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Commissioners approve rezoning for Smoky Canyon Drive property over staff recommendation
Summary
The Cumberland County Board approved rezoning A1 to RR for a 0.92-acre property on Smoky Canyon Drive despite staff and the planning board recommending denial; the owner said the lot passed perc tests and intends a stick-built home.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request on Sept. 15 that county planning staff and the county planning board had recommended be denied.
Case ZON25-0032 sought rezoning of a 0.92-acre parcel on Smoky Canyon Drive from A1 (agricultural) to RR (rural residential) to allow a second dwelling or a group development on the lot. Planning staff cited the South Central land-use plan, which designates the area as farmland, and recommended denial. The planning board voted 8–0 in favor of staff’s denial recommendation.
At the meeting, Ross Howard, director of Planning and Inspections, summarized staff’s concern: "Staff does recommend denial of the request," citing the land-use plan and the existing neighborhood character of single dwellings on single lots.
Property owner Edward Clement addressed the board during the public hearing and said the lot has passed perc testing and that his intent is a site-built (stick) home rather than a manufactured home. Clement said he had cleared significant vegetation and described the work he has done to prepare the site. He told commissioners he and his family needed a place to live and asked for approval so they could complete the home.
Commissioners discussed neighborhood character, lot size and septic utilities. Commissioner Faircloth moved to approve the rezoning; Commissioner Adams seconded. The board approved the rezoning by unanimous vote despite the staff and planning-board recommendation of denial.
The board’s motion included a map amendment changing the property’s designation on the county land-use map; planning staff will handle recording the map change and address necessary permitting for septic or sewer if required.
Ending: Planning staff advised the owner and board that utility and septic permitting remain required before building permits can be issued; the rezoning approves the land-use designation but does not substitute for development permits or health-department approvals.
