Iredell County Planning Board members on Nov. 5 recommended approval of a zoning map amendment that would reclassify approximately 5.4 acres along Martin Lane from Residential Agricultural to Highway Business to permit expansion of an existing tire and automotive business.

Leslie Meadows, planning staff, said the parcel sits within the 2045 Horizon Plan highway destination commercial designation and is near an I‑40 interchange. Meadows noted the city of Statesville previously annexed and assigned highway business zoning to adjacent parcels and that an adjoining county parcel was zoned shopping center (converted in the county code to neighborhood business). The property is currently vacant farmland.

Applicant Billy (Bill) Martin Jr. told the board his business, Bill Martin Tire, is outgrowing its current location on Mocksville Highway and seeks to relocate and expand at the Martin Lane site. No public commenters opposed the request during the hearing.

A board member moved to recommend approval, finding consistency with the 2045 Horizon Plan; the motion passed unanimously. Applicants were reminded to appear before the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 2 for final action.