The Village of Pinehurst is considering updates to two documents that guide how development is designed, reviewed and constructed: the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and the Engineering Standards and Specifications Manual (ESSM).

Both documents are being updated to reflect current requirements and engineering practices, improve clarity and help protect people, property and public infrastructure. These are proposed updates and must complete the public review process before the Village Council makes a final decision.

Important: Pinehurst's current Flood Insurance Rate Maps are not changing as part of these updates.

At a Glance

For most residents, these updates will not change day-to-day activities or require action.

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

Pinehurst has regulated development in flood-prone areas for decades. The current ordinance was adopted in 2006. Since then, the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management has updated its model ordinance to reflect current federal requirements, terminology, administrative procedures and floodplain management practices.

The proposed ordinance would:

• Keep Pinehurst in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which supports the availability of federally backed flood insurance.

• Modernize floodplain permitting, administration and enforcement procedures.

• Improve the ordinance's organization and make its requirements clearer.

• Retain the existing requirement that regulated construction be elevated or floodproofed, as applicable, two feet above the Base Flood Elevation.

• Measure substantial improvements and substantial damage cumulatively over five years while retaining the 50% threshold.

• Prepare the Village to respond more efficiently when FEMA updates local flood maps in the future.

What this update does not do

• It does not change Pinehurst's current Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

• It does not place every property in Pinehurst in a floodplain.

• It does not automatically require owners of existing homes to make improvements.

• It does not change federal flood-insurance requirements tied to mortgages.

The ordinance generally becomes relevant when development, construction, substantial improvement or repair following substantial damage is proposed within a regulated flood hazard area. Property-specific questions should be directed to the Village's Planning and Inspections Department before work begins.

Engineering Standards and Specifications Manual

The ESSM contains the technical requirements used to design and construct development-related infrastructure in Pinehurst. It was first adopted in 2004 and was last amended in 2015. Village staff and Kimley-Horn, the Village’s engineering consultant, reviewed the manual as part of the Pinehurst Development Ordinance Update Project.

The proposed update would:

• Remove outdated references and procedures and improve consistency with the Pinehurst Development Ordinance and other regulations.

• Clarify how requests to vary from an engineering standard are reviewed.

• Establish traffic-impact-study requirements for developments expected to generate at least 1,000 average daily trips or 100 peak-hour trips.

• Update construction standards for greenways.

• Require new development to address pre- and post-development stormwater runoff for the 2-, 10- and 25-year storm events.

• Add stormwater operation and maintenance manual and agreement requirements.

• Allow additional stormwater pipe materials where appropriate.

• Update fire-flow requirements based on recommendations from the Pinehurst Fire Department.

• Add a standard road-closure notification procedure.

What this means for residents

The ESSM applies primarily to new subdivisions, commercial development, streets, rights-of-way and related infrastructure. It is a technical manual used mainly by developers, engineers, contractors and Village reviewers. It generally will not affect routine maintenance of an existing home.

Residents may see the longer-term benefits through better-defined standards for drainage, streets, sidewalks, greenways, utilities and other infrastructure serving new development.

Public Review and Next Steps

The Planning and Zoning Board will conduct public hearings and make recommendations to the Village Council. The Council will then consider the proposed documents and may approve them, approve them with changes or decline to adopt them.

Meeting dates, agendas and supporting materials will be posted through the Village's public meeting calendar and agenda center. This page will be updated as the review proceeds.

Review the documents

• Proposed Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

• Proposed Engineering Standards and Specifications Manual

Questions?

Contact the Village of Pinehurst Planning and Inspections Department through Village Hall at 910-295-2581 or use the Village's online contact form. Staff can help explain the proposals and answer property-specific questions.