How Can I Help?

The Pender County Commissioner and Planning Board meetings allow for public comment.  There is a time limit on how long you may speak.  However, just voicing your concerns and providing suggestions can make a difference.

County Commissioner meetings are typically the first and third Monday each month at 4PM in Burgaw at 805 South Walker Steet in the County Admin Building/Commissioners Chamber.  Time and location can change.   Scotts Hill is in District 2 of Pender County.  Randy Burton is the current commissioner for District 2. 

In the March 2023 County Commission meeting we requested a Stormwater Manager/Supervisor to be designated as a permanent position for Pender County.  This area, which is very susceptible to flooding due to the lack of community drainage systems, currently does not have a person in this position.  However, New Hanover County does. 

Traffic, lack of drainage systems in our communities, stormwater runoff, flooding potential, overcrowded schools, and many more topics need to be addressed with all this growth.  We need to understand the long term plan and ensure there is one.   

Planning Board meetings are typically the first Tuesday each month at 7 PM typically in the Hampstead Annex. Time and location can change. 

For a schedule of Pender County meetings, go to https://pendercountync.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=329

To receive upcoming meeting notices, go to 

https://pendercountync.civicweb.net/Portal/Subscribe.aspx

To see more information pertaining to all the different types of meetings and dates, go to

 https://pendercountync.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx

Pender County Planners must follow the Unified Development Ordinances (UDO).  In order for anything to change, the ordinances must change.  They can be amended and we need to work with our planners and Commissioners to request changes. 

Currently in section 8.1.3 of the UDO, only commercial and industrial developers must satisfy the significant tree ordinance.  That is why the developer for the apartments in front of Deerfield was allowed to clear-cut.  That is why Blake Farms was also allowed to clear-cut.  And that is why the 65 acres which is currently the trail head for Abbey Nature Preserve by Poplar Grove Plantation can be clear-cut. We need this ordinance to be amended to include housing and apartment developments as well. 

Also, today there is a requirement for only 0.038 acres of green space to be provided per house.  So, if 100 homes are proposed in a development, the developer only has to provide 3.8 acres of green space for the entire development.  Let's work to get this amended to provide more green space per home for developments so large developers like Mungo Homes will have to satisfy those requirements. 

The UDO can be found on the Pender County website at https://www.pendercountync.gov/pcd/planning-zoning/udo/

If you have questions about building, traffic studies, stormwater concerns, call or email the Pender County Planners.  Everything starts with them.  They amend the Unified Development Ordinances.  They oversee the proposed developments and work with the Planning Board.  

Call the Pender County Planners and talk about the ordinances and how they need to be amended to protect our environment from future clear cutting and displacement of wildlife.  

For a list of Planners, go to https://www.pendercountync.gov/pcd/staff-directory/

During Board of Adjustment meetings, only the immediately adjacent neighbors can address the board.  If a neighbor is going before the board, attend the meeting with them to show your support.  We need to support each other. 

We are also eager to partner with other communities in both Pender and New Hanover County.   We need to reach out to one another and ensure Pender County is improving our quality of life for all residents (as indicated below in their vision statement).

Using this website and other social media sites, our goal is to keep everyone informed.  We need to share information to keep our communities aware and to help navigate the county government.   We can also work with other communities in Pender County to have a larger and more unified voice.

As found using the link  https://www.pendercountync.gov/pcd/,  the Pender County Mission and Vision Statements are as follows: 

• The Mission of the Planning and Community Development Department is to work with citizens and stakeholders to provide a range of planning and technical services aimed at enhancing the health, safety, and well-being of all citizens and visitors of Pender County.

•  The Vision of the Planning and Community Development Department is to protect, preserve, and enhance Pender County’s coastal and agricultural heritage through strategic growth management and planning. Collectively, we will strive to balance development impacts on natural habitats, transportation systems, and existing neighborhoods through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the community and region. We will enhance our technical and professional support for all citizens and stakeholders. Lastly, we will continue to strive to improve the quality of life that makes Pender County a desirable community for visitors and residents alike.

Consider being active in your local government to ensure these statements are being upheld.