Apex planning board approves small expansion of Viridian SD zoning

The Apex Planning Board on a voice vote approved rezoning about 1.52 acres into the Viridian Sustainable Development conditional zoning district, moving the parcels from residential-agricultural to SDCC zoning.

Planning staffer Amanda Bunce, presenting the proposal, said the rezoning is consistent with the town's 2045 Land Use Map, which designates the parcels as regional mixed use, and recommended approval with the conditions the applicant offered. "The rezoning is consistent with the 2045 land use map and the rezoning is reasonable and in the public interest because it will encourage more efficient and compatible development of the properties," Bunce said.

Leticia Shapiro, attorney for the applicant (RXR Realty), said the two parcels are being added into the Viridian SD plan and, if approved, would become subject to the Viridian SD plan, the environmental enhancement plan and the pattern book. No members of the public spoke at the hearing on this item.

A board member asked about an email from an individual claiming ownership of the property; Bunce said staff had received no follow-up from that person after staff replied and clarified ownership had not been resolved in the record. The board recorded Alyssa's recusal on this item before discussion.

A motion to approve the rezoning was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the motion carried. The approved zoning will make the parcels subject to the same SD plan standards that govern adjacent Viridian properties and to the environmental enhancement requirements specified in the staff report.

Next steps: the board's approval advances the item in the town process; any changes to the town's transit or development plans cited in staff materials would require the separate amendments and public hearings described by staff.