by Catherine Rierson
Staff Writer

Last week the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month extension to the development moratorium to complete several major land use ordinances.

The moratorium expires December 2, and applies only to residential developments with at least 26 residential lots.

The extension allows time for revising the subdivision regulations and environmental review standards.

The Subdivision Subcommittee of the Planning Board will prepare a review process for major subdivisions, incorporating environmental standards, low-impact design standards and requirements for developers to meet with local residents before submitting applications.
In January, the board of commissioners established criteria requiring developers to provide environmental assessments.

The effective date of the amendments has been postponed to allow time to develop more detailed standards.