Commissioners approve Old Lewis School Road conditional rezoning for 90‑lot development

The Nash County Board of Commissioners voted to approve conditional rezoning request CZ‑250102 on Oct. 6, allowing the Old Lewis School Road property to be developed as a 90‑lot single‑family subdivision under RA‑30 conditional zoning.

What the board approved: The rezoning allows minimum lot sizes of 30,000 square feet and prohibits single‑ and double‑wide manufactured homes that are otherwise allowed in the existing R‑40 zoning. The plan presented by Site Advice Inc. proposes seven new public roads, nine special‑purpose lots for common areas, two community wells to serve potable water and an on‑site community wastewater package plant that would treat and irrigate treated effluent on adjacent land under state permitting.

Why it mattered: Nash County staff said the sketch plan is designed to protect streams and riparian buffers on the property and concentrate open space and stormwater infrastructure, with only six of the ninety lots falling within a water‑protection natural resources area on the parcel. The planning board deadlocked on the request earlier in the year; technical review and staff recommended approval with conditions.

Public comment: Dozens of residents from Old Lewis School Road and nearby subdivisions opposed the request at public hearings, citing concerns about flooding, the location of the package wastewater plant, impacts on the Buckhorn Reservoir watershed, traffic, utility capacity, and the effects of increased density on the rural character of the area. Speakers asked the board to retain R‑40 zoning, which would produce fewer rooftop impacts and less impervious surface overall. Several residents noted prior flood events and said the site includes low‑lying “bowl‑like” areas.

Developer presentation and safeguards: John Woodliff of Site Advice told the board the plan provides roughly 23% open space, is averaging about…