Planning board recommends approval of rezoning for mini-storage expansion on Highway 87 in Wentworth Township

The Rockingham County Planning Board voted Jan. 13 to recommend approval of Case 2025-02, a request to rezone a 9.52-acre parcel from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial in the Wentworth Township.

Planning staff said the parcel is about 2,000 feet east-southeast of the Wentworth town limit, served by Dan River Water and individual septic systems, and sits near a mix of residential, commercial and industrial parcels along Highway 87; staff recommended approval. Victoria (planning staff) described the site as immediately adjacent to other highway commercial zoning that was extended in 2024 and said the request would allow uses consistent with the adjacent commercial properties.

Applicant Mike Hall told the board the rezoning would allow expansion of his existing mini-storage operation and said his facilities remain “95% full all the time.” Hall said the expansion project would include stormwater management measures such as retention ponds to handle runoff and that he will “work with” the county on runoff controls.

Board members asked whether the request should prompt a corridor-wide land-use review for Highway 87; staff said a steering committee is reviewing corridor expansions and that any formal land-use-plan changes would require a separate process. The board also discussed access and whether the small panhandle parcel shown on the map would require separate rezoning or use of an existing entrance; the applicant said existing access would be used, avoiding additional NCDOT driveway permits if possible.

A motion to recommend approval passed with no recorded opposition; the board will forward its recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for final action.