Commission approves rezoning of three airport parcels to industrial development

Planning staff presented a request to rezone three county‑owned parcels in the airport area (tax map numbers cited in the record) from residential to industrial development to align zoning with airport operations and anticipated future infrastructure, including hangars and a possible terminal building.

Lenny Sansone, the airport manager, explained that the county acquired the parcels and that annexations by neighboring towns had previously left parts of the airport area with residential zoning inconsistent with airport use. Sansone said the rezoning would allow the county to develop airport facilities and ensure appropriate buffers where needed; staff emphasized that site‑plan review and buffer requirements would apply and that any future hangars or industrial buildings would be subject to those standards.

Commissioner motioned to accept staff recommendation to change zoning for the three identified parcels from residential to industrial development; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff noted that site‑plan review and applicable buffer standards will address compatibility with adjacent residential uses and school sites, and that FAA approval is required for airport layout and operational changes.