ROCKINGHAM — Several Richmond County residents are in favor of a zoning change that would allow for the placement of manufactured homes on property where that currently isn’t allowed.
Planning Director Tracy Parrish told commissioners during a public hearing Tuesday that the 129 parcels in question were added to the county’s jurisdiction in early 2020 when they were released from the city of Rockingham’s ETJ.
Parrish said one resident came before the planning board wanting to place a mobile home on her property which was allowed under the city’s zoning.
When the county took it over, Parrish added, the parcels were rezoned as county residential, which doesn’t allow manufactured homes, duplexes or apartments. However, changing that area, around the Little Philadelphia community, to rural residential would.
According to Parrish, around 40-50 parcels meet the 40,000 square-foot lot-size requirement.
Parrish read two letters in favor of the rezoning proposal, including from the woman who made the initial request, adding that her office had received no letters in opposition.
While the main request involves a mobile home, Parrish reminded commissioners that are required to consider all uses a zoning change would allow.
The planning board has recommended rezoning, she said.
Residents have an additional 24 hours from Tuesday’s meeting to submit written comments either for or against the proposal.
Commissioners will meet again Thursday morning at 10 a.m. to hear those comments and make a decision.
