County gives business 90 days
By J.D. Walker
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
ASHEBORO - In a rare move, Randolph County commissioners considered revoking
a Ramseur man's special use zoning permit Monday.
After lengthy testimony and discussion, they voted to give the property
owner 90 days to correct his violations before the county takes steps to
close his business.
In the rezoning public hearing, Hal Johnson, county planning director,
asked that one acre (out of 14.45 acres) at 1150 Pleasant Ridge Road, Columbia
Township, be rezoned from highway commercial/-conditional use back to residential
agricultural.
The property is owned by Roger Brown, who operates an automotive repair
business on the site.
The proceeding, Johnson said, was requested due to continued violation
of the conditional use permit. The planning board considered this request
at public meeting on Dec. 7 and recommended unanimously that it be approved
as required by county ordinance.
The property was zoned for a tractor and general repair business in October
2001. Complaints about violations involving outside storage and failure
to properly buffer the property began in January 2002, Johnson said.
Brown argued before commissioners that he had never received notification
of violations.
Johnson produced records to show that certified letters or official postings
on the property notifying Brown had gone out on Jan. 18, 2002, March 28,
2002, Oct. 7, 2003 and Oct. 11, 2004.
On advice of counsel, commissioners directed Johnson to specifically
advise Brown in writing as to what he should do to fully comply with county
ordinances. Johnson agreed to meet with Brown as soon as possible.
Johnson was asked to report to the board in April as to Brown's compliance
or lack thereof.
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
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