PENDER COUNTY—With development on the rise, Pender County may soon equip itself with stronger stormwater management regulations.
The Pender County Board of Commissioners will soon vote on an amendment to its Unified Development Ordinance(UDO).
Stating the need to “provide a clearer standard for future development,” the Planning Board recommends the change be approved.
RELATED: Pender County brings its code online, updates for the first time since the 90s
Though Brunswick County has been the fastest growing county in North Carolina in recent years, Pender is not far behind. It ranked fourth out of 100 counties North Carolina in the same study. Inevitably, a growing population paves the way for new developments.
In the amendment, presented during Pender County Planning Board’s meeting on April 4, the change would “ultimately help to protect the citizens of the County and their property from flood damage.”
Why stormwater matters
With one out of every three residents currently in the floodplain, Pender County is particularly prone to flooding.
A majority flat county, runoff caused by natural weather events can cause pollutants to spread.
According to the text proposal, the lack of natural sloping ground elevations and poorly drained soils can cause problems associated with stormwater runoff.
Along with creating dangerous driving conditions, the proposal states ponds of stormwater can also pose a biological threat. Sub-par draining systems in ponds, drainage ditches and soils can serve as “breeding grounds” for disease-carrying insects.
“A rapid influx of freshwater can change the temperature and natural salinity of sound water and disrupt the biological balance of natural systems,” the proposal states.
The proposal
Pender County’s Planning Board is recommending that commissioners eliminate language in Section 7.9.1 of Pender County’s UDO.
The proposal recommends commissioners vote to “increase the requirements for stormwater management for all types of development.”
Updated language in the proposal outlines design standards, design professional, plan submittal and plan certification requirements.
It also recommends the county adopt limits impervious surface area. Impervious surfaces, or areas where rainwater cannot properly drain, can be detrimental to the environment.
At this time, Pender County does not impose a maximum limit of the impervious surface area for new developments.
Though language guiding easements and drainage easements is present in the current code, it is absent from the proposed text amendment.
Johanna Ferebee can be reached at johanna@localvoicemedia.com or @j__ferebee on Twitter
