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December 20, 2004 (Regular Meeting) Page 31 Marlynn Burns, member of the Cabarrus County Planning and Zoning Commission and representing the Hunters Trace Property Owners Association, spoke in support of the moratorium. She stated the need to have planned growth and cited concerns about traffic, environmental issues, schools and the quality of life. Danny Bost, local realtor and builder, spoke in opposition to the moratorium due to negative connotations associated with the word \\moratorium" in general. He stated in his opinion a period of six months was not enough time to adequately complete an effective land use plan. Darren Rader, local builder and resident of Derby Lane, asked Board members how they planned to complete a land use plan in six months when it took a year to do the Eastern Area Plan. Tom Bodiker of Old Airport Road in Concord suggested the Board postpone its decision to implement a moratorium until the questions could be addressed as to the cost, the time it will take to complete the study and the selection of a consultant. There was no one else to address the Board, and Chairman Carpenter closed the public hearing at 8:55 p.m. Chairman Carpenter reviewed the rules and procedures for debate. She then opened the meeting for discussion by the Board. Commissioner Privette questioned the comments by a number of speakers that the real estate and building industry members had requested on numerous occasions to work with the County -to address planning and growth issues. Board members discussed the importance of involving those groups in the planning process, the role of staff, a recent meeting with the building industry association about becoming involved in the process and -the Board's efforts to address countywide development standards during the past year. vice Chairman Carruth made a motion to approve the Interim Development Ordinance that places a six-month moratorium on new major subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of Cabarrus County for a period not to exceed six months and to add the following as Section 2(e): To provide for a public participation process that includes home builders, realtors, citizens and planning board members. Commissioner Juba seconded the motion. There was lengthy discussion by the Board regarding the proposed moratorium. The Board addressed such issues as: (1) the need to plan for the future of Cabarrus County; (2) the importance of a county-wide effort and for all citizens, elected officials, builders, realtors and developers to work together in this process; (3) the current inventory of approved lots; (4) the desire for smart growth communities; and (5) the six-month time frame for completing the work. Commissioners Freeman and Privette objected to the moratorium and commented on the moratorium's impact on economic development and the building industry. Mr. Marshall and Mr. Lentz responded to a number of questions by the Board about the supply of approved lots that will be available during the moratorium and the bonding of subdivisions by developers to guarantee improvements such as roads. Mr. Lentz reported that 1,969 single family residential permits had been issued thus far in 2004. Mr. Marshall confirmed that this is a large task, but stated staff can get recommended changes to the Board for consideration during the six-month time period. Mr. Day also responded to questions by the Board regarding the moratorium. He stated the County could engage in a process to revise its Land use Plans and make changes to zoning without a moratorium, but he pointed out that developments created between now and the time the new plans are implemented may not be consistent with those plans. Therefore, he stated a moratorium is the only way to ensure that a nonconforming development is not created during that time. Mr. Day also confirmed that the moratorium would only apply to the unincorporated areas of the county. However, he said the cities recognize the moratorium and agree not to perform annexations during that period of time. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Juba, seconded by Vice Chairman Carruth with Commissioner Juba, Vice Chairman Carruth and Chairman Carpenter voting for and Commissioners Privette and Freeman voting against, the Board voted to call the question.