In a recent government meeting, the Onslow County Board of Commissioners discussed two significant rezoning requests and a proposed amendment to the subdivision ordinance, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage land use and development in the area.

The first item on the agenda involved a request to rezone a 1.72-acre portion of a property located off Freedom Way from a split zoning of residential and highway business to entirely highway business. The property, currently vacant and cleared, is situated in a region with existing infrastructure, including a 10-inch water main and a 16-inch sewer force main. The planning board unanimously recommended approval of the request, citing its alignment with the county's comprehensive plan for suburban growth and the potential for economic development along major highways. The board noted that no public opposition was raised during the planning board meeting.

The second rezoning request pertained to the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood, where homeowners sought to change the zoning from Residential 20 to Rural Agriculture for 13 properties spanning 69.75 acres. This request aims to preserve the rural character of the area, which is already developed with single-family homes and features amenities such as barns for horses. The planning board also unanimously supported this request, with residents expressing their desire to revert to the original zoning designation that accommodates their lifestyle and property use.

Additionally, the board considered a text amendment to the subdivision ordinance that would make certain standards for private roads optional rather than mandatory for developers. This change aims to facilitate the development of private roads in subdivisions, acknowledging the challenges faced by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in maintaining public roads. Proponents of the amendment argued that it would allow for more flexible development while ensuring that homeowners associations (HOAs) would be responsible for road maintenance.

The discussions highlighted the balance between promoting development and maintaining community standards, with commissioners emphasizing the importance of ensuring that new developments are adequately managed to prevent issues seen in older subdivisions. The board ultimately voted in favor of both rezoning requests and the text amendment, reflecting a commitment to adapting land use policies to meet the needs of the community while fostering responsible growth.