Kenly council approves annexation and rezoning for Clara James property; special-use permit granted for manufactured home

Kenly — The Kenly Town Council on Jan. 13 unanimously approved annexation and rezoning of a parcel owned by Clara James Properties LLC, changing one lot from R20 to R11, and granted a special-use permit to allow relocation of a manufactured home for Sheila Hooks on Hickory Crossroads Road.

Dale Holland, interim planning director, presented both items alongside Interim Town Manager Tony Sears. Holland said the planning board recommended approval in both cases. Council Member Mark Smith moved to adopt the rezoning ordinance and Council Member Keith Davis seconded; the motion passed 4-0. The council opened and closed the public hearings before voting. The special-use permit for Sheila Hooks also passed unanimously on a separate motion by Smith and second by Davis.

Why it matters: The rezoning reduces the minimum-lot requirement on the affected lot from R20 to R11 zoning standards, aligning it with adjacent R11 properties and enabling denser residential use. The special-use permit allows the relocation of a manufactured home in compliance with town ordinance requirements; the planning board found the proposal consistent with local standards.

Details: Holland noted the planning board’s unanimous recommendation for both items. The hearing records show no public opposition recorded during the hearings. Councilors discussed procedural items briefly and moved to approve both actions without amendment.

Next steps: The rezoning ordinance and the special-use permit are effective as adopted. Any required permitting or inspections for the manufactured home relocation will proceed through the town’s permitting process.