Carroll County commissioners approve rezoning for Hooping Creek Road landscaping business

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on July 8 unanimously approved a rezoning request to change a parcel on Hooping Creek Road from R-1 (residential) to commercial so it can be combined with an adjacent property for a landscaping business.

Community Development Director Ben Skipper presented the application, identifying it as Z-25-06-01 and saying it was a rezoning request “for half acre from residential r 1 to commercial to combine with an adjacent property for a landscaping business at 224 Hoopin Creek.” He also told commissioners the planning and zoning commission had unanimously recommended approval and that there was no opposition at that planning meeting.

Applicant Sarah Papin told the board she is the owner of the parcel and that the business owner plans to add the lot to his existing operation. Buyer Casey Vance, who said he is purchasing the property contingent on the zoning, described the parcel as “a leftover piece of property” and said consolidating it with the adjacent commercial lot would make the site flow better.

Commissioners asked about nearby residences and potential lighting impacts; one commissioner noted the county ordinance requires fixtures be directed downward and said staff would enforce that standard if problems arise. Commissioners also reminded the applicant that commercial zoning does not automatically allow any future change of use without additional approvals.

After discussion the board voted to approve the rezoning. A motion to approve carried unanimously, recorded as a 7-0 vote.

The rezoning clears the way for the buyer to consolidate the parcel with adjacent commercial property and expand the landscaping business. The record on the parcel size contains inconsistent references in the meeting: the county presentation described the parcel as “half acre,” while the applicant said the owner seeks to add “0.6 acres.”