P&Z reviews rezoning request for Retreat

5:55 p.m. Oct. 8, 2025

Retreat at Whiskey Creek

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

The Moore County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 7, discussed a rezoning request from Rance Frye and the Retreat at Whiskey Creek that would revert a portion of the property from residential to commercial use.

Frye explained that when the development – located on the site of the former Spencer Campground – was initially approved, the front section of the property was intended to remain commercial. However, during the broader rezoning process that designated the residential portion as R-3, the entire property was “lumped in” under that classification.

“What we’re trying to do here is just take the original part down in the front back to commercial,” Frye told the board. “The R-3 is just the houses. We don’t want to build any more houses in there.”

Frye said the commercial area would include a commercial laundry facility in the old bathhouse to service short-term rental units, and the larger building at the front of the property would be used for events and gatherings, consistent with the project’s original vision.

However, board members raised multiple concerns, primarily about access to the proposed commercial zone. The only current access point is via a covered bridge, which commissioners noted does not meet commercial access standards.

“You’d have to come out to a paved road from that property,” P&Z Chairman Dexter Golden noted. “The only way to access the C-1 zoning you’re wanting is through the bridge, and I don’t see how you can do that.”

Another concern involved parking requirements. Board member Scott Fruehauf reminded Frye that any rezoning for commercial use would need to meet county standards for parking capacity and layout, similar to previous projects that were denied for failing to do so.

Frye acknowledged the issues, noting that access could be adjusted and that he already holds the necessary stormwater permits. “I don’t mind going back to the drawing board,” he said. “If you could give me a quick summary list of what your objections are, I’ll make sure I don’t miss anything.”

The board agreed to provide Frye with a written list of required revisions and considerations. No vote was taken on the rezoning request, and the matter is expected to be reviewed further at a later meeting.