Council approves rezoning to let long‑time homeowner expand despite airport overlay concerns

Planning staff described rezoning Z2625 as a request to change a ~1‑acre parcel from industrial mixed use (with SHA‑2 and airport overlay) to residential mixed use RX‑3. The property contains a single‑family house built in 1980 that is a legal nonconforming use under the existing industrial zoning. Staff said approval would amend the future land use map to medium‑scale residential and that the planning commission recommended approval.

Katina Scott, the applicant, said she has lived at the property for about 45 years and sought the rezoning to expand the family home. RDU (Raleigh‑Durham Airport Authority) submitted a statement asking that, if rezoning is approved, the owner grant a navigation easement and incorporate noise‑attenuation measures in building plans to lower interior noise levels. Staff explained the navigation easement is an instrument the airport uses to prevent future legal claims related to noise; staff said a signed easement could be provided without a zoning condition but that noise‑attenuation conditions would be better enforced through zoning.

Some councilors said they were sympathetic to the longtime homeowner and noted nearby properties do not uniformly carry the airport overlay; others urged the applicant to work with RDU. After discussion, a councilor moved to adopt the staff consistency statement and approve the zoning amendment; the motion carried unanimously. Council directed staff and the applicant to continue coordination with RDU where possible.

What happens next: rezoning becomes effective per the adopted dates in the agenda; the homeowner may proceed to secure permits for the expansion, and staff will share information about mitigation requested by RDU.