Evans Construction again seeks rezoning on Ashton Drive; planning board recommended denial 6-1

Alan Glines, Burke County planning director, presented a zoning map amendment request (ZMA 2025-02) on April 7 from Mickey and Debbie Evans to rezone a 1.15-acre parcel on Ashton Drive from Residential-2 to General Business to support Evans Construction Company's operations.

Glines said Evans Construction has operated in the area since about 1970 and owns a neighboring tract already zoned General Business. The parcel is accessed from Ashton Drive and would be used for storage and parking of trucks and equipment; Glines said the applicant proposed a 10-foot-wide buffer of evergreens on three sides to mitigate impacts to adjoining residential properties. The planning board reviewed the request; a neighbor (identified in the packet as Ms. Swanson) spoke at the planning-board hearing in opposition, citing dust and truck traffic. The planning board voted 6-1 to recommend denial.

Commissioners asked staff to keep the item on the decision/public-hearing calendar; no final action was taken at the pre-agenda meeting. Glines said prior rezoning attempts by the same applicant had been denied at earlier meetings, and he confirmed that if approved the county would require completion of buffering and other zoning requirements to reduce impacts on adjacent residents.

Clarifying details: parcel area 1.15 acres; current zoning Residential-2; applicant Mickey and Debbie Evans; use proposed to support Evans Construction Company; planning-board recommendation: denial, 6-1; proposed mitigation: 10-foot evergreen buffer on three sides. The board left the item on the decision/public hearing calendar for formal consideration and public comment.