Scotland County planning board asks commissioners to hire consultant to update subdivision rules and buys member training modules

Members of the Scotland County Planning and Zoning Board on Nov. 12 agreed to request that the county commissioners retain a professional (for example, the regional Council of Governments or another consultant) to help rewrite and streamline the county’s subdivision regulations to comply with North Carolina General Statute 160D and to produce a working draft the board can refine.

Board members said the ordinance in its present form contains contradictory provisions and is difficult to interpret. At least one board member said a consultant would help the board move more quickly and produce clearer guidance for developers and residents. The motion to request a professional and present the resulting recommendation to the commissioners was seconded and approved by the board.

Separately, staff reported the board purchased online training modules from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government for $150 to assist new and existing members; modules run about 20–30 minutes each and a sign-in sheet will document completion.

The board emphasized revisions will be iterative and will require staff support and commissioner approval before any ordinance changes become effective.