[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6387585,"mediaKeyId","2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb","parentId",2116241,"title","Planning board discusses new limits on downzoning under amended N.C. statute; staff to circulate UNC School of Government memo","audioSeconds",333,"startMs",3977000,"endMs",4310000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb&start=3977&end=4310","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb/thumbnail_3977000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6387585/North-Carolina/Planning-board-discusses-new-limits-on-downzoning-under-amended-NC-statute-staff-to-circulate-UNC-School-of-Government-memo","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387585-8db4ee590508a2d0a470cf33db38bc7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094573&Signature=O5Ou9pW-sn52E4UX~fmzaf1WXCfzOdaLceK64gJ3J0OdWx764vdVi48LTsefOFkSNFr-6LnAPBep21xtyG0BAcdimmj2osDcZJxv3bpAaK5r~BP5Nslbt1DrgT8BG8qDawljw2UkiKAxMcq8x7a6V5L~6XUyfmIzVWihZOhEmWreOQ52CyavyRvAtMM88DT4KB~wemRN2mU30nlHXxyXm1kdoq3MjveS18oXIro-RGNVHCVh7W6Xv7fiG3Vkb7ir-547n7xH00U3gMa02xLZfynvDtDklb9DSG-tsPRXIzZpYIm-2Vnsx8mY900McLIDaxMI5g2WN3~o-jpnLVGfWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rockingham County, NC","date","2025-01-16T02:43:48.23Z","article","At the end of the Jan. 13 meeting the Rockingham County Planning Board received an informational briefing on an amendment to North Carolina General Statute 160D-601 that changes limits on downzoning.

The chair explained the amendment and distributed a memorandum from the UNC School of Government summarizing statutory changes and the “limits of downzoning.” The chair said he had discussed the amendment with County Attorney Clyde Albright and that some aspects were unclear; he noted concern that the amendment appears retroactive to an earlier date and said that could raise constitutional issues.

The memorandum was identified as written by Adam Lovelady of the UNC School of Government. The chair advised board members to read the memo and log it in their files. No formal action was taken; the item was presented for information and potential follow-up with county legal staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Board Meeting 1/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","Members heard an informational briefing on a recent amendment to N.C. General Statute 160D-601 affecting downzoning, were urged to review an UNC School of Government memorandum, and were told the change may have retroactive implications for recent downzonings.","taxTitle","Rockingham County Planning Board Meetings, Rockingham County, North Carolina","taxId",73552,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6387588,"Planning board recommends approval of rezoning for mini-storage expansion on Highway 87 in Wentworth Township",630,3333000,3963000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb&start=3333&end=3963","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb/thumbnail_3333000.jpg","/articles/6387588/North-Carolina/Planning-board-recommends-approval-of-rezoning-for-mini-storage-expansion-on-Highway-87-in-Wentworth-Township","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387588-150c5119d255512a575ffa823a96f122/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094573&Signature=CikVuZCWzY5dou~YYucg3WnLX6agSupqG9KciAFQ3IAgDQCu1M8eHZy~6yMXhxQp8qMmofxMTq5q~r7L746mRApRs1dap2y5NspMY7UOqd6W3uXE1D1Y23VjmFkUuTlaWYvO6xse4f5NzW~SbiWMPT7V7dcL~LgWmwBS~6VoO25IedV0VPdoyNf7fPF40VtQFLAI~1s2eTq0TJd8WknRjxtdOga0RxGWwccOxDJv4fbOvORJu7etVutFP4QnmlJFBD6ceTMOd9ifesW0LBtpcq0o7ElZxbdvyzWpWYB6OW7IAJoj~ldWuTa~mlajh~yD6nmcxOV8I3sVQ5CbwKoFdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rockingham County Planning Board voted Jan. 13 to recommend approval of Case 2025-02, a request to rezone a 9.52-acre parcel from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial in the Wentworth Township.

Planning staff said the parcel is about 2,000 feet east-southeast of the Wentworth town limit, served by Dan River Water and individual septic systems, and sits near a mix of residential, commercial and industrial parcels along Highway 87; staff recommended approval. Victoria (planning staff) described the site as immediately adjacent to other highway commercial zoning that was extended in 2024 and said the request would allow uses consistent with the adjacent commercial properties.

Applicant Mike Hall told the board the rezoning would allow expansion of his existing mini-storage operation and said his facilities remain “95% full all the time.” Hall said the expansion project would include stormwater management measures such as retention ponds to handle runoff and that he will “work with” the county on runoff controls.

