All zoning districts would carry the designator “85-ED” for I-85 economic development.

Several pages of text spell out what the county will allow in each district, or not allow.

Here is a brief summary.

85-ED-1: High-end capital investment industry allowed; some other industry such as metal or furniture industries would be allowed with a conditional use permit. Planned unit developments with a minimum of 20 acres could be included, providing accessory or supplemental retail services for the industrial workforce. These could include food stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.

85-ED-2: All industry allowed in above category, plus distribution centers, and heavy industry such as fabrication plants. Many additional industries would be allowed with conditional use permits, including distribution centers. Similar planned unit developments of at least 20 acres would be allowed, including restaurants, automotive repair, banks, insurance agencies, lawyers and hotels.

85-ED-3: Areas with good interstate visibility and good access that would be suitable for high-end corporate headquarters. Would require a planned unit development of at least 20 acres. Accessory services allowed include restaurants, real estate agencies, hotels, membership organizations.

85-ED-4: Retail areas, minimum size 20 acres;would allow a wide range of finance, insurance and real estate operations as well as service industries including movie complexes, art galleries and amusement or recreational facilities.

All of the planned unit developments (PUDs) would require site plan approval and have proposed requirements for buffers, entranceways, signage, controlled access to streets, etc.

Complete information on the proposed new districts is available from the Rowan County Planning Department.