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Zebulun approves Wawa plan development with design deviations and traffic improvements
Summary
The board approved a plan development allowing a Wawa convenience store with gas sales after the applicant committed to traffic controls, completing a segment of Jones Street, and site improvements tied to the unusual three‑frontage lot.
ZEBULUN — The Zebulun Board of Commissioners approved a plan development application May 4 that will allow a Wawa convenience store with gasoline sales on a 1.76‑acre site in the town’s heavy‑commercial corridor, subject to multiple design deviations and conditions.
Planning staff told commissioners the site is difficult to redevelop because it fronts three streets and requires circulation improvements. To address safety and access, the applicant has proposed to construct a missing portion of Jones Street, install traffic controls and a median on Pierce’s Road, and reconfigure driveways so the site functions safely for customers and nearby intersections. “More connections relieve congestion faster and more effectively than widening a road,” the planning director said, arguing that completing Jones Street will improve overall circulation and emergency access.
The applicant’s presentation said the project anticipates about $7 million in private investment and about 40 permanent jobs. Wawa counsel emphasized that the proposal includes deviations from strict UDO design standards — for example, siting the fuel canopy between the building and a street, modified glazing/transparency percentages for storefront facades, and larger canopy signage to maintain visibility when the building is set back. Attorney Molly Stewart and Wawa representative Payman Nadimi told the board the company will maximize transparency where practical and provide traffic and pedestrian improvements in exchange for the deviations.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about visibility, signage size, and how the proposed median and signal improvements would reduce conflict points at adjacent intersections. Planning staff recommended approval of the plan development with specified conditions and noted the planning board had recommended approval. The board voted to approve ordinance 2026‑33, finding the PD standards in UDO section 2.2.25.J and section 3.5 were met and that the proposal was consistent with the comprehensive land‑use plan.
What’s next: The approval authorizes the PD with conditions; site‑level construction permits, final engineering and required off‑site traffic work must be carried out before occupancy. The applicant said it will coordinate required roadway and signal work with NCDOT and town staff.
