Fayetteville City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council met on April 21, 2026, to consider a range of items including an annual housing needs assessment, amendments to the city code for insurance claims and the farmers market, a rezoning appeal, and two rezoning ordinances. The meeting lasted approximately 3 hours and included public comments, committee presentations, and multiple votes.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a roll call vote of 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Housing assessment: No public comments.
• C1 (Insurance adjuster ordinance): Chris Scrocky (516 North Fallon) spoke about discrepancies in the claims process, noting an 80% difference between the city's estimator and his contractor estimates, and highlighting software errors. Miller Wilson, a Fayetteville resident and insurance agent, supported the amendment and explained rental value calculations.
• C4 (Farmers market ordinance): Several speakers addressed the proposed changes. Matt Varros, owner of Hatch Farm, opposed the expansion, arguing it creates a monopoly and limits mobile vendors. Daniel Evans, a farmer and board vice president, supported the changes. Tyler Ack, a former vendor, expressed concerns about transparency and vendor selection. Pat Duncan, a 19-year vendor, spoke in favor of the market and its community benefits. Julia Denher, outreach manager, provided historical context. Marquita Denherter, a board member, defended the market's rules and transparency.
• D1 (Appeal of preliminary plat): Krista Henson (2843 North Whistlepost Drive) appealed the planning commission's approval of an 82-lot subdivision, citing traffic safety for children and tree loss. She requested traffic calming measures but acknowledged the need for housing. Garland Yell (3105 North Melmo Drive) raised concerns about increased traffic on county roads during construction.

Discussion Items

• Housing Needs Assessment Presentation: Marley Stark, Housing Director, presented the annual housing update. Key points:

  • In 2025, 726 new housing units were completed (two-thirds single-family; 11% duplexes; 20% townhomes).
  • Permit review times for single-family homes dropped 36% from 2024 to 2025.
  • By end of February 2026, 276 additional units came online, mostly in apartment complexes.
  • The city invested over $400,000 in federal funding for a rental assistance pilot program.
  • Goals by 2028: rewrite the development code, add 50 new shelter beds, and develop a long-term housing funding plan.
  • Councilmember Minister Jones questioned the impact of college students on housing supply and the stringency of CDBG applications. Councilmember Moore asked about publishing a quarterly housing report and protection of existing affordable housing stock.
  • The mayor confirmed that the city is exploring social housing, housing trust funds, and revenue bonds for a long-term funding plan.

• C1: Ordinance to amend insurance adjuster claims (Section 39.10 C and 39.11 C): Councilmember Berna introduced an amendment to replace the three-day dislocation expense limit with per diem rates set by the U.S. General Services Administration, as determined by the adjuster. The amendment passed 7-0. The ordinance was then read on third reading and passed unanimously with an emergency clause, taking effect immediately.

• C2: Sewer damage claim for 516 North Fallon Avenue: The item was tabled to the next council meeting to allow the adjuster to re-evaluate lodging costs under the newly passed ordinance.

• C3: Ordinance to amend CCR zoning district (Section 161.38): Councilmember Turk proposed an amendment to prohibit detention/retention ponds in CCR districts unless they serve a permitted use in Use Unit One. The amendment passed 7-0, and the ordinance was adopted on third reading with an emergency clause.

• C4: Ordinance to expand the Fayetteville Farmers Market footprint, days, and times, and allow limited alcohol sales: The original ordinance included on-site alcohol sales. Councilmember Turk presented an amendment to limit on-site alcohol to one vendor per event. After debate, the amendment passed 5-2. Later, Councilmember Moore moved to reconsider and remove the on-site alcohol provision entirely; that motion passed 7-0. The final ordinance allowed off-premise alcohol sales only, expanded the market footprint to Mountain Street, added Tuesday evening markets, and extended the season from mid-March to Christmas. It passed 7-0 with an emergency clause.

• D1: Appeal of preliminary plat for 82-lot subdivision (PPL 2025-5): The appellant, Krista Henson, requested denial due to traffic safety and tree loss. Councilmember Berna initially proposed a motion to grant the appeal but add a condition for a traffic calming study, but after procedural confusion, the motion was withdrawn. The council voted 7-0 to deny the appeal, upholding the planning commission's approval. The administration committed to conducting a traffic calming study after development.

• D2: Rezoning of 620 South Crossover Road from RSF-4 to UT (Urban Thoroughfare): The item passed unanimously after suspension of rules. Councilmember Moore noted concerns about auto-centric uses like gas stations and car washes being permitted by right in UT.

• D3: Rezoning of 325 South Washington Avenue from NC to RIU (Residential Intermediate Urban): The item passed 6-1, with Councilmember Turk dissenting due to concerns about proximity to a streamside protection area and an ongoing local historic district designation.

Key Outcomes

• Housing: The city will continue to pursue housing policy changes, including a future code rewrite and expanded funding for affordable housing. A quarterly housing report may be implemented.
• Insurance adjuster ordinance: Adopted immediately; claims over $100,000 can now be approved by unanimous council consent after adjuster review, with dislocation expenses based on GSA rates.
• Farmers market ordinance: Expanded footprint, days, and season; off-premise alcohol sales permitted; on-premise sales removed. The ordinance takes effect immediately.
• CCR zoning amendment: Detention/retention ponds limited to Use Unit One. Effective immediately.
• Subdivision appeal: Denied; preliminary plat approved with staff commitment to traffic calming study.
• Rezoning at 620 S. Crossover Road: Approved.
• Rezoning at 325 S. Washington Avenue: Approved.
• Announcements: Earth Week events; Great Avenue safety improvements public meeting on April 22 at 4 p.m. at Pacrat Outdoor Center; deadline for board/committee applications is April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.