January 2026 Morganton Design and Development Meeting

The City of Morganton Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on January 8, 2026, primarily to consider a rezoning application for a 6.145-acre property at 595 Cosby Road from Exclusive Industrial District (EID) to High Intensity District (HID). The rezoning would allow a broader range of uses, including commercial and retail services, which are currently not permitted under the EID zoning. The applicant, representing national fuel retailers, proposed developing a truck stop with associated quick service retail and coffee facilities to address a regional shortage of truck stops along major interstate corridors. Public concerns were raised about increased truck traffic, road safety on Cosby Road, environmental impacts on local streams, and the adequacy of infrastructure and traffic management. The commission discussed these issues and emphasized that any development would require compliance with stormwater and environmental regulations, as well as coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) for road access and improvements. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning to the City Council, which will consider the matter in a future meeting. Additionally, the commission discussed upcoming updates to the city's zoning, subdivision, stormwater, and watershed ordinances, with a consultant expected to be selected soon to lead a comprehensive review process anticipated to take 16 to 18 months, involving public and stakeholder engagement.