Neighbors raise flooding, conservation concerns as Planning Board backs Rishel rezoning to R-15

On March 5 the Onslow County Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of a rezoning application for the Rishel II property (PREZ-2026-00001), changing the parcel from Conservation (CON) to R-15.

Planner Jade Batchelor summarized the application. Applicants Carol and John Rishel said they withdrew a prior request after neighbors expressed concerns and refiled under R-15; they told the board their intent is to build a single-family home and that they do not plan to subdivide the parcel. Carol Rishel said the couple postponed development until retirement.

Several nearby residents spoke in opposition or with concerns. Amy Ergus presented a citizen survey she conducted showing 40 responses: 20 favored keeping the entire parcel Conservation, 17 favored keeping half Conservation, and 3 supported rezoning. Other neighbors—John Dematteo, Danny Spell and Sarah Lutz—raised concerns about recurring flooding in the area, tree loss and possible subdivision. Spell, a nearby contractor, told the board that local road drainage and NCDOT participation factor into flooding and that his engineering work with NCDOT is ongoing.

Staff clarified that subdivision review is an administrative process that would not require a board meeting and that staff had no building permit application on file for the parcel. Carter Metcalf told the board that deed restrictions could be placed by the owner voluntarily but could not be required by staff. Board member Brandon Howard said he believed the applicants’ representations and moved to recommend approval; the motion passed unanimously, and the board approved the related consistency statement.

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.