The Franklin Planning Board is beginning the process of rezoning several areas in town.
During the Town Council’s retreat last month, Town Planner Justin Setser presented maps of seven areas where he said the current zoning does not match how the neighborhoods are currently being used. For instance, on Lake Emory Road there is an area zoned R-1, which does not allow manufactured homes but there are a number of manufactured homes there. And on the flip side, Town Mountain Estates is zoned R-2 which allows manufactured homes, but the neighborhood’s covenants do not.
“These changes being proposed are to change the zoning to be more compatible with the current character of the neighborhoods,” Setser said.
Council member David Culpepper wanted to make sure that property owners received notice and that they have the opportunity to be part of the Planning Board’s discussion.
“We don’t have to be in a hurry to do this,” he said. “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right.”
At its March 20 meeting, the Planning Board will begin reviewing the following three areas:
• PZC1 (Iotla Street, White Oak Circle, Ridgewood Drive) – The properties currently zoned MICR (Medical, Industrial, Cultural and Residential) will be proposed for R-1 Residential and Traditional Neighborhood. Approximately 49 parcels.
• PZC2 (Lake Emory Road, Memory Lane, Pannell Lane and Gilcrest Lane) – Proposed change from R-1 to R-2 Residential. Approximately 37 parcels.
• PZC7 (Vine Drive) – Proposed change from R-1 to R-2 Residential. Approximately nine parcels.
The planning department has posted the zoning maps for each area on the town website (franklinnc.com) and its Facebook page.
Once reviewed by the Planning Board, their recommendations will go back to the Town Council for a public hearing and vote.
The Town Planning Board meets at 4 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the board room on the lower level of Town Hall.
If you have any questions about the zoning of your property or in your neighborhood, contact Town Planner Justin Setser at 828-524-2516, ext. 311 or email jsetser@franklinnc.com.