Resident tells council to ‘follow your own damn rules,’ cites alleged zoning violations

At the May 7 Yanceyville Town Council meeting, resident Vicki Hastings used the public-comment period to sharply criticize the council’s handling of planning and zoning enforcement and to demand accountability.

Hastings told council she had found multiple apparent violations of the town’s ordinances, naming as examples the 9/11 and Veterans memorial sites and a private Eckerd facility adjacent to her home. She said the town’s online zoning map is years out of date and that required site plans and specified buffer or berming conditions were not enforced for recent projects. “So, in conclusion, please update your zoning ordinance and other documents. But after you do, might I suggest you just follow your own damn rules,” Hastings said.

Hastings also cited Town Code §42-201(g), saying that the code allows permits to become void if conditions are not met. She raised concerns about a small apartment project approved in November 2022 without apparent submitted drawings and questioned the council’s planning-board reappointments that she said were made without opening applications to other citizens.

Council did not take immediate corrective action during the meeting; Mayor Foster thanked Hastings and said council would take the comments under advisement.

Why it matters: Hastings’ remarks raise questions about the town’s compliance with its own codes and the transparency of planning procedures, which can affect property owners and development outcomes. The council’s next steps or any factual responses were not recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: The resident’s assertions would require staff follow-up to verify the claims against permitting records, site plans and the town’s zoning map.