TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland - Assistant City Manager
Dr. Gerald Newton, AICP - Development Services Director
FROM: Craig Harmon - Senior Planner
DATE: June 23, 2025
RE:
Title
Approve P25-26: A request to rezone from SF-10 to LC at 5324 Raeford Road (READ #0407809767000) owned by EQUATOR FORTUNE PARTNERS LLC;FAYETTEVILLE HOMES FOR YOU INC;JAYDOT INVESTING GROUP LLC.
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
9 - Hondros
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal II: Responsive City Government Supporting a Diverse and Viable Economy
Goal III: City Invested in Today and Tomorrow
Executive Summary:
Property owners are seeking to rezone a 0.43-acre parcel on the north side of Raeford Road, between Pompton Drive and Cindy Drive from Single-Family Residential 10 (SF-10) to Limited Commercial (LC) for commercial use.
On June 10, 2025, the Zoning Commission head a legislative hearing regarding this case. There was one speaker in favor and none in opposition. The Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval.
Background:
Owners: EQUATOR FORTUNE PARTNERS LLC; FAYETTEVILLE HOMES FOR YOU INC; JAYDOT INVESTING GROUP LLC
Applicant: Emelia Noa
Requested Action: SF-10 to LC
REID #: 0407809767000
Council District: 9 - Hondros
Status of Properties: Single Family Residential
Size: 0.43 acres ±
Adjoining Land Use and Zoning:
North: SF-10 - Single Family Residential
South: LC - Commercial
East: LC - Commercial
West: LC - Commercial
• Annual Average Daily Traffic 2022
Raeford Rd: 36,000
• Postcards Mailed: 98
2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Map:
Comprehensive plans and future land use maps are essential tools for guiding long-term development decisions. Fayetteville’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in May 2020, is a product of extensive community engagement and outlines the city’s vision for future growth.
The plan designates the subject property for CSR - Commercial Strip Redevelopment, allowing for a commercial mixed-use area that encourages high density residential redevelopment as part of the land use mix to spur private investment. Target areas include clusters of underutilized commercial strip properties.
Issues/Analysis:
History: Cumberland County GIS records indicate the property has had a single-family home on it since at least 1968. This property has remained residential while the surrounding properties have transitioned to commercial uses. Currently there is a car lot on one side of this property and a hair/skin care business on the other side.
Rezoning Request: This proposal seeks to rezone a 0.43-acres from Single-Family Residential 10 (SF-10) to Limited Commercial (LC) to accommodate future commercial development. Please keep in mind that once rezoned all uses allowed in the LC district could be built there.
The LC zoning district permits a range of moderate-intensity commercial activities serving multiple neighborhoods, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and retail shops. This zoning category prioritizes compatibility with residential areas, discouraging high-impact commercial uses. Mixed-use development, with residential units above commercial spaces, is encouraged. The property is connected to public water and sewer infrastructure and has not been recently annexed.
The project is anticipated to promote logical and orderly growth by expanding existing commercial uses within a designated area. This rezoning would complete the rezoning to commercial for this strip of Raeford Road.
Straight Zoning: This request is for a direct rezoning of the property from Single-Family Residential 10 (SF-10) to Limited Commercial (LC) without any conditions. Rezoning reclassifies the land, allowing for the uses specified in the Unified Development Ordinance’s (UDO) Use Table for the LC zoning category. The City Council cannot impose additional restrictions or requirements on permitted uses, building size, or other development standards.
Land Use Plan Analysis:
The proposed rezoning aligns with the Future Land Use Plan’s (FLUP) vision for Commercial Strip Redevelopment by introducing moderate-intensity commercial development. To fully realize the FLUP’s goals, careful planning is essential to balance commercial activity with residential compatibility, address traffic concerns, and incorporate residential components. The Technical Review Committee will play a critical role in ensuring that any future development aligns with these principles.
Alignment with the 2040 Future Land Use Plan:
The proposed rezoning is consistent with the goals and strategies outlined in the 2040 Future Land Use Plan.
Strategic, Compatible Growth:
• Infrastructure Focus: The site's location along McArthur Road, is in an area with established infrastructure, aligns with the plan's emphasis on growth in well-served locations.
• Economic Development: The proposed gas store supports the plan's goal of promoting economic development by providing services to multiple neighborhoods.
• Commercial Corridor Revitalization: The project contributes to the revitalization of underutilized commercial areas by introducing a new business to the corridor.
Safe, Stable, and Attractive Neighborhoods:
• Quality Neighborhoods: The LC zoning district's emphasis on compatibility with surrounding areas supports the creation of a stable and attractive neighborhood.
• Diverse Housing Options: While the immediate proposal focuses on commercial use, the potential for future residential development above commercial space aligns with the plan's goal of promoting a mix of housing types.
Environmental Stewardship:
• Open Space Preservation: The proposal can incorporate open space elements, exceeding the plan's minimum requirement and contributing to the overall green space network.
• Connected Greenways: Future planning efforts can integrate pedestrian pathways to connect the site to existing or planned greenways.
• Resiliency and Sustainability: By incorporating advanced stormwater management techniques and considering Low Impact Development (LID) strategies, the project can significantly reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the city's resiliency goals.
Budget Impact:
No immediate budgetary issues are seen, related to this rezoning.
Options:
1. City Council moves to approve the map amendment to LC as presented, finding it consistent with the Future Land Use Plan as demonstrated in the attached consistency and reasonableness statement.
2. City Council moves to approve the map amendment to a more restrictive zoning district, finding it consistent with the Future Land Use Plan as demonstrated in the amended consistency statement.
3. City Council moves to deny the map amendment request, finding it inconsistent with the Future Land Use Plan.
Recommended Action:
The Zoning Commission and Professional Planning Staff recommend that the City Council approve the map amendment to LC. This recommendation is based on the following findings:
• The proposed zoning change aligns with the Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
• Permitted uses and development standards for the LC district are appropriate for the site given surrounding zoning and land uses.
• There are no anticipated negative impacts to public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.
Attachments:
1. Plan Application
2. Aerial Notification Map
3. Zoning Map
4. Land Use Plan Map
5. Subject Properties
6. Surrounding Properties
7. Consistency and Reasonableness Statement