The Iredell County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved three separate zoning map amendments and a set of text amendments to the county land‑development code.

Planner Todd told the board the first rezoning would change about 1.98 acres along Island Ford Road (the former West Iredell Water facility) from Neighborhood Business to Highway Business to match the 2045 Horizon Plan corridor‑commercial designation; planning staff and the planning board recommended approval. Vice Chair Melissa Nader moved to approve the map amendment; the board voted to adopt the change.

The board also approved a request to rezone two adjoining properties (about 2.02 acres) along Quiet Cove Road from RA to Residential Office to create a transition between existing commercial activity and adjacent residences. Planner Todd said planning staff supported the rezoning and that planning board approval was unanimous but noted one neighbor’s buffer concern at the planning‑board hearing.

Commissioner Howe moved and the commissioners approved a rezoning for roughly 5.4 acres along Martin Lane near the I‑40 interchange to Highway Business; Todd said the property is in the 2045 plan’s highway‑destination commercial area and the planning board voted 8‑0 in favor.

Separately, the board approved a set of zoning text amendments that Mr. Todd described as intended to improve clarity and flexibility. Highlights included removing confusing summary tables, adding certain uses, increasing accessory dwelling‑unit (ADU) size from 650 to 1,000 square feet and creating clearer rules for commercial subdivisions. On solar energy, Todd said, "If it's a 2 megawatt or larger facility, they're going to have to have their decommissioning approved and plans at the state level;" projects below that threshold will continue to follow the county’s process. Planning board members had voted unanimously to recommend the package.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether a recent state change that removes local waiting periods for rezoning resubmissions might increase staff workload and cause repeated hearings; Todd acknowledged both benefits and the potential for increased meetings and public fatigue. "There are definitely some positives... but also some concern for sure," he said.

All four public hearings closed with no public opposition during the board meeting; the planning staff and planning board recommendations and the board’s unanimous or voice votes carried the requests forward.

The approved text amendments will take effect according to the county’s normal ordinance enactment schedule; the county did not state an effective date at the meeting.