Indian Trail planning board recommends denying rezoning for 1830 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road

The Indian Trail Planning & Zoning Board on Dec. 16 voted to recommend denial of conditional rezoning case CZ202580 for 1830 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road, a proposal to demolish an existing house and build a 7,000-square-foot multi-tenant commercial building.

Staff told the board the roughly 2.01-acre site is currently zoned low-density single-family (SF‑1) and sits amid residential subdivisions; the town’s future land-use map shows medium-density residential for the area. Staff said water from Union County Public Works is accessible but sewer is not, and that a private septic system would be required and reviewed by Union County Environmental Health during site-plan review.

The applicant, Kenneth (Ken) Andrews, identified himself as representing the owner, Ms. Lamboo. Andrews said the owner originally intended to open an esthetician at the site and learned during a staff meeting that rezoning would be required. "The owner did purchase the property with the intent was just to open an esthetician location," Andrews said, adding the team had pushed the building toward the road, placed parking in the rear and aimed to preserve trees in front.

Residents who live near the property urged the board to keep the area residential. Jackie Parker, whose home is about 200 feet from the proposed building site, said, "It does not fit in the neighborhood." Multiple neighbors cited concerns about septic failures, odor and drainage; one attendee asked whether a septic field could discharge toward nearby cul-de-sacs. Board members and the applicant said the property perked and that the design would use a private septic system configured to allow future connection to the county sewer if it becomes available.

The applicant also noted traffic and permitting uncertainties with NCDOT. Andrews said staff and the applicant had waited months for NCDOT comments and that, as a precaution, the project's pro forma assumes a possible need for road widening or a turn lane. He described the planned tenant mix as neighborhood services such as a nail salon or a small office.

Staff presented draft conditions intended to limit uses and improve compatibility: compliance with the UDO, architecture consistent with the submitted elevations unless a higher-quality alternate is proposed, increased landscaping, and a deeded tree-save area. The staff report also proposed excluding a list of 19 uses referenced in the UDO’s Table 500.

After questions and public comment, board member Jennifer Moore moved to recommend denial of the conditional zoning request; the motion was seconded and voice votes of "Aye" were recorded. The board's recommendation is advisory; staff reminded the public that the Town Council makes the final decision and that the applicant may bring the case to council despite the planning board recommendation. Notifications of the upcoming council hearing will be issued to previously notified parties.

The board adjourned after the vote. The application will proceed to the Town Council with the planning board's recommendation to deny the rezoning.