Lee County commissioners approve two rezoning requests for light-industrial use

The Lee County Board of Commissioners on May 6 approved two zoning map amendments that will allow light-industrial uses along Lower Montcure Road and Cumnock Road.

Planning staff (Amy McNeil) told commissioners the planning board unanimously recommended approval of an 18.43-acre portion of a 30.12-acre tract on Lower Montcure Road to change from residential-agricultural to light industrial to accommodate uses such as a self-storage facility. McNeil said the request aligns with the county’s long-range plan and noted adjacent parcels include heavy industrial zoning. "The planning board met on April 15 after the public hearing was held and recommended by a unanimous vote that the commissioners approve the request," McNeil said.

On Cumnock Road, McNeil said the planning board voted 6–1 to recommend rezoning 9.6 acres from residential-restricted and multifamily (MF-12) to light industrial. She told the board the request was not consistent with the Stanley long-range plan designation (village neighborhood) but that commissioners may still approve the change. Commissioners questioned allowed uses in the light-industrial district, airport-related height and density limitations, and potential impacts from blasting during future development. McNeil said developers had not submitted construction drawings and that officials would review site plans and coordinate with airport authorities before permitting.

Commissioners voted on two separate motions required by the rezoning process: one to determine plan consistency and one to approve each rezoning. For the Lower Montcure Road item the board found the amendment consistent with the Stanley land-use designation and then approved the rezoning. For the Cumnock Road item, the board officially acknowledged the proposed amendment was not consistent with the long-range plan but approved the rezoning after discussion. Voice votes were taken and recorded as "aye," and the chair declared the motions carried.

What happens next

Approvals change the parcels' zoning designations; any specific development proposals will require submittal of site plans and separate review for building, grading and any airport-related requirements. Planning staff noted that future development proposals will be circulated to appropriate agencies and that staff will return to the board if site-specific issues require further action.