Commission approves small rezoning for forestry-consulting office at Southampton Parkway

The Southampton County Planning Commission voted to rezone a one-acre parcel on Southampton Parkway from A1 agricultural to B1 business so the property can be used as an office for a forestry consulting business.

Matthew Gillette, who said he was speaking on behalf of his father, William F. Gillette, told commissioners the small building will be used as office space for a four-person forestry-consulting operation. "It's just going to be, you know, daily traffic coming to and from, so it won't be much traffic at all," Gillette said, describing conversion of a three-bedroom former rental house to offices.

Commissioners discussed the nature of B1 uses and the applicant's commitment to run the site as office space only. The motion to approve included a condition limiting the property to office use for the forestry-consulting business; the motion passed unanimously.

Planning staff recommended the condition referencing the applicant's letter that requested office use. The commission instructed staff to document the condition in the rezoning file and to provide the applicant with hearing minutes and next steps for building or site approvals.

Because the parcel is small and the applicant limited uses, commissioners indicated they expected minimal traffic and no material change to neighborhood character, but they noted the property will remain subject to county site-approval procedures and any required permits.