BY DEBBIE PAGE
After hearing impassioned speakers outlining flaws in the proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) sections regarding temporary uses and produce stands, the Troutman Council listened to their concerns and made adjustments before passing the changes.
Town Planner Andrew Ventresca, at the request of council in June, crafted changes to these sections of the UDO, which allowed temporary uses (Christmas trees, fireworks, etc.) for 45 days up to three times per year, along with produce stands being permitted for six months with no limitations on how many times permittees can reapply. The cost was $50 for each six-month period.
The UDO also had no requirements for site plan review or noise pollution from generators that may be utilized.
In the revisions, Ventresca suggested lowering the 45-day temporary use permit to 30 days and limiting the use of that permit to only two times per year rather than three.
He also suggested produce stand permits be reduced to three months, with one renewal allowed per calendar year, not to exceed a total of six months per year. The higher permit fee of $100 would be required again for the renewal.
Any structure that a produce stand uses also would require approval from Iredell County Building Standards prior to sales beginning. A site plan showing the location of the structure, how traffic will circulate around the area, and how parking will be organized would also be required with the permit application.
For temporary uses that use generators, the generator would required to be rated at or below 65 dB (less than a vacuum cleaner) at 25 feet from the source. Sound dampening enclosures can be used to meet this threshold after approval by the planning department. The Troutman Police Department would monitor noise complaints.
Drawing heavily from the N.C. General Statute definition of agricultural products, Ventresca suggested the following definition for a produce stand: “a temporary non-permanent structure or space used for the retail sale of agricultural products, specifically fruits, vegetables, horticultural crops, flowers, ornamental plants, and sod, that are grown or produced by the operator.”
After Ventresca initially proposed a 300 square feet or less tent limit at the July agenda briefing, the council asked for more time at the regular July meeting to consider stand size, ultimately asking Ventresca to eliminate size restrictions and instead only require a site plan, showing location of structures, site circulation, and parking with the application, using the judgment of staff regarding size.
Presentation of proof of the property owner’s approval would also be required prior to the issuance of a permit, which must be displayed at all times.
Ventresca also proposed requiring three parking spaces per 100 square feet of tent space.
In the public hearing, Billy Hobbs, who operates a produce stand in the lot adjoining Your Coffee Place across from Town Hall, spoke emotionally, stating that he felt targeted by the council with these changes.
Hobbs said he has no problem with regulations. He initially wanted to put up a sturdy metal shed for the stand but was required by the UDO to use an industrial grade tent instead.
The proposed requirement of three parking spaces per 100 square feet would mean he would need 18 parking spaces for his 600-square-foot tent, a questionable requirement since Hobb’s pointed out that the town’s UDO requires no parking spaces for a commercial building under 10,000 square feet, which was a surprise to council members.
“You’re telling me I’ve got to have 18 spaces for a 600 square foot tent?” asked Hobbs.
“Most towns require three spaces for 1,000 square feet,” added Hobbs, who has sold produce, Christmas trees, pumpkins, and other products at stands in the county for three decades.
Hobbs said that people are coming from all around to buy his produce and desire to have this service in Troutman, but the council is trying to shut it down.
“This is a big overreach on a small business,” he said.
Susan O’Malley, who owns Your Coffee Place and the adjoining lot where Hobbs’ stand operates, said that the three-month permit requirement and parking rules were “onerous” on Hobbs and the town.
Since the growing season extends from April through December, limiting the stand to six months would cause produce stand operators to lose part of that seasonal produce opportunity.
She suggested a six-month permit starting on or before April 1, with a three-month option to extend the stand through the fall season.
O’Malley also said that her goal was to have a farmer’s market on the adjoining lot when she bought the properties several years ago. Though the Rotary Club’s farmer’s market attempt was unsuccessful, Hobbs’ stand has proved a popular destination for the community.
“It’s an important thing to have in this town,” said O’Malley. “They’re coming, and they are happy that it’s there.”
After hearing these concerns, council members were persuaded to change the produce stand permit period to sixmonths with a possible three-month extension to cover the entire growing season and to match the parking requirements to those required in UDO section 5.3, which regulates parking at commercial structures.
