HomeMy WebLinkAboutLETTER FROM PLANNING 10-23-08.TIFa CATAWBA COUNTY Planning. Parks & Development
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P.O. Box 389 100 -A South Wesl Boulevard Newton, North Carolina 28658 -0389 Telephone: 828 -465 -8380
sa www.catewbacountynagov F. 828465 -8484
October 23, 2008
Gary Mitchell
5303 Springs Road
Conover, NC 28613
Dear Mr. Mitchell:
Recently you received a letter from the Catawba County Code Compliance Division informing you that your
business may not be in compliance with the County's Unified Development Ordinance. -
In terms of the history of Catawba County's land use ordinances, pottery operations were permitted as a home
occupation in accessory buildings up to the year 1990 when regulations changed requiring home occupations to be
located within the main house. Even though the ordinances have changed since 1990, those pottery businesses in
operation prior to 1990 are grardf rthered and are considered to be in compliance. For those pottery operations
established after 1990 they, like many other businesses, fall under a different set of regulations. For this reason, the
Code Compliance Division made contact to a variety of businesses through correspondence asking that they contact
the Planning Department to discuss how those businesses could fully comply with the regulations.
Given the special relationship and tradition that the pottery industry has in Catawba County, dating back to the pre -
Civil War era, it is proper and fitting to review our current regulations as it relates to this special skill and other arts
and crafts businesses. The purpose of the review is to help ensure that these types of businesses can remain a part
of the County's heritage and promotion of travel and tourism in the region.
Based upon this review, we are informing you that no action will betaken by the County and you may disregard the
deadline noted in the letter requiring you to make contact with the County. We intend to seekyour input as to how
we might develop a better set of regulations to address pottery operations in our community. Based upon the
outcomes of the review, you will be informed if any type of further permits will be necessary.
We want to reiterate to you the importance of your contribution to the cultural heritage and economy of the County
and look forward to working with you on ways to retain and promote your business. Ican be reached at (828) 465-
8297 if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Jacky Eubanks, Director
Planning, Parks & Development
cc. Barry Edwards, Utilities & Engineering
Toni Norton, Cade Compliance Division