CHINA GROVE — By approving a minor rezoning, Town Council members on Tuesday did their best to correct an annexation mistake.

After a few brief comments, the China Grove Town Council unanimously approved a rezoning request from southern Rowan resident Jeff Hall, whose property on Eudy Road is only partially in the town. If he stands just right on his property, Hall says he can be in Landis, China Grove and outside of both towns all at once.

He appeared before the town with a request to rezone two parcels of land to a classification that allows residences. Before Tuesday’s meeting, his two land parcels were zoned for offices.

During a public hearing for the rezoning, Hall said the two parcels were accidentally brought into China Grove during an annexation that occurred several years ago. Hall said he previously confirmed the mistake with local engineers. However, Hall said he only recently became aware of the fact that his two parcels of land weren’t zoned for residential use.

Hall said he sought to refinance his home and obtain a building permit to construct a house for his son. The problem prevented him from securing the refinancing for all of his property and obtaining the permit.

After Hall’s brief comments, the town council quickly approved the rezoning. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Stroud, who led the meeting in Mayor Lee Withers’ absence, closed the public hearing. Councilman Mike Upright then immediately offered a motion to approve Hall’s request. It passed without opposition.

In other business from Tuesday’s meeting:

• The town board approved a measure that would require businesses to have knox boxes in case of emergency.

Knox boxes allow firefighters to quickly enter a building without causing damage rather than break down a door, said Interim Fire Chief Mike Zimmerman.

Zimmerman and Town Manager Ken Deal said a number of towns and cities already require the devices. Deal said the town was trying to stay up-to-date.

• The town board appointed Butch Bivens, David Morton, Clyde Richards and Rodney Phillips to the China Grove Planning Board.

Phillips was recently elected to the town council and previously served on the planning board. Phillips said he has confirmed that he’s able to serve on both boards at once.

• Zimmerman said commercial property owners should see a “good reduction” in insurance as a result of a recent improvement in the fire departments ISO rating.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.