Launch Recite Me assistive technology
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH CENTER
File #: 25-0391    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
File created: 7/31/2025 In control: Planning
On agenda: 8/18/2025 Final action:
Title: Vote to approve an ordinance and adopt a resolution approving the consistency statement for a rezoning by Stephen Stafford on Parcels 9815 and 64619, located at 14897 US 421 S, from R-1 Residential to CD-RB Conditional District Regional Business, on approximately 3.91 acres, for a self mini warehouse storage facility, Gulf Township
Indexes: Comp Plan Goal 1: Preserve the rural character and lifestyle of Chatham County, Comp Plan Goal 3: Promote a compact growth pattern by developing in and near existing towns, communities, and in designated, well planned, walkable, mixed use centers., Comp Plan Goal 4: Diversify the tax base and generate more high-quality, in-county jobs to reduce dependence on residential property taxes, create economic opportunity and reduce out-commuting.
Attachments: 1. More information from the Planning department website, 2. Stafford Mini Storage Ordinance Apprvg Rezoning, 3. Stafford Mini Storage Consist Stmnt Resolution
Related files: 25-0272
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
No records to display.

Title

Vote to approve an ordinance and adopt a resolution approving the consistency statement for a rezoning by Stephen Stafford on Parcels 9815 and 64619, located at 14897 US 421 S, from R-1 Residential to CD-RB Conditional District Regional Business, on approximately 3.91 acres, for a self mini warehouse storage facility, Gulf Township

 

Abstract

Introduction & Background: A legislative public hearing was held June 16, 2025. Planning staff presented the request. The applicant and their representative, Michael Blakely, were present to answer questions. No one signed up to speak.

 

The applicant met with the Appearance Commission on April 23, 2025. The plan was recommended for approval with suggested changes as shown on the submitted site plan. The applicant agreed to all recommended changes.

 

The applicant held a community meeting on April 7, 2025. No one attended the meeting.                     
                     

Discussion & Analysis: When determining whether a rezoning request should be approved under Section 5 Conditional Zoning Districts, the following findings must be supported.

1.                     The alleged error in the Ordinance, if any, that would be remedied by the proposed amendment with a detailed explanation of such error in the Ordinance and detailed reasons how the proposed amendment will correct the same. No errors are being made.

2.                     The changed or changing conditions, if any, of the area or in the County generally, which make the proposed amendment reasonably necessary to the promotion of public health, safety, and general welfare. There is a mini-outdoor storage facility 8.5 miles from this proposed site. With a new subdivision that has been approved in the Goldston planning jurisdiction and others in the process of submitting, this service can provide temporary storage of items that projected homebuyers may need. This service can also benefit the county and residents in Lee County by providing an enclosed, indoor storage facility in close proximity to current and upcoming development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoning map of the area. Proposed site outlined in yellow

3.                     The manner in which the proposed amendment will carry out the intent and purpose of any adopted plans or part thereof. The property is located within the Village Center node of the land use plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Land Use Plan map

 

Page 39, Goal 1 is being met by providing commercial uses in Village Centers without impacting rural nodes.

 

Page 39, Goal 3 is being met locating in an area to compact growth of non-residential development by locating new development within ETJs or County centers.

 

Page 39, Goal 4 is supporting employment opportunities and adding the non-residential tax base.

 

Page 63, Land Use Policy 3 is supported by locating a mix of uses within the existing and future center nodes.

 

Page 103, natural resources are being preserved by keeping 74% of the site undeveloped and no streams or wetlands affected.

 

4.                     The requested amendment is either essential or desirable for the public convenience or welfare. The facility will utilize the existing driveway located on Gulf Road (side road off US 421) and will be brought up to NCDOT commercial driveway standards as well as fire access standards. Traffic generation is expected to be approximately 1-5 vehicles per day, which does not affect the current capacity for US 421.

 

The landscape plan has a 20 ft Type A, opaque buffer on the sides and rear of the parcel. The front will have a 20 ft Type B, semi-opaque buffer and any outdoor storage will be screened with an opaque fence.

 

There will be one sign on the property fronting on US 421 that will meet county ordinance regulations.

 

5.                     All other circumstances, factors, and reasons 18750which the applicant offers in support of the proposed amendment. No water or wastewater will be required for this site. The existing driveway will meet NCDOT and fire access standards and will serve both parcels.

 

The proposed on-site stormwater device will be a wet pond with a riser to control outlet flow and meet county stormwater requirements.

 

The property can develop a total of no more than 36% impervious surface for the entire project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watershed and Flood Map

 

USGS and NRCS Maps

 

How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:

Page 39, Goal 1 is being met by providing commercial uses in Village Centers without impacting rural nodes.

 

Page 39, Goal 3 is being met locating in an area to compact growth of non-residential development by locating new development within ETJs or County centers.

 

Page 39, Goal 4 is supporting employment opportunities and adding the non-residential tax base.

 

Page 63, Land Use Policy 3 is supported by locating a mix of uses within the existing and future center nodes.

 

Page 103, natural resources are being preserved by keeping 74% of the site undeveloped and no streams or wetlands affected.

 

Budgetary Impact: N/A

 

The Planning Board reviewed the application during their regular meeting on July 1, 2025. There was a brief discussion about the application and comments by some members who hoped to see more small retail businesses locate within the Village Center node. The Planning Board voted unanimously 11-0 to recommend approval of the request.

                     

Recommendation/Motion: The Planning Board recommends adoption of a resolution approving the following consistency statement to the Board of Commissioners by vote of 11-0.

 

•                     The rezoning is consistent with the land use plan by locating within a Village Center node and minimizes impacts on residential by preserving 74% of the property in open, undeveloped area.

 

The Planning Board recommends adoption of an ordinance approving the rezoning request by Stephen Stafford on Parcels 9815 and 64619, located at 14897 US 421 S, from R-1 Residential to CD-RB Conditional District Regional Business, on approximately 3.91 acres, for a self mini warehouse storage facility to the Board of Commissioners by vote of 11-0 with the following conditions.

 

Motion to approve an Ordinance and adopt a resolution approving the consistency statement for a rezoning by Stephen Stafford on Parcels 9815 and 64619, located at 14897 US 421 S, from R-1 Residential to CD-RB Conditional District Regional Business, on approximately 3.91 acres, for a self mini warehouse storage facility, Gulf Township.