Central Piedmont Community College seeks approval for fire training facility in Huntersville

The Town Board of Huntersville, North Carolina, convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) for a new fire training facility. The meeting focused on the need for a special use permit and the associated rezoning petition for the facility, which is intended to enhance local firefighter training capabilities.

The discussion began with an overview of the criteria for special use permits, specifically addressing Article 9.24, which mandates such permits for developments that may produce smoke or fumes. The proposed site, located at the intersection of Veroff Drive and Statesville Road, is designed to comply with environmental standards and includes modifications for buffer yards to ensure adequate screening from surrounding properties.

Key points of the proposal included the construction of a permanent burn structure, which will allow for live fire training using only Class A materials such as wood pallets and straw. An air quality study conducted by AECOM was presented, confirming that emissions from the facility would remain below acceptable levels, thus posing no threat to public health.

The board heard from various experts, including architects and environmental consultants, who provided evidence supporting the facility's compliance with safety and zoning standards. The facility is expected to serve multiple local fire departments, reducing the need for long-distance travel to training sites and ultimately lowering operational costs.

Concerns regarding the potential impact on property values were addressed through an appraisal report, which indicated that the facility would not substantially injure the value of adjacent properties. The board also discussed the importance of the facility in meeting the training needs of local firefighters, which is crucial for maintaining community safety and compliance with insurance standards.

After thorough deliberation, the board unanimously approved the special use permit and the rezoning petition, allowing CPCC to proceed with the development of the fire training facility. The decision reflects the town's commitment to enhancing public safety infrastructure while ensuring compliance with environmental and zoning regulations. The board emphasized the importance of ongoing communication with the community regarding scheduled training burns to mitigate any concerns about smoke or emissions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to draft a final written decision that encapsulates the board's findings and rationale for the approval, marking a significant step forward for fire training in the Huntersville area.