Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chowan County approves rezoning for Chambers Ferry Road parcels despite concerns about lot sizes
Summary
The Chowan County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 on Feb. 17 to rezone roughly 9.74 acres at 921 and 927 Chambers Ferry Road from A-1 to R-15 to enable a future subdivision; opponents cited septic and crowding concerns and commissioners said subdivision engineering and perc tests would come at a later stage.
The Chowan County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 on Feb. 17 to rezone about 9.74 acres at 921 and 927 Chambers Ferry Road from agricultural (A-1) to R-15, a change the applicant said would permit smaller lots and lower-priced, stick-built or modular homes.
Planner Brandon Shoaf presented the staff report and told the board the rezoning request is limited to land-use designation and does not itself create lots or permit manufactured homes: "R-15 only allows for stick built or modular homes," Shoaf said. He said perc testing and detailed subdivision engineering would occur if and when a preliminary plat is submitted.
Applicant Chris Hehl said his company, CSH Builders, has built smaller homes in the area and that subdividing into smaller lots would enable more affordable housing choices: "Smaller lots will allow me to create a development where the home prices are lower and affordable," Hehl said.
Opponents, including neighboring property owner Edward Basnight speaking personally, voiced concern about density and neighborhood fit. "I understand the need for affordable housing, but 20 homes on 9 acres could create crowding compared with surrounding lots," Basnight said.
Commissioner Larry McLaughlin said he was not convinced the request fit the county’s rural character and voted against both a motion on consistency with the Land Use Plan and the rezoning. Commissioners ultimately found the rezoning consistent with the 2018 Land Use Plan by a 6-1 vote and then approved the rezoning 5-2, with McLaughlin and Commissioner Ellis Lawrence opposed.
County Manager Kevin Howard and planner Shoaf emphasized that any future subdivision of five or more lots will require a formal preliminary plat and Board approval and that soil percolation tests and road-access work would be considered at that stage.
The board’s action changes the zoning designation only; specific lot sizes, septic approvals, road access and home construction details will be decided in subsequent subdivision and permitting reviews.
