Lincoln County opens hearings on initial zoning for 86 parcels transferred from Catawba County

Lincoln County planning staff introduced ZMA 746 on the reestablished Catawba–Lincoln county line, a request by Lincoln County to apply county zoning to 86 parcels that are currently under Catawba County jurisdiction.

Josh, a planning staff member, told the joint Planning Board and Board of Commissioners that the parcels would receive initial county zoning mapped to corresponding Lincoln districts — including general business, industrial general, rural residential and several residential categories — chosen to reflect surrounding uses. Staff included a statement of consistency and a packet of exhibits listing each parcel and the recommended conversions.

During the public hearing resident Russ Granger of 4501 Gilbert Road said the boundary and renaming of his road to “Lincoln Gilbert” have created confusion for emergency dispatch and GPS navigation. “When I call 911…they transferred me back and forth between counties and nobody showed up,” Granger said, adding he wanted an electronic addressing system so responders can locate driveways precisely.

No additional speakers signed up for the rezoning item; the board closed the hearing without a final vote on ZMA 746. The planning board is scheduled to deliberate and return a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on March 17 at 6:30 p.m., per the chair’s announcement.

The transcript and staff packet show ZMA 746 remains under consideration: staff documented parcel lists and a consistency statement, and the public record will include the planning board’s recommendation when issued.