Leland Town Council tables possible ordinance changes for flood zone development

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Leland Town Council has tabled possible changes to town ordinances regarding flood zones during their meeting Thursday evening.

The changes would have included limiting the density of developments in flood zones.

It would have also increased the required height of homes above floodplains.

The town was considered the changes due to neighborhoods like Stoney Creek flooding multiple times in recent years.

Several developers spoke during the meeting, saying these changes would negatively affect them.

Councilman Bill McHugh said safety is the number one reason for these changes.

“To me, this is an issue of public safety,” McHugh said. “This is a moral issue of ensuring that we’re not building in flood zones, that we’re not plucking people off of their roofs. That we don’t create more situations like Stoney Creek. This is about proper planning for the future and keeping our community safe and making sure that Leland grows in a safe, smart, and sustainable way.”

McHugh said discussions about these changes will continue at next month’s agenda meeting.