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Board denies Richlands Heights rezoning 5–2 after stormwater and density questions
Summary
Commissioners voted 5–2 to deny a developer’s conditional rezoning for the Richlands Heights subdivision, citing concerns about density, stormwater management and school capacity despite the applicant’s claim that permits were in place.
Onslow County commissioners voted April 20 to deny a conditional rezoning request for a 117-acre Richlands Heights development that would have allowed up to 259 single-family homes.
Planning staff described the project as a conditional R10 rezoning that included sidewalks and three stormwater ponds in its concept plan, and staff said the proposal aligns with the county’s suburban-growth designation in places. The applicant said stormwater, erosion and utility letters were in hand and that the project was ready to begin construction if approved.
Neighbors and some commissioners raised concerns about density and stormwater. Commissioners asked whether ponds would drain properly and whether final engineering would avoid downstream impacts; staff and the developer said proposed outfalls would use existing trenches and DOT rights-of-way, but details were left to later engineering.
A motion to deny the rezoning passed 5–2. The clerk recorded the tally of five in favor of denial and two opposed; the transcript records Commissioner Royce Bennett among the no votes.
The developer may choose to refine the proposal and reapply. The denial preserves the current zoning for the parcels and leaves future review to future applications and engineering submissions.
