Two Rezoning Requests Advance in Apex: Ashburn Development's Residential Project, and Jordan Lutheran Church
Planning board recommends both projects for approval by town council at its upcoming meeting.
Apex, NC, Jul. 26, 2025 — At its July 14 meeting, the Apex Planning Board reviewed and recommended approval for two rezoning requests that could reshape development on both the western and northern edges of town. The board's actions now move the proposals to the Town Council for final consideration.
Ashburn PUD: A New Residential Community Near Parkside at Bella Casa and Buckhorn Preserve
The first case, Rezoning #24CZ10 (file), involves a 15.3-acre site located at 0 & 0 Mt. Zion Church Road. The applicants, Ashburn Development and JV Management, seek to rezone the property from Rural Residential to Planned Unit Development-Conditional Zoning (PUD-CZ) to create a mixed residential neighborhood called Ashburn PUD.
Surrounded by existing neighborhoods such as Parkside at Bella Casa and Buckhorn Preserve, the proposed development features a mix of townhomes and single-family homes with alley-loaded access, totaling no more than 74 units. The proposed density of 4.8 units per acre falls within the town’s 2045 Land Use Map designation for Medium Density Residential.
Key features of the plan include:
Architectural standards that prohibit vinyl siding and require varied materials and facade detailing.
Rear-alley garages for all single-family homes.
Sidewalks along all internal streets and improved pedestrian access along Mt. Zion Church Road.
A significant component of the proposal involves realigning Hammocks Beach Trail, including the addition of a roundabout at its intersection with Mt. Zion Church Road. This change, which also includes adjustments to bicycle and pedestrian pathways, was presented as a separate amendment to the Apex Transportation Plan and was likewise recommended for approval by the Planning Board.
While the proposal includes enhanced stormwater controls, electric vehicle charging outlets, and pet waste stations as suggested by the Environmental Advisory Board, the developer declined to include any affordable housing units, despite a recommendation to designate at least 5% of homes for that purpose.
The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of both the rezoning and the transportation plan amendment.
Jordan Lutheran Church: Returning with a New Zoning Approach
The second request, Rezoning #25CZ02 (file), centers on 6.22 acres at 1201 Chapel Ridge Road, where Jordan Lutheran Church is seeking to revive plans for a house of worship. The property was previously approved for a church via a Minor Site Plan in 2019; however, that approval expired after three years of inactivity.
Rather than reapplying through a Special Use Permit process now required under Apex’s updated development code, the church has proposed rezoning the land from Rural Residential to Planned Commercial-Conditional Zoning (PC-CZ).
If approved, the rezoning would change the site’s designation on the 2045 Land Use Map from Medium Density Residential to Commercial Services. The surrounding area already includes commercial and multi-family zoning and development, including the Beaver Creek Commons shopping area and Chapel Ridge North Apartments.
In addition to allowing a church, the proposal would also permit:
Daycares, nursing homes, assembly halls, and youth camps.
Offices, bookstores, fitness centers, and personal services.
Communication towers and parks.
The plan includes environmental and architectural conditions such as:
Use of durable exterior materials, such as brick and stone.
Installation of solar conduit.
Native species for 70% of buffer landscaping.
A key part of the request is the dedication of a 30-foot sewer easement and special grading permissions along the buffer zones. While several stronger environmental recommendations from the town’s Environmental Advisory Board, such as strict stormwater runoff limits and riparian buffer restrictions, were not adopted, staff noted the conditions represent an improvement over what would be required under the default zoning.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the rezoning request, subject to all conditions offered by the applicant.
Next Steps
The Apex Town Council will consider both rezoning requests in the coming weeks. If approved, they will facilitate new development consistent with the town’s long-range plans, while raising ongoing questions about housing affordability and environmental impact as Apex continues to grow.