Board approves down‑zoning, annexation and water extension for 1554 Landis Highway; sewer not available

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners approved a down‑zoning, voluntary annexation and a water utility extension for a 1.52‑acre site at 1554 Landis Highway at the March 3 meeting.

Erica Martin, Director of Planning, said the property owner (Third Creek Building Company; applicant Michael Caldwell) sought to down‑zone the site from Community Commercial to Residential Limited Service so the parcel could accommodate a single‑family home. Martin said the parcel is constrained and difficult to develop commercially, noting by‑right commercial uses in the Community Commercial district could allow higher intensity uses but the site’s size and configuration make that impractical.

Staff noted the site has water available but no sewer; the owner would need to rely on septic if developed for single‑family use. Martin said the property meets statutory requirements for voluntary annexation, lies within the town’s five‑mile requirement and is within the fire department’s preferred four‑minute response area.

Commissioner West moved to approve RZ2025‑01 (the down‑zoning) because it is compatible with the town’s proposed rural residential character; Commissioner Qualls seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote. The board then considered the companion voluntary annexation and water utility extension ordinance. Commissioner Qualls moved to approve the annexation and utility extension; Commissioner West seconded. The annexation and water extension passed on a recorded vote of 4–2. Staff emphasized that sewer service is not available to the parcel at this time.

No applicant representative addressed the board during the public hearing; staff said the applicant did not appear. If the owner proceeds with a single‑family home, town staff said future permitting will follow applicable standards for annexed properties and utility extensions.