The council also plans to revisit section 5.3 to consider adding parking requirements for commercial buildings and temporary uses under 10,000 square feet, a regulation that is missing in the current UDO.
EMPLOYEE OF MONTH RECOGNITION
Human Resources Director Terrence Smyre, honored as the Town of Troutman July Employee of the Month, was praised by Interim Town Manager and Finance Director Justin Mundy for his professionalism, compassion, commitment, and positive daily impacts on staff.
He described Smyre as warm and approachable, friendly, dependable, highly motivated, and dedicated to the town’s values.
Police Chief Josh Watson thanked Smyre for being fast and efficient in dealing with employees’ needs, calling him a great asset that the town was lucky to have.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Teross Young proclaimed April 25, 2026, as Parental Alienation Awareness Day, recognized worldwide to call attention to the emotional and psychological damage alienation causes and urging communities to respond with education, compassion, and intervention.
Young was asked to sign the proclamation early because of the parental conflicts that can arise with the opening of school.
OTHER BUSINESS
The council unanimously approved:
♦ An annexation agreement between the Town of Troutman and the Town of Mooresville.
♦ A “Resolution Authorizing Interim Town Manager To Execute A Contract With Kimley-Horn To Proceed With The Design And Engineering Of The North Main Street/Old Mountain Road/Murdock Road Intersection Improvement.”
♦ A “Resolution In Support of State Safety Funds To Improve The Pedestrian Crossing At South Main Street and Rumple Street” because the pedestrian crossing at South Main Street and Rumple Street is unsafe. The local NCDOT office is recommending adding Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and a high-visibility crosswalk to enhance the crossing. The resolution supports Senator Vickie Sawyer endeavor to seek safety funds for the crosswalk enhancements.
♦ A request from South Iredell High School for an Eastway Drive road closure for a Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, October 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
♦ A regional pump station cost-sharing agreement between the Town of Troutman and BCDG-Shinn Farms.
♦ A “Resolution To Call For Completion And/Or Performance Bonds For Completion of Infrastructure Of Sanders Ridge” to complete the infrastructure construction in Sanders Ridge not completed by the developer.
♦ A “Resolution Authorizing The Town Of Troutman Town Attorney To Begin The Process Of Eminent Domain For The 2022 Wastewater Capacity Project.”
♦ A non-contiguous annexation request from Makarios Holdings for 3.68 acres located on Goodman Road. Developers plan to subdivide the parcel into four lots.
♦ A non-contiguous annexation request by Dixieland Inc. of .34 acres located at 126 Meadowfall Lane.
♦ Reappointment of Darryl Hall as inside voting member to the Town of Troutman Planning and Zoning Board for a 3-year term (Expires 8-12-25).
♦ Reappointment of Paul Rooney as inside voting member to the Town of Troutman Planning and Zoning Board for a 3-year term (Expires 9-14-25).
♦ Reappointment of Michelle Peck as inside voting member to the Town of Troutman Board of Adjustment for a 3-year term (Expires 8-8-25).
♦ The council tabled appointment of Antonio Robinson as inside alternate member to the Town of Troutman Board of Adjustment for a 3-year term until he could appear before the council for a brief interview.
♦ The council also removed approval of engineering contracts prior to Thursday night’s meeting for the following new water projects:.
1. Water Capacity Improvements – Phase 1 (SRP-D-134-0273)
2. Water Capacity Improvements – Phase 2 (SRP-D-134-0274)
3. Water System Rehabilitation – Phase 1 (SRP-D-134-0275)
4. Murdock Rd Water Extension (SRP-D-134-0276)
Mundy said they were removed because the council wants to discuss further how to best use these awarded funds.
♦ After consideration of the agenda items were complete, the council held a closed session to discuss personnel and to consult an attorney.
SPECIAL MEETING ANNOUNCED
The council will have a special meeting on Tuesday, August 19, at 3 p.m. to discuss Iredell County Fair parking issues on the town-owned former Liat property near the fairgrounds. The council plans to invite Kiwanis officials, who operate the fair, to join the discussion.
They also plan to hold a closed session on personnel and property acquisition.