APEX, N.C. — Zoning changes could give Apex legal authority to keep a hazardous-waste handler that caught fire nearly two weeks ago from rebuilding, the town's mayor said Monday.

Mayor Keith Weatherly said the town has simply grown too much to allow Environmental Quality Industrial Services to rebuild following the Oct. 5 chemical fire near downtown Apex that forced nearly 17,000 people from their homes and shut down surrounding businesses for days.

"Irrespective of what the exact ordinance says, I think there will be unanimity among our board members to oppose that application if they submit one," Weatherly said.

Town officials have said they have not officially been notified about whether the facility will try to rebuild in the Apex area. They expect to hear from company officials at a Town Hall meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The town's attorney will also present a formal legal opinion on the zoning ordinance, and residents and business-owners affected by the fire will get a chance to voice their concerns.

The meeting, located at Town Hall at

73 Hunter St.,

is open to the public.