Blowing Rock council rezones two lots at Laurel Lane to Horseshoe Grounds (HSG)

Blowing Rock’s Town Council approved a rezoning request on June 10 to change two vacant lots at 1194 Laurel Lane from R15 (single-family residential) to HSG (Horseshoe Grounds).

The council’s decision follows a presentation by staff and comments from the applicant, Zach Bennett, who told the council he and his wife bought the property years ago and have worked with state and federal agencies to restore nearby creek headwaters. Bennett said the rezoning would allow him to build a small barn and keep one or two horses and that rezoning would “essentially turn into green space in perpetuity.” The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval on May 15, 2025.

Why it matters: The change would permit equestrian uses on two lots that previously could not legally host horses under R15 zoning. Council discussion focused on whether HSG is primarily a public-event zoning category and whether allowing private equestrian uses would be compatible with the district’s intended function. One councilmember argued the town must evaluate rezoning based on community-wide impacts and not private benefits, citing Section 16-23 of the town code.

Key facts: The two lots (Lot 5: 0.771 acres; Lot 6: 0.699 acres) are part of a six-lot subdivision called The Creeks at Mayview. Parcel identifiers given in the staff packet were provided for each lot. The applicant said a stream and the 30-foot setback from Cone Road constrained likely building locations; staff confirmed sewer is available on the lower side of the property but that connection would be optional.

Council action and votes: After a failed motion to deny, a motion to approve the rezoning passed. Recorded votes were: Councilmember Kat Berry — yes; Councilmember David Orwood — no; Councilmember Melissa (last name not specified in the record) — yes; Councilmember Doug Matheson — yes; Councilmember Pete Pickett — yes. The ordinance to rezone Lots 5 and 6 to HSG was approved with a 4–1 vote.

Discussion highlights: Opponents raised concerns that HSG zoning is centered on public equestrian events and public uses, and that allowing private residential-adjacent horse facilities could create incompatible uses or future expectations of events. Staff and the applicant said the property borders existing Horseshoe Grounds land, that neighbors who received notice did not submit objections, and that existing informal riding paths already connect the parcels to the showgrounds. Staff noted that any building or stable would still have to meet permit conditions (including federal permit reviews in areas with streams), and that the Army Corps of Engineers reviews work near streams.

What’s next: The applicant may combine the two lots in the future for development permitted under HSG; any building will need to pass the town’s zoning/permits and any required state or federal permitting (for stream crossings or work in jurisdictional waters). The Planning Board record and packet materials cited setbacks and a comparison of allowed uses under R15 and HSG.

Provenance: The hearing opened under “The Bennett Property, RZ2025-01” and staff presentation began in the transcript at the public-hearing segment. The council’s final vote and the statement “So it is approved” conclude the hearing.

Ending: The council’s approval establishes HSG zoning for the two Bennett lots; any future barn or animal-related improvements will proceed through the town’s permit process and any required state or federal reviews.