Community Development Department

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Community Development Director:

      Shannon Baldwin, AICP/CZO

      Phone: 828-625-9983 ext. 107

      Fax:     828-625-8371

      Email:  CDD@TownofLakeLure.com

 

Shannon Baldwin has served as the Town of Lake Lure’s Community Development Director (CDD) since July 2005, and oversees the daily operations of the Community Development Department.   Shannon is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and has also been certified as a North Carolina Certified Zoning Official (CZO). Shannon has a degree in public administration and more than 10 years experience in planning and zoning. Prior to coming to Lake Lure, Shannon served in various administrative capacities including the zoning administrator and town planner in Highlands NC, the town manager and planning director in Banner Elk NC, and the town administrator for Saluda NC. Shannon is a former member of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.  

 

The CDD serves as the principal zoning official. The CDD is responsible for the maintenance and administration of the Lake Lure Land Use Plan and all other general plans adopted by board of commissioners (town council). The CDD coordinates studies, prepares reports and makes recommendations to the zoning and planning board, town manager and town council regarding land use, transportation and community development issues. 

 

The community development department is accountable for administering the various regulations in the code relating to subdivisions, street construction standards, erosion control, unkempt property, abandoned vehicles, etc.   In addition, the community development department is responsible for the town’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and mapping services.

 

The community development department is in charge of the zoning administration and enforcement. Zoning administration includes the issuance of certificates of zoning compliance, land disturbance permits, sign permits, and lake structure permits. Certificate of zoning compliance are issued for all new and enlarged structures, and changes in commercial land uses to ensure compliance with the zoning regulations. The community development department performs site inspections after construction is completed to determine that all outside work has been performed according to the building plans.

 

The community development department is also responsible for interpreting the regulations and responding to public inquiries about the regulations. The community development staff will also inspect property, and follow up on citizen complaints.   The community development department is empowered to issue verbal or written citations for violations as necessary.

 

Most people are not aware of the fact that remodeling their home, deck, boathouse or dock requires a permit.   In some instances, landscaping a property will necessitate a permit.   No matter how small the project, it is always better to check with the community development department at 828-625-9983 ext. 115 before starting a project to determine if the town requires a permit.

 

Any construction within the town’s limits requires a permit.   Any change of use of a structure, and any land disturbance require a permit from the town.   Putting a sign up anywhere in Lake Lure usually requires a permit.   Any of these activities undertaken without a permit could create a problem not only for the homeowner, but also for the contractor performing the work.

 

The community development department office is located in the municipal center/town hall. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.