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Planning Board Minutes September 14, 2021 Page 1 of 8
RANDOLPH COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
The Randolph County Planning Board held its monthly public hearing on September 14,
2021, at the 1909 Historic Courthouse, 145-C Worth St, Asheboro, NC.
Vice-Chair Wayne Joyce called to the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Planning Director Jay Dale called the roll of Planning Board members:
Reid Pell, Chair, absent;
Wayne Joyce, Vice-Chair, present;
John Cable, present;
Keith Slusher, present;
Kemp Davis, present;
Melinda Vaughan, present;
Ralph Modlin, absent; and
Reggie Beeson, Alternate, present.
County Attorney Ben Morgan was also present for the meeting.
Dale informed the Chair that there was a quorum of the Planning Board members present.
The Chair called for consideration and approval of the consent agenda.
Approval of agenda for September 14, 2021, Planning Board meeting.
Approval of the minutes from the August 3, 2021, Planning Board meeting.
Cable made the motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, and Beeson made
the second to the motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. The Chair, having
a proper motion and a second, called the question on approving the consent agenda, and
the Planning Board members voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda.
Dale presented the first case of the night along with site plans and pictures of the site.
SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST #2021-00002301
THOMAS M ELLISON, Asheboro, NC, requested to amend his
existing Special Use Permit at 1834 Spoons Chapel Church Rd,
Grant Township, Tax ID #7780127476, 8.02 acres, RA - Residential
Agricultural District. It is the desire of the applicant to amend the
Planning Board Minutes September 14, 2021 Page 2 of 8
existing Special Use Permit to specifically allow for proposed firearm
manufacturing operation in addition to the current manufacturing and
sale of reloaded ammunition in an existing building as per the site
plan.
The Chair opened the public hearing and called for anyone supporting the Special Use
Permit request to come forward.
Thomas M Ellison, 1834 Spoons Chapel Church Rd, Asheboro, NC, the applicant, came
forward to answer any questions from the Planning Board.
Davis asked Ellison to describe his manufacturing process. Ellison stated that he
currently assembles ammunition from disassembled parts he has ordered or the customer
has provided.
Joyce asked if there was any test firing done on the property. Ellison said they do test
fire approximately one out of every one hundred rounds of ammunition sold, and a berm
area collects all the ammunition when tested for safety.
Cable asked Ellison how much gun powder they have on the site and the precautions
taken to ensure no accidental fires. Cable stated that he knew the Fire Marshal’s office
generally wants gunpowder stored in a special cabinet. Ellison said he usually has one
to two hundred pounds of gun powder on site, which is slow-burning and will not “blow
up.”
Cable asked Ellison if he had a chemical placard on the building to alert fire departments
to the type of chemicals they may encounter at the site. Ellison said that the fire
department did not ask for any chemical placards and that they try to maintain a low profile
to prevent disturbing the surrounding residents.
Cable asked Ellison about delivery trucks coming to the area. Ellison stated that no
large delivery trucks come to the site as he has all supplies delivered to an off-site location
and that he goes to that location to pick up supplies and then brings the supplies back to
the site in his personal vehicle.
Davis asked Ellison about the distance from the nearby church, and Ellison said the
church is approximately four hundred to five hundred feet from the shop. Next, Davis
asked if there had been any complaints from the church, and Ellison said he had not
received any complaints.
Slusher asked Ellison if his business mainly was internet sales, and Ellison responded
yes. He stated they planned to test-fire new weapons manufactured four or five times to
ensure their safety before delivering to the customer.
Beeson asked Ellison about how often they usually shoot on the site. Ellison responded
that they might shoot forty to fifty rounds one day and not shoot at all other days.
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Beeson asked about the number of firearms assembled each day. Ellison stated that it
might take several days to complete one firearm, and they would manufacture no more
than fifty a year because the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
would then require a different license.
The Chair asked if there was anyone else that wanted to speak in favor of the request.
Hearing none, the Chair asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to the request.
Hearing none, the Chair closed the public hearing for discussion and a decision by the
Planning Board members.
Dale informed the Planning Board that there have been no complaints on the existing
operation at this site.
Joyce stated that he felt this operation was very low profile and has minimum impact on
the community.
Slusher said that the Planning Board has approved several internet-based businesses
similar to this in the past, he feels this is a low-impact operation and that the applicant
has answered all questions.
Slusher made the motion the motion to APPROVE this Special Use Permit request on
the specified parcel(s) on the Special Use Permit application, based upon the sworn
witness testimony included in the minutes, as well as the site plan(s) with all agreed-upon
revisions, and that the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety, the use
meets all required conditions and specifications, the use will not substantially injure the
value of adjoining property, that the use is a public necessity and the location and
character of the use if developed according to the plan(s) as submitted and approved, will
be in harmony with the area and in general conformity with the Randolph County Unified
Development Ordinance. Davis seconded the motion to approve the issuance of the
Special Use Permit.
