Planning Board recommends conditional rezoning for Eagle Landing subdivision to allow reduced side setbacks

The Rockingham County Planning Board voted to recommend approval of a conditional rezoning for the Eagle Landing subdivision (case 2026-01) that would reduce side setbacks from 10 feet to 7.5 feet and allow the developer to add roughly 18 additional lots.

Planning staff said the property at 330 Gold Hill Road is zoned Residential Mix and proposed to remain Residential Mix with a conditional district that modifies side setbacks to accommodate slightly smaller lot widths. Staff said the property totals about 97.2 acres (one tract of 95.2 acres plus a 2-acre tract) and that the subdivision previously received TRC and Board of Commissioners approvals related to utilities.

Ray Stroll of Wentworth Holdings described the proposal as starter homes — roughly 1,500–1,800 square feet with three to four bedrooms and two baths — with expected prices in the $300,000–$350,000 range and potential construction starting late 2026 or early 2027. The applicant said a single builder would likely construct most homes.

Board members and staff discussed how the reduced setback would apply within the subdivision and confirmed that rear setbacks and buffers along the subdivision edge would remain governed by existing zoning and permitting requirements. After discussion, a board member moved and the board voted to recommend approval based on the consistency and reasonableness determinations included in the agenda packet; the recommendation will be considered by the Board of Commissioners at a future meeting.