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Commissioners approve conditional rezoning for ProLogistix site on Pierce Road with added buffers and use exclusions
Summary
The Johnston County Board of Commissioners approved Case 25‑15, rezoning a Pierce Road parcel to a multi‑tenant industrial classification with conditions that add extensive use exclusions, require landscaping buffers (120–250 feet variable, plus a 15‑foot planting strip), and prohibit data centers; the board discussed enforcement and truck routing before voting to approve.
The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted March 16 to approve Case 25‑15, a conditional rezoning for a ProLogistix site on Pierce Road, adopting a statement of consistency and the applicant’s amended conditions.
Jason Baron, attorney for ProLogistix, told the board the western buffer on the site varies “at its shortest point, it's about a 120 feet. And at its deepest point, it's closer to 250 feet,” and said the proposal includes a 15‑foot landscaping strip adjacent to the proposed drive aisle to provide screening. Planning Director Newton summarized that the applicant submitted amended conditions that add exclusions and clarify several uses, and that the final conditions include additional buffering on the western and eastern boundaries to provide visual separation from adjacent neighborhoods.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on whether heavy industrial uses would be permitted under the conditional zoning. Baron said the amended language was intended to prohibit heavy manufacturing and allow light industrial and fabrication uses only. An attendee and at least one commissioner asked whether specific uses listed in the application (for example, meat‑packing) might still qualify as heavy industry; planning staff agreed that the conditions were intended to limit heavy industrial activities and that several heavy uses had been explicitly excluded.
Board members also discussed traffic impacts and whether to condition a NCDOT driveway permit to limit left‑turn movements from the site onto Pierce Road. One commissioner raised a public‑safety concern, saying in emergency circumstances a strict left‑turn prohibition could prevent needed access. Planning staff explained that driveway controls and traffic movement requirements are within the board’s purview and can be set as conditions, and that NCDOT driveway permits and any required roadway improvements would be addressed during site plan review.
On enforcement, Planning Director Newton described the post‑approval process: site plans proceed to the Technical Review Committee for review of landscaping, stormwater, erosion control and building inspections; the county inspects construction to verify conditions are implemented; if required buffers or conditions fail to be maintained staff can issue a notice of violation and, in persistent cases, pursue remedies that could include nullifying the conditional zoning.
Commissioner Godwin moved to adopt the statement of consistency and approve the rezoning request with the conditions as discussed; a second was made and the board voted aye. The chair declared the motion carried and that zoning for the parcel was approved.
The board’s action approves the rezoning with the amended list of exclusions, the required buffers and landscaping, and the condition that the site shall not be used as a data center. Further details on permitted tenant types, driveway access and required site‑level improvements will be confirmed through the site plan and permitting process.
The board did not record a roll‑call vote; the motion passed by voice vote. The applicant will proceed to design, submit a site plan and obtain NCDOT driveway permits and a development permit before construction and occupancy can occur.
