Commissioners approve small‑site general business rezoning for Cleveland Road ice‑cream shop

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a general business rezoning for a small parcel at 11114 Cleveland Road after hearing from applicant Jayna Brown, who said she plans to build an ice‑cream shop and small craft retail on a 0.28‑acre piece of land adjacent to existing commercial uses.

Planning staff described the parcel’s context as a medium‑density residential place type within the county’s plan but noted several nearby parcels already zoned general business. Brown told the board the small existing house on the parcel was not structurally suited to her intended business, so she seeks a rezoning to build a new structure and 'clean up' the property’s zoning boundary with neighboring commercial parcels.

Commissioners discussed whether conditional zoning would be preferable, because general business zoning remains with the land and could permit different uses in the future. Staff explained conditional zoning requires a site plan and is a materially different process; commissioners noted the 0.2‑acre size of the parcel would limit future commercial intensity. After deliberation a commissioner moved to adopt a statement of consistency and approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded and the board approved by voice vote.

The approval allows uses permitted in the general business table for that parcel; no additional conditions were adopted at the time of approval. Staff reminded the board that conditional zoning remains available should the applicant wish to pursue more restrictive terms in the future.