Planning Commission backs rezoning for Orchard Ridge Apartments, developer to coordinate utilities with adjacent project

The Rockingham County Planning Commission voted 4–0 to recommend approval of REZ26-0759, a request from Lord & Haile LLC to rezone approximately 2.698 acres from A-2 (General Agricultural) to PMF (Planned Multi-Family) at the corner of Jim Britt Way (Rt 704) and Spotswood Trail (US 33). Senior Planner Kayla Yankey told commissioners the small remaining A-2 strip — about 2,550 square feet — is intended to be incorporated into the adjoining Ridgeview Townhome development to increase lot depth for future units and prevent setbacks from making decks nonconforming.