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Commission approves rezoning and future‑land‑use change to preserve small family farm in Dove Drive subdivision
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a rezoning and a future‑land‑use amendment to allow a small family farm (Ocean Orchards) to continue operations in a Dove Drive subdivision, with a condition that the property lots be combined to meet AG‑1 lot‑size requirements.
The Planning Commission voted Aug. 20 to approve a rezoning (Z25‑028) from R‑3 to AG‑1 and a companion comprehensive development plan amendment (CDP25‑010) to allow an established small‑scale family farming operation to continue on four adjacent lots in a subdivision off Campbellton Road.
Attorney John Jordan, representing property owners Lee and Rhea Ocean, described a family orchard and small‑scale farm operation that includes muscadine vines, peach trees, a bee garden and chicken coops for egg production. Jordan said the owners obtained a business license in 2023 and renewed it in 2024, then were told during the most recent licensing cycle that the license had been issued in error because the zoning did not allow the activity. The applicants requested AG‑1 to regularize the long‑standing agricultural uses and restore the business license.
Neighbors spoke in support, describing the property as bucolic and compatible with the area’s historical agricultural character. Planning staff recommended denial, citing the comprehensive plan’s guidance and concerns about creating nonconforming situations in a platted subdivision; staff also noted minimum lot‑size requirements for AG‑1.
Commissioners discussed the history and character of the property, the existing orchard and on‑site activities, and the city’s licensing timeline. To address technical zoning requirements, the commission approved the rezoning with a condition requiring the applicant to combine the subject lots so that zoning and lot‑size standards will be met. The commission also approved the future‑land‑use map amendment (CDP25‑010). Both recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for final action at the Sept. 23 meeting.
The applicant said the orchards, bees and chicken coops are established and that the requested rezoning would allow renewal of the business license and continued small‑scale production for local residents.
Commissioners’ actions preserve the family farming use while requiring a follow‑up property‑combination step to meet AG‑1 lot‑size rules.
