Snow Hill approves changes to zoning and food truck ordinances
Written by Derek Burress, in the Greene County Newsletter:
Snow Hill’s Board of Commissioners enacted major changes to the town’s business landscape this week, approving comprehensive changes to both zoning and food truck ordinances. The changes, which passed unanimously, reflect the town’s efforts to align policies with existing business practices while encouraging new economic development.
Industrial Zoning Changes
In a significant move to modernize the town’s industrial zones, commissioners approved the rezoning of 204 Carolina Drive, known as the Cornell Dubilier building (formerly NWL), from highway commercial to light industrial classification. The property, situated at the corner of Kingold Boulevard and Carolina Drive, has long operated as a de facto industrial site despite its highway commercial zoning designation.
When Commissioner Rosa Wilkes asked whether the property had previously been considered for rezoning, Town Attorney Brian Pridgen clarified the situation.
“Not to my knowledge. This is to make it a little bit more marketable, because the building itself, as I understand it, has been used for light industrial purposes only,” Pridgen said. “This rezoning would make the zoning match what has been the traditional use of that property and in that building.” He emphasized that “the ownership has not changed” and that this was strictly about aligning zoning with historical use.
“The Planning Board recommended approval of the rezoning, and it would be consistent with all of the existing uses along Carolina Drive currently,” Pridgen noted in his presentation to the commissioners. He emphasized that the rezoning “would not allow for any sort of chemical-type uses” in the district, adding that the changes would prevent “any sort of hazardous or offensive uses that would be typically associated with heavy industry.”
Expanded Industrial Uses
Alongside this specific rezoning, the board approved a broader expansion of permitted uses within light industrial districts throughout Snow Hill. The modernized ordinances now explicitly allow for a diverse range of manufacturing and creative enterprises, marking the first major update to these provisions in years.
“What this proposed amendment would do is add light, unoffensive manufacturing,” Pridgen explained. He noted that these additions would “open up some potential uses that we’re still keeping in the light industry without expanding it into any sort of hazardous-type uses.”
The new provisions create opportunities for various enterprises, including:
Clothing and textile manufacturing
Cultural facilities
Medical and musical instrument production
Creative industries such as graphic design and artistic production
Food Truck Ordinance Changes
Perhaps the most anticipated changes of the evening concerned Snow Hill’s food truck ordinances, with the board approving substantial reforms that both ease restrictions and protect existing operators.
In the most significant change, commissioners reduced the required distance between food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants in the downtown district from 500 feet to just 100 feet.
“This represents a pretty significant drop to kind of open up the use of the downtown area,” Pridgen noted, explaining how the change could invigorate the downtown dining scene.
Grandfathering Provisions
The board also addressed the status of three established food truck operators which had been operating under uncertain conditions since previous regulations expired. The new ordinance includes a permanent grandfathering provision for these vendors, providing them security to continue their operations.
“As long as those food trucks continue operating on the locations that they’re at now, they’ll be exempt from certain provisions such as hours of operation or minimum distance requirements,” Pridgen explained. However, he added an important caveat: “If they stop operating at that location for more than 180 days, then this ordinance would apply.”
The case of Ole Time Smokehouse required special attention, as the board noted its relocation from the Dollar General parking lot to the IGA location. This detail was specifically included in the ordinance to ensure clarity about the grandfathered location.
In a move to make food truck operation more affordable, the board also reduced the annual permit fee from $300 to $125, aligning it with the town’s standard peddler permit fee. This change reflects the board’s broader effort to support mobile food vendors while maintaining appropriate oversight.
The changes came after a period of regulatory uncertainty. Two of the established food trucks had been operating under a grace period that expired in fall 2023, during which time the town suspended enforcement while considering these reforms.
“Since that time, the town has not taken any enforcement action while the board has further considered this matter,” Pridgen explained, highlighting the careful deliberation that went into crafting the amendment.
Looking Forward
These changes represent significant updates to Snow Hill’s business ordinances, demonstrating the town’s commitment to supporting both traditional industrial growth and emerging business models like food trucks.
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