Board members asked whether the request should prompt a corridor-wide land-use review for Highway 87; staff said a steering committee is reviewing corridor expansions and that any formal land-use-plan changes would require a separate process. The board also discussed access and whether the small panhandle parcel shown on the map would require separate rezoning or use of an existing entrance; the applicant said existing access would be used, avoiding additional NCDOT driveway permits if possible.

A motion to recommend approval passed with no recorded opposition; the board will forward its recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for final action.","The planning board voted to recommend approval of a rezoning (Case 2025-02) converting a 9.52-acre parcel from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial to allow expansion of an existing mini-storage operation; the applicant said runoff controls will be provided.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6387590,"Planning board recommends denial of rezoning at Highway 158 and Whitty Road after runoff and community-character concerns",2892,388000,3280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb&start=388&end=3280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2116241-b2709ce77599d3feca8c30e7499071fb/thumbnail_388000.jpg","/articles/6387590/North-Carolina/Planning-board-recommends-denial-of-rezoning-at-Highway-158-and-Whitty-Road-after-runoff-and-community-character-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387590-f55e1c9bec3200c0baf4b7ab96e62477/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094573&Signature=LnZxY7Tkty7hORafXmrrtX0flce6zAKuaNKbHUSjc0PzLv5NpUELrysbJ~U-SJDVviut4vEZ8goDpWSCHWkW-f3FJ4cUnj7GOmWyj8~1cNHQ-d7e9fA~LjP70oXnQgDKScZrchOOhzch2LYo6vaL3hdlnem405QbfH5zEDv4j1J89cShpVTmBGU43XSMEVAlv6qcjHnCpW3RDHQ8bM0FMdkUk0~OFmLnCfBDHFH5I5VMlerR6Gsojw~vTN4raC7eX9e6cyk0KvitB8tpTKoHbSbSeAJdevgy6rjiQBr1KYZesl~PhlKPLcgnl3zTM5VwzPafiPrOQhAtXmwINR~zdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rockingham County Planning Board voted Jan. 13 to recommend denial of a request to rezone a 3.73-acre parcel at the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 158 and Whitty Road from Residential Protected to Neighborhood Commercial.

Planning staff presented the application as Case 2025-1 and recommended approval, noting the parcel sits in the county’s G2 controlled-growth land class and that the lot meets the minimum size for neighborhood commercial uses. Victoria (planning staff) told the board the request “may benefit property owners but may be detrimental to adjacent owners” and that negative effects could be mitigated with buffers and site regulations. She said the office received three inquiries, one direct opposition comment and three emails in opposition about runoff and keeping the area “commercial free.”

The applicant, Jennifer Augie, told the board she and the property owners have no immediate project plans and that they “would like to collaborate and adhere to, you know, whatever the community desires” if the rezoning is approved.

Dozens of residents who live near the parcel testified in opposition during the public-comment period. Tara Bulla, whose property borders the site, said she is worried about safety and unspecified people coming to a commercial site near her children: “I don't wanna invite any property, commercial property, to that area where I feel like it would put me or my children, maybe at a disadvantage or worry about their safety,” she said. Farmer and resident Drexel Dixon warned about runoff into local ponds and wells, saying the site “drains in one spot and one spot only, and it drains across the road and goes directly into my pond,” and adding, “If anything runs off within 60 months... it will kill it.” Other speakers raised similar concerns about groundwater, trash and late-night activity.

Board members questioned the absence of a specific development plan, traffic data for 55 mph Highway 158 at the intersection, and whether the requested zoning would be consistent with the county’s 2040 land use vision for this low-density area. Several board members said the rezoning would amount to a “blank check” because a straight rezoning allows all uses listed in the zoning district regardless of the owner.

Planning Board member Julie moved to deny the rezoning request; the motion was seconded and carried with no recorded opposition, so the board will forward a denial recommendation to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners. Victoria noted commissioners will hold a public meeting Feb. 17 and have the final decision.

The board’s denial is a recommendation only; applicants may present the case to the commissioners at the February meeting.","The Rockingham County Planning Board voted to recommend denial of a request to rezone a 3.73-acre parcel at Highway 158 and Whitty Road from Residential Protected to Neighborhood Commercial after residents raised runoff, traffic and character concerns; staff had recommended approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning board discusses new limits on downzoning under amended N.C. statute; staff to circulate UNC School of Government memo

Planning board recommends approval of rezoning for mini-storage expansion on Highway 87 in Wentworth Township

Planning board recommends denial of rezoning at Highway 158 and Whitty Road after runoff and community-character concerns