Cleveland County approves rezoning for SCS Transmission Services at former rescue‑squad site

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners voted to approve Planning Case 25‑16, rezoning the 4.5‑acre parcel at 1032 West Stagecoach Trail from residential to general business with a conditional district to allow operation by SCS Transmission Services.

Planner Chris Martin presented the request and said the property — the former Upper Cleveland Rescue Squad site on the corner of Highway 182 and Churchview Road, just outside Lawndale — is currently occupied by the applicant and is compatible with the county land‑use plan and surrounding commercial uses. Martin said the planning board reviewed the application and unanimously recommended approval.

Justin Workman, representing SCS Transmission Services, told the commissioners the company has occupied the property since October under a lease with an option to purchase that the company will only exercise if the zoning change is approved. Workman said the business plans to use the existing 7,000‑square‑foot building with about three to four office staff, routine crew mobilization and quarterly safety trainings, and to stage equipment on site.

Commissioners discussed consistency with the land‑use plan and the planning board’s recommendation. Commissioner (Speaker 7) moved to approve the rezoning and Commissioner (Speaker 5) seconded; Chair (Speaker 1) called for the voice vote and the motion passed. The transcript records approval by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was provided in the public record.

The board’s action allows SCS Transmission Services to proceed under the conditional district terms; if a future owner proposes a different use the conditional zoning would require a return to the board for consideration.

The county clerk closed the public hearing following the applicant’s remarks and the board moved directly to the vote.