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Beaufort County Council denies rezoning request for 3.28‑acre Pritchardville parcel after neighborhood objections
Summary
After residents raised concerns about wetlands, nearby neighborhoods and an alleged zoning violation for animal production, the council voted to deny a request to reclassify a 3.28‑acre Pritchardville parcel from T3 Edge to May River CP.
Beaufort County Council voted to deny a rezoning request for a 3.28‑acre parcel in the Pritchardville area after residents and committee recommendations opposed the change.
Carol Crutchfield, who said she lives at 4 King George Road, told the council the parcel sits near mapped wetlands that drain into Stony Creek and the May River and argued the application appeared intended to legalize an existing zoning violation allowing animals on the site. “Maps tell stories,” she said, urging the council to reject the change to protect waterways and neighborhood character.
Rob Merchant, county planning staff, told the council the site is currently zoned T3 Edge, a residential district that allows certain agricultural uses but not animal production. Merchant said the applicant applied for May River CP to rectify the citation issued after animals were being raised on the property and noted both the planning commission and the Natural Resources Committee had recommended denial.
Council members cited proximity to the Verdeer View neighborhood, conflicts with the comprehensive plan and potential adverse effects on the natural environment. Councilman Cunningham moved to deny the application, arguing it was “not consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive code” and would risk adverse impacts to water and public facilities. The motion was seconded and approved by show of hands, including two members participating online.
The denial leaves in place the current T3 Edge zoning and does not change the citation that prompted the application. Council members and staff discussed potential avenues for the property owners to address the citation, including seeking technical advice about appropriate agricultural practices, but the council took no action to rezone the parcel.
The decision follows unanimous recommendations of denial by the planning commission and the Natural Resources Committee and closes the council’s consideration of this rezoning request for now.
