11-13-2024 Meeting Minutes BOC
November 13, 2024
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 13, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear T.C. Morphis, Jr., County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Jason Thomas
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
special session on Wednesday November 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’
Boardroom 215 in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street,
Roxboro, NC.
The purpose of the special meeting was for a work session related to the possible
adoption of the Person County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and to obtain
feedback from the public.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order.
County Attorney T.C. Morphis advised that this work session is a continuation of
the Public Hearing that was held on October 7, 2024. He explained that the Board could
adopt the UDO today if they choose to do so, or if they make substantial changes, it would
be required to go back to the Planning Board. County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that
if the UDO is approved today, the Board could set the effective date as a future date.
The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in reference to the
proposed adoption of the Person County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Joe Berryhill of 705 Berryhill Road, Roxboro stated that he had concerns about the
180-day time frame set for RV tenants. He stated that he would like to see this time frame
waived and removed from the UDO. He stated that he also had concerns about the 500-
foot property line mentioned for RVs, and stated that one section of the UDO referenced
50-foot, which he is fine with.
Gary Garrett of 1977 Bowmantown Road, Roxboro stated that there is an
increasing need for RV Parks in Person County. He stated that he is not in favor of the
180-day rule for RV tenants having to move.
November 13, 2024
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Cal Berryhill of 705 Berryhill Road, Roxboro stated that he is in agreement with a
50-foot buffer, not 500-foot for RV sites. He had concerns about the site size of an RV,
and questioned where the 2,500 square foot measurement comes from, is it the pad or lot
size. He stated that at his park his sites are 40 x70, and include the parking. He stated that
you typically have two types of campers, the vacationers, and those that are workers. He
stated that his park is mostly workers. He stated that he does not want RVs to be a
permanent residence, however the 180-day timeframe is not doable, especially for those
that are there working construction jobs. He stated that rule should be left up to the
property owner. He stated in reference to the lighting issue in the UDO, most tenants do
not want it. He stated that in his park, there is a rule about habitual barking.
Claudia Berryhill of 279 Knolls of Hyco, Roxboro stated that she had concerns
related to short-term rentals and the effect it would have on tourism and revenues. She
stated that the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Board was not consulted. She
stated that short-term rentals represent a huge percent of revenues, and without them, there
would be a substantial loss of funds. She pointed out that anyone staying over ninety days
does not pay occupancy tax.
Jay Poindexter of 9195 McGhees Mill Road, Semora stated he had concerns
related to how the UDO defines minor and major subdivisions. He stated he is not in favor
of the 180-day rule for RV parks and also stated issues with short-term rentals and
Airbnb’s.
Julie Maybee of 1037 Younger Road, Roxboro expressed thanks to the outgoing
Board members. She stated that the UDO is a living, breathing document. She voiced
concerns related to cabins in RV parks, short-term rentals, and Airbnb’s.
The Board discussed several options and made a list of recommended changes to
the UDO. It was the consensus of the Board for the County Attorney and County
Manager to draft a memo to present to the Planning Board with the Boards’ recommended
changes.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 10:59 a.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman