Levy Court approves rezoning of Maidstone Branch Road parcel to general business

Kent County Levy Court on Tuesday approved ordinance LC25-29, rezoning a portion of a parcel on Maidstone Branch Road to general business to accommodate a small expansion and truck maneuvering for a longtime local business.

Planner Kiefer told commissioners the property is split-zoned AR (agricultural residential) and IG (general industrial) and that the planning commission and staff recommended a modified approval reducing the applicant's original request from 1.3 acres to 1.1 acres. Kiefer said the change from industrial to general business will allow less intensive uses and the parcel’s small size will limit potential future commercial intensity.

At the public hearing, applicant Alan King said his family’s business — established decades ago as a cabinet shop and now operating as retail — needs additional area for parking and to allow semis to turn around. "We're looking to possibly extend our parking area… because of big trucks, semis, and stuff like that coming in and turning around, we need a little bit more room," King said.

Commissioner Hall moved to approve the rezoning to 1.1 acres as shown in exhibit E, noting the planning commission’s unanimous modified recommendation; Commissioner Pepper seconded. The court voted unanimously in favor, with all present commissioners recorded as voting yes.

The ordinance was adopted at the business meeting; no conditions beyond the exhibit and staff recommendation were read into the record. Commissioners said the smaller rezoned footprint helped address concerns about intensification while meeting the applicant’s operational needs.