Details, details

Calloway Homes likely will be among the first builders in Mint Hill to be scrutinized by a new proposal aimed to ensure downtown construction meets the aesthetic and architectural details outlined in the zoning code. Meanwhile, the Charlotte-based company wonders why they’re being targeted.

Town Manager Brian Welch announced Jan. 28 a series of changes to force builders in the downtown district to follow the rules. The measure came two weeks after Town Commissioner Tina Ross questioned why some recently built houses in the Brighton Park subdivision, off Matthews-Mint Hill Road, didn’t sit at least 18 inches above the curb or sidewalk, as code requires.

Ross’ questions sparked a meeting with county officials – who issue building and occupancy permits – and revealed “a hole within the review,” Welch said.

According to Welch’s proposal, all companies wanting to build in downtown Mint Hill must meet with town officials to review the required details before construction begins. Company representatives will have to sign a requirements checklist; the list also will be stamped on construction plans. A member of town staff also will take daily rides through under-construction developments to ensure the details are being followed. Town Attorney Kevin Bringewatt is researching, at Ross’ request, whether any of the builders who didn’t follow the code details on their now-occupied houses can be legally required to compensate the town. Ross suggested compensation could include construction projects, such as building sidewalks.

“It’s going to complicate things; the builders aren’t going to like it,” Welch said. “But these are the rules and we’re going to enforce them.”
Town Planner John Hoard is preparing a written proposal that will be given to commissioners for approval, he said Feb. 2.

“We’re not trying to overburden these developers … but I want to do a lot more to try to communicate details up front,” Hoard said. “It may (involve) something as simple as we communicate those details and we have that property owner or builder sign off.”

Johnny Webster, vice president of ­construction with Calloway, said at the ­construction site Jan. 29 he feels the new rules “got pushed off” on his company. There are other completed Brighton Park houses, built by other companies, that are lower from the sidewalk than the five houses his company currently is building in the subdivision, he said. The company already has met with town staff about their concerns and Calloway will comply with the 18-inch minimum, he said.

“It’s an aesthetics thing for Mint Hill,” he said.

The 18-inch minimum is designed, Hoard said, to give homes in downtown not only a look of “prominence,” but privacy. “The idea is to get the front windows out of the line of sight as a pedestrian walks by,” he said. “It’s called an urban-design technique. It has nothing to do with (the stability) of the home.”

Ross said the town is not targeting ­Calloway with the proposal.

“I don’t think that we’re picking on any one developer,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that (Calloway)’s card is the first to be called, but it’s in the code. And it’s not a murky code; I think it’s very well-defined.

“I’m just sorry it took all of this. There’s something to be said for being proactive.”