door, but a lot of the rhetoric that surrounds affordable housing is just rhetoric to open the door for future developing.”