Polk County Planner Cathy Ruth told commissioners that the planning board recommended the rezoning by a unanimous vote. She explained that some of the changes include requirements for parking, a definition of what the equestrian district is, added uses including an equestrian center and facility, a heliport, a museum, recreational facilities, spectator sports and a hotel and a height restriction for buildings from 40 ft. to 50 ft. Lighting requirements have also been added for spectator sport facilities.

Tryon Equestrian Properties is proposing and equestrian community at the formerly planned White Oak Development and golf community in the Green Creek Township that sits on approximately 1,000 acres.

Commissioners on Monday also approved taking over ownership of the existing water system in the development. The system includes 12-inch, 8-inch, 6-inch and 2-inch water lines. The county ran a water line to White Oak a couple of years ago and will service the development through its water system south, which is operated by the Inman-Campobello Water District.

The proposed rezoning of White Oak from multiple use zoning to equestrian as well as the proposed development agreement is available for public view at www.polknc.org by going to the planning and zoning department, then clicking on “ordinances, planning and county documents.”