Council approves two rezoning requests despite Comprehensive Plan inconsistencies

The Washington City Council voted Feb. 14 to approve two separate rezoning requests after public hearings and Planning Board recommendations.

A 10.03-acre portion of a 54.68-acre tract submitted by Stephen Tucker was rezoned from I2 (Light Industrial) to RA20 (Residential Agricultural). Staff and the Planning Board noted the city’s Comprehensive Plan recommends industrial use for the broader tract; Tucker said roughly five of the 10.03 acres are in floodplain or wetlands and said he would install a paved road if needed to meet street standards. Mayor Pro Tem Richard Brooks moved to adopt the Planning Board recommendation; Councilmembers Brooks, Lou Hodges and Mike Renn voted for the rezoning and Councilmember Bobby E. Roberson opposed. The motion carried 3-1.

In a separate hearing, Thomas Harris sought rezoning of a 2.02-acre parcel at the corner of Whichard’s Beach Road and Old Fort Shores Road from RA20 to B-4 (Neighborhood Commercial) so he could reopen a convenience store he formerly operated. The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval and advised amending the Future Land Use Map to allow a small commercial node along Whichard’s Beach Road. Council approved the rezoning on a 3-1 vote, with Roberson again dissenting. Staff noted that rezoning inconsistent with the adopted plan functions as an amendment to the Future Land Use Map under state law.

In both cases, council discussion touched on access and infrastructure requirements: the Tucker property will require street construction meeting City standards because NCDOT will not permit access from U.S. 17, and the Harris parcel’s rezoning will be treated as an amendment to the Future Land Use Map if approved.

Mayor Donald R. Sadler closed the public hearings after applicant presentations and resident input. The council’s votes reflect Planning Board recommendations but also underscore ongoing tension between plan guidance and individual rezoning requests.