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Commissioners rezone two Liberty Church Road parcels for residential infill, adopt temporary-dwelling rule to aid recovery
Summary
Burke County commissioners voted 5–0 to rezone two parcels on Liberty Church Road from General Business to Residential-3 and to adopt a zoning text amendment creating temporary-dwelling/RV allowances tied to building permits; officials said the measures support infill housing and help residents recovering from Hurricane Helene.
The Burke County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21 adopted two land-use actions intended to support housing availability and post-disaster recovery: a rezoning request for two parcels on Liberty Church Road and a zoning text amendment allowing temporary dwellings, RVs and campers under limited conditions.
Alec Meis, community development staff, presented ZMA 2024-10, a rezoning petition from John and Rita Yunt for two vacant parcels that total about 1.02 acres and were formerly part of a commercial property. Meis said the parcels, identified as PINs 278-326-1136 and 278-326-0135, are currently zoned General Business and the request was to rezone them to Residential-3. Meis said the applicant intends to place two homes on the lots. The board adopted the rezoning and an accompanying map amendment, 5–0. The clerk noted a small technical correction to the ordinance number (recorded as 2025-02).
Allen (Community Development staff) presented ZTA 2024-03, a text amendment that adds a new section allowing temporary dwellings, RVs and campers in certain circumstances tied to a building permit. Allen said the county counted about 160 households receiving FEMA housing support as of mid-November and that the amendment is intended to provide a safe, permitted option for property owners who are rebuilding, repairing or temporarily displaced. The amendment includes defined terms for "temporary dwelling" and ties placement to permitting and inspections; it allows placement on another on-site location as a temporary measure and contemplates six-month renewable permits where appropriate. Commissioners approved the text amendment, recorded as ordinance 2025-1, by a 5–0 vote.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearings for either item. Commissioners said the measures are consistent with the county’s strategic land-use plan and would promote infill housing and recovery options.
