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Hertford council rejects proposal to allow multi-family homes in R-A zone
Summary
The council voted 4-0 on March 23 to deny a proposed text amendment that would have permitted multi-family dwellings in the R-A (residential-agricultural) zone, finding the change inconsistent with the zone’s purpose.
The Town of Hertford council on March 23 voted unanimously to reject a proposed text amendment that would have allowed multi-family dwellings in the R-A (residential-agricultural) zone. Manager Doris Walton reported the planning/zoning board (PZBOA) did not approve the amendment and deferred the issue to council. Councilman Evan Copeland moved to decline the change on the basis that it conflicts with the R-A zone’s stated purpose of maintaining low-density residential and agricultural uses where water and sewer are not available; Councilman Keith Rouse seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Why it matters: The R-A zone in the town’s zoning ordinance is intended for low-density uses with a minimum lot area of 20,000 square feet. Permitting multi-family units in that zone would change density expectations and potentially require water/sewer infrastructure upgrades.
What was decided: The council’s denial preserves the existing R-A zone definition and minimum lot-size standard. No amendments or conditional allowances were approved.
Next steps: The planning board and staff may return with alternative zoning options or site-specific reclassifications if applicants wish to pursue higher-density housing under different rules or infrastructure plans.
Attribution: The motion and rationale were recorded in the town minutes and described by Manager Doris Walton during the work session.
