Orange County Board approves rezoning of 7480 Embry Drive from industrial to agricultural

The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on a rezoning request to change a 3.1-acre parcel at 7480 Embry Drive (tax map 23‑18J) from general industrial (I‑2) to agricultural (A2).

Joe Ryan, Orange County planning staff, told the board the applicants, Mark and Cynthia Shepherd, requested the change “to match the way it is currently being used.” Ryan said the parcel was rezoned to I‑2 by the board on March 8, 1977, and that parcel records later showed the site as agricultural in error. He noted the parcel’s surrounding lots are agricultural and that the county’s recommended land‑use plan places the lot in the A2 district.

Ryan also told the board that a manufactured home had been approved for the site in 1997, a use not permitted under I‑2 zoning, and that the Planning Commission voted 4‑0 to recommend approval of the rezoning per Resolution 25‑03. No members of the public spoke on the item and no written correspondence was submitted.

After the public hearing was opened and closed, a motion to approve the rezoning was made and seconded. During brief discussion, supervisors confirmed that an existing transmission‑line easement runs through the area and would remain unaffected by the zoning change. The clerk then called roll: Miss Hale, Mister Nickel, Chairman Johnson, Mister Van Hoeven and Mister Marshall all voted “aye.” The motion passed 5‑0.

The resolution approving the rezoning was entered into the record as Resolution 25‑03. No proffers were associated with the application, and staff told the board there were no anticipated negative impacts to public health or to environmental, scenic or historic assets from the rezoning.

The board moved on after the vote to other items on the agenda.