Edgecombe planning board forwards large rezoning request with unfavorable recommendation; commissioners set June public hearing

The Edgecombe County Planning Board unanimously recommended an unfavorable recommendation on a conditional rezoning request filed by CT Williams to rezone two parcels totaling roughly 294 acres along N.C. Highway 111 South from AR‑30 Rural Residential to R‑20‑C (Residential Conditional).

Durbin Spellford, planning director, said the planning board concluded the proposal was inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan growth management policy, which prioritizes maintaining rural character in the area. The applicant proposes limiting development to single‑family site‑built homes as a condition; the request would reduce minimum lot size from 30,000 square feet (AR‑30) to 20,000 square feet (R‑20) where applicable and allow a higher density than current AR‑30 rules.

Several commissioners asked if there were intermediate zoning options or additional conditions that could address neighborhood concerns. Spellford noted the board of commissioners can propose additional conditions as part of a conditional rezoning, but any new conditions would require the applicant’s agreement. Commissioners and the planning director discussed conservation subdivision options under AR‑30 (which can allow reduced lot sizes when configured as conservation subdivisions) and the tradeoffs between lot size, open space set‑asides and the scale of development.

After discussion, the Board of Commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing on the petition for their June meeting. The public hearing will allow the applicant, neighbors and other stakeholders to present testimony before the board makes a final decision.