The Chair, having a proper motion and second, called the question on the issuance of the
Special Use Permit. The Planning Board members voted unanimously to approve this
request and authorize the issuance of the Special Use Permit on the specified parcel(s)
on the Special Use Permit application, based upon the sworn witness testimony included
in the minutes, as well as the site plan(s) with all agreed-upon revisions, and that the use
will not materially endanger the public health or safety, the use meets all required
conditions and specifications, the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining
property, that the use is a public necessity and the location and character of the use if
developed according to the plan(s) as submitted and approved, will be in harmony with
the area and in general conformity with the Randolph County Unified Development
Ordinance.
Dale presented the second case of the night along with site plans and pictures of the site.
Planning Board Minutes September 14, 2021 Page 4 of 8
SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST #2021-00002334
CHRISTOPHER DON KING, Asheboro, NC, requested a Special
Use Permit at 4002 Happy Hollow Rd, Richland Township, Tax ID
#7667300557, 12.91 acres, RA - Residential Agricultural District. It
is the desire of the applicant to obtain a Special Use Permit to
specifically allow an ATV/UTV shop for service and sales in an
existing 56 ft. by 60 ft. building as per the site plan.
The Chair opened the public hearing and called for anyone supporting the Special Use
Permit request to come forward and be sworn in before giving testimony. Morgan
administered the oath to one citizen wishing to speak in support of this request.
Erika King, 4002 Happy Hollow Rd, Asheboro, said she was the business owner making
the request.
Joyce asked about the plans for the property. King answered that this was their third
year in a growing business, currently located on Hwy 220. She said they sell parts,
accessories and provides service to ATVs and UTVs, used for recreation, farmers, and
even helped law enforcement agencies in the area.
Joyce stated so this is basically like a car dealership without sales. King answered yes.
Davis asked if there would be sales of ATVs or UTV’s. King responded no. She said they
will work on the ATVs or UTVs only.
Cable asked if there would be any outside storage. King said that everything is stored
inside and locked up for security, and the business is located beside their residence, so
they want to make sure that everything on the property looks nice.
Vaughan asked about the hours and days of operation. King replied that the hours would
be 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturdays would only be for delivery
and pick up of ATVs and UTVs.
Cable asked if there would be large trucks coming to the property. King said UPS delivers
to the property, and customers pick up and drop off their machine for service.
The Chair asked if there was anyone else that wanted to speak in favor of the request.
Hearing none, the Chair asked if anyone in opposition to the request to come forward.
Hearing none, the Chair closed the public hearing for discussion and a decision by the
Planning Board members.
Davis stated that based upon the testimony given, this is a family-owned business that
meets the Randolph County Unified Development Ordinance requirements.
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Davis made the motion to APPROVE this Special Use Permit request on the specified
parcel(s) on the Special Use Permit application, based upon the sworn witness testimony
included in the minutes, as well as the site plan(s) with all agreed-upon revisions, and
that the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety, the use meets all
required conditions and specifications, the use will not substantially injure the value of
adjoining property, that the use is a public necessity and the location and character of the
use if developed according to the plan(s) as submitted and approved, will be in harmony
with the area and in general conformity with the Randolph County Unified Development
Ordinance. Slusher seconded the motion to approve the issuance of the Special Use
Permit.
The Chair, having a proper motion and second, called the question on the issuance of the
Special Use Permit. The Planning Board members voted unanimously to approve this
request and authorize the issuance of the Special Use Permit on the specified parcel(s)
on the Special Use Permit application, based upon the sworn witness testimony included
in the minutes, as well as the site plan(s) with all agreed-upon revisions, and that the use
will not materially endanger the public health or safety, the use meets all required
conditions and specifications, the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining
property, that the use is a public necessity and the location and character of the use if
developed according to the plan(s) as submitted and approved, will be in harmony with
the area and in general conformity with the Randolph County Unified Development
Ordinance.
Dale presented the third case of the night along with site plans and pictures of the site.
REZONING REQUEST #2021-00002304
TURNER BLISS, LLC, Randleman, NC, requested to rezone 1.86
acres at 2735 Banner Whitehead Rd, New Market Township,
Randleman Lake Protected Area Watershed, Tax ID #7736779292,
Secondary Growth Area, Gregory B & Melissa D. Burkhart
subdivision, lot number 2, from RBO-CD - Rural Business Overlay -
Conditional District to RBO-CD - Rural Business Overlay -
Conditional District. The proposed Conditional Zoning District would
specifically allow amending the existing Conditional Zoning District
to allow a proposed 40 ft. by 100 ft. addition to the existing building
and increase the parking area as per the site plan.
The Chair opened the public hearing and called for anyone supporting the rezoning
request to come forward and speak.
Gregory Burkhart, 5855 Suits Rd, Archdale, the business owner, addressed the
Planning Board and stated they needed to construct an addition to the existing building
due to the rapid growth of the business.
