Title
Vote to approve an ordinance and adopt a resolution approving the consistency statement for a general use rezoning by Vikas & Gunsan Laad, from CD-NB to R-1 Residential on Parcel 96061, being 19.43 acres, located at 2676 Farrington Point Rd., Williams Township
Abstract
Introduction & Background:
A legislative public hearing was held June 16, 2025. Planning staff presented the request, and no-one signed up to speak.
Commissioner Howard had questions about the application and why the applicant is requesting to revert to residential and was it due to going forward with an agricultural exemption. Planning staff stated that is the intent based on the application. She also asked if the property qualifies as a bona fide farm and could the owners still have an event venue. Planning staff advised they could under the current agritourism definition of the NCGS and they would not be required to comply with zoning regulations. Staff also commented that this was general use rezoning and the commissioners should consider all of the uses allowed within the R1 zoning classification.
Discussion & Analysis:
When considering general use rezoning, all uses listed in Section 10.13 of the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance listed under the proposed zoning classification are permitted by right or require a special use permit. Uses listed as SUP3 are permitted uses by right if connected to public water and sanitary sewer. However, due to possible limitations such as wastewater capacity, access to public utilities, built upon area limits, etc., not all uses are feasible. The decision to approve a general use rezoning shall be determined by the following criteria.
1. Any alleged error in the Ordinance, if any, which would be remedied by the proposed amendment. No errors in the Ordinance are being made.
2. The changed or changing conditions, if any, make the proposed rezoning reasonably necessary. As seen in the zoning map below, the property was rezoned to Conditional District Neighborhood Business in July 2024 for an Event Venue. Since that time the applicants have decided to scale back and want to start a rose production garden through ag exemption. They plan to apply for and provide documentation of bona-fide farm status. They would be providing roses for local florists and the public.
Once established, they plan to have a small scale agritourism event venue on the property to hold gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, etc. Please note that this is a general use rezoning request and that the boards should not make a recommendation or decision based on any proposed use or site plan.
Zoning Map
3. The manner in which the proposed rezoning will carry out the intent and purpose of the adopted Land Use Plan or part thereof. The parcel is located within the Rural node of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as seen in the map below.
The application includes that a rezoning to the R-1 Residential district supports Plan Chatham and the Future Land Use and Conservation map by maintaining agricultural and rural areas with small scale supporting uses that can be developed under an agricultural exemption.
The goal strategies of the LUP are to employ approximately 4-5 employees to run and manage the farming aspect therefore creating jobs in the area. It could produce tourism by allowing visitors to come and enjoy the open space, the landscape, and purchase roses that are grown on site. The plan is to utilize county water for irrigation and for the future barn to hold small scale events. They will maintain natural areas with limited disturbances therefore protecting natural resources.
Please note that this is a general use rezoning request and that the boards should not make a recommendation or decision based on any proposed use or site plan.
4. Other factors/reasons for supporting the rezoning request. The application includes that traffic will be generated for the farming, approximately 2-3 landscaping trucks per week, use by the general public to purchase roses, and on the weekends for events in the future.
Because this will remain residential agricultural, no change in the landscape is proposed. The applicant does plan to plant some additional evergreen trees on the roadside of the property for visual screening and protection. The existing ponds are to remain, and they plan to install fountains in them.
Under an agricultural exemption, the property is exempt from zoning regulations. However, the applicant states they will have minimal lighting for the farming activities and future event space, and signage will be placed at the entrance of the farm.
Please note that this is a general use rezoning request and that the boards should not make a recommendation or decision based on any proposed use or site plan.
5. All other information required on this application or as offered by the applicant in support of the request. At this time, they will connect to the county water system for irrigation and in the future for restrooms for an event space. There is an existing driveway that is proposed to be used for access, but NCDOT will make a final determination on access to the property.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
The application includes that a rezoning to the R-1 Residential district supports Plan Chatham and the Future Land Use and Conservation map by maintaining agricultural and rural areas with small scale supporting uses that can be developed under an agricultural exemption.
Budgetary Impact: N/A
This item was on the consent agenda for the Planning Board on July 1, 2025 was recommended for approval by a vote of 11-0.
Recommendation/Motion: The Planning Board recommends approval of a resolution approving the following consistency statement to the Board of Commissioners by unanimous vote of 11-0.
The general use rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan by preserving rural character and protecting environmental resources as outlined in Chapters 2 and 3.
The Planning Board recommends adoption of an ordinance approving a rezoning request by Vikas & Gunsan Laad, from CD-NB to R-1 Residential on Parcel 96061, being 19.43 acres, located at 2676 Farrington Point Rd to the Board of Commissioners by unanimous vote of 11-0.
Motion to approve an ordinance and adopt a resolution approving the consistency statement for a general use rezoning by Vikas & Gunsan Laad, from CD-NB to R-1 Residential on Parcel 96061, being 19.43 acres, located at 2676 Farrington Point Rd., Williams Township.