Planning & Zoning Commission 4/16/26

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Recap – April 16, 2026

The Montreat Planning & Zoning Commission convened on April 16, 2026, to discuss ongoing projects and address key issues impacting land use and development within the community. The meeting was attended by all commission members, as well as Public Works Director Barry Creaseman and a new member of the Planning & Zoning staff, Shelley Johnston. A primary focus was on addressing challenges related to stormwater management and infrastructure resilience following recent severe weather events, alongside reviewing existing regulations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update from Public Works Director Barry Creaseman regarding lessons learned from Hurricane Helene. He highlighted the strain placed on Montreat’s aging infrastructure, particularly stormwater systems struggling to cope with increasingly frequent and intense rainfall events. Creaseman emphasized the need for upsizing infrastructure during repairs, addressing concerns about aging systems, and exploring solutions like permeable surfaces and rain gardens to better manage stormwater runoff. The commission responded by agreeing to discuss potentially revisiting hillside development regulations and stormwater management policies, seeking community input on any proposed changes. This discussion underscored the importance of proactive planning to mitigate future risks and protect Montreat's infrastructure.

Beyond stormwater concerns, the commission addressed several other items on their agenda. Clay Tucker provided an update on the Town Council’s planned workshops to review and address questions regarding the existing sign ordinance. The commission also initiated a discussion about potentially revisiting zoning regulations to allow for greater flexibility in specific circumstances, such as minor setback adjustments. Regarding the Wade Burns Conditional Zoning Application, the commission acknowledged that it was continued by the Town Council for further discussion and revisions; this application will be revisited in a future meeting. Finally, the commission began reviewing objectives from the comprehensive plan assigned to the Planning & Zoning Commission and decided to create a tracking spreadsheet, managed by Shelley Johnston, to monitor progress on these objectives.

There was no public comment during the meeting; however, a brief discussion arose regarding the possibility of installing a community information sign near the town gate to provide updates and reminders. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of a motion to adjourn, following the approval of amended agenda and minutes from January.

What’s Next for Montreat Residents:

• Stormwater & Hillside Regulations Review: Expect further discussion and potential revisions to hillside development and stormwater management regulations in the coming months. Your input will be sought as part of this process.
• Sign Ordinance Workshops: The Town Council is hosting workshops to review the sign ordinance – residents are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives.
• Comprehensive Plan Progress: The Planning & Zoning Commission will be tracking progress on comprehensive plan objectives, ensuring alignment with the community's long-term vision.
• Shelley Johnston’s Availability: Shelley Johnston, the new Planning & Zoning staff member, will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-5pm, with remote work on Wednesdays. You can reach her via email for inquiries and assistance.

This meeting highlighted the Planning & Zoning Commission's commitment to proactively addressing community challenges, improving communication with residents, and ensuring that regulations effectively support Montreat's growth and resilience.