Cable asked about the hours of operation. Burkhart responded that they currently have
Planning Board Minutes September 14, 2021 Page 6 of 8
three shifts, with the first shift working from 4:30 am to 1:00 pm., the second shift works
from 1:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and the third shift is fully automated with no one present.
Dale asked if the business manufactures parts for race cars. Burkhart responded yes.
He said the business is very low key and they have worked with various race teams for
many years. Burkhart said they do not advertise the company; it has no website and no
business cards.
Davis stated that he is familiar with the area and lives in the area, and it is a very quiet
operation. Burkhart said they have trucks from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana bringing in
raw material and metals, and the business ships the products worldwide.
Davis asked about the disposal of waste metals and chemicals. Burkhart responded that
D H Griffin from Greensboro, NC, handles all waste and that everything is recycled and
contained. In addition, Burkhart responded that the part cleaning systems are totally self-
contained and regularly serviced by a company, so there is no chance of spilled chemicals
on the property.
Davis asked if there would be any changes to the driveway. Burkhart said they would
widen the driveway to make it easier for the trucks to enter the property.
Burkhart said that two neighbors had called him and said they would come to support
his rezoning if necessary and that they have been neighbors dealing with the business
for fifteen years. Burkhart also said he hoped to add more employees in the future and
hopes to come back in a few years to add even more to the existing building. Davis
advised Burkhart that he may need to buy more property or find another location for the
operation as the property is almost built out completely.
The Chair asked if there was anyone else that wanted to speak in favor of the request.
Hearing none, the Chair asked for anyone in opposition to the request to come forward
and speak regarding the request. Hearing none, the Chair closed the public hearing for
discussion and a decision by the Planning Board members.
Beeson asked a question about the site plan, and Dale responded that it was a clerical
error.
Cable stated that Braxton Culler Furniture backs up to the site, and it is a significant
investment. He stated that Burkhart started the company with $600.00 and has grown to
this size and that he has tapped into a niche market right in the home of NASCAR, and
the business has provided jobs and added to the local tax base.
Cable made the motion to approve the rezoning request to rezone the specified parcel(s)
on the rezoning application to the requested zoning district based upon the
Determination of Consistency and Findings of Reasonableness, and Public Interest
statements included in the Planning Board agenda, submitted during the rezoning
presentation and as may be amended, incorporated into the motion, to be included in the
Planning Board Minutes September 14, 2021 Page 7 of 8
minutes, as well as the site plan(s) with all agreed-upon revisions, also incorporated into
the motion and that the request is consistent with the Randolph County Growth
Management Plan. Beeson made a second to the motion to approve the rezoning
request.
The Chair, having a proper motion and second, called the question on the approval of the
rezoning request to rezone the specified parcel(s) on the rezoning application to the
requested zoning district based upon the Determination of Consistency and Findings
of Reasonableness, and Public Interest statements included in the Planning Board
agenda, submitted during the rezoning presentation and as may be amended,
incorporated into the motion, to be included in the minutes, as well as the site plan(s) with
all agreed-upon revisions, also incorporated into the motion and that the request is
consistent with the Randolph County Growth Management Plan. The Planning Board
members voted unanimously to rezone the property.
Dale presented the last case of the agenda.
REZONING REQUEST #2021-00002306
ASHLEY LYNN FLOYD, Asheboro, NC, requested to rezone 1.00
acres on Kennedy Farm Rd S, Tabernacle Township, Lake Reese
Balance Watershed, Tax ID #6792179520, Secondary Growth Area,
from LI - Light Industrial District to RA - Residential Agricultural
District.
The Chair opened the public hearing and called for anyone supporting the rezoning
request to come forward and speak.
No one was present to represent the owner.
The Chair asked if there was anyone else that wanted to speak in favor of the request.
Hearing none, the Chair asked if there was anyone in opposition to the request. Again,
hearing none, the Chair closed the public hearing for discussion and a decision by the
Planning Board members.
Cable made the motion to table the rezoning request until the Planning Board had more
information from the applicant about the desires of the property. Slusher seconded the
motion to table the rezoning request.
The Chair, having a proper motion and second, called the question on tabling the rezoning
request until the Planning Board has more information from the applicant. The Planning
Board members voted unanimously to table the rezoning request until the Planning Board
has more information from the applicant.
Having no further business, Slusher made the motion for the Planning Board meeting to
adjourn. Cable seconded the motion for the Planning Board meeting to adjourn. The
Planning Board Minutes September 14, 2021 Page 8 of 8
Chair, having a proper motion and second, called the question on adjourning the meeting.
The Planning Board members voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 6:59 pm, with seven citizens in attendance.
RANDOLPH COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
___________________________
Planning Director
__________________________ _______________________________
Clerk to the Board Date
Approved by Randolph County
Planning Board
October 5, 2021