North Carolina House Bill 765 threatens local governance and land use planning

The Wake County Board of Commissioners recently discussed House Bill 7065, a proposed piece of legislation that could significantly alter local development regulations. This bill, currently advancing through the North Carolina General Assembly, has raised concerns among local officials regarding its potential impact on community planning and property values.

Commissioners highlighted that the bill introduces a mix of state mandates and restrictions on local land use planning, which could lead to unregulated or incompatible development. This shift may undermine the unique vision that residents and local officials have worked hard to establish through existing land use plans.

One of the most contentious aspects of House Bill 7065 is its provision that requires local governments to approve construction documents, site plans, and subdivision approvals within a strict 90-day timeframe. If not approved within this period, these plans would automatically be deemed approved, regardless of the need for revisions or resubmittals—a common occurrence in a rapidly growing community like Wake County.

Additionally, the bill limits local control over road design standards, mandating that they cannot exceed those set by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. This could hinder efforts to maintain high-quality infrastructure, as local officials would lose the ability to enforce more stringent standards. The legislation also eliminates sidewalk requirements unless they connect to existing or planned sidewalks, raising concerns about walkability in the community.

The commissioners expressed their commitment to evaluating the bill's implications further, as it poses challenges to conditional zoning practices that have allowed for higher quality developments in the past. Under the proposed legislation, local governments would not be able to accept voluntary conditions from developers, further restricting their ability to shape community growth.

As the bill progresses, local officials are urging residents to stay informed about its potential effects on Wake County's development landscape. The board's discussions underscore the importance of local governance in shaping community identity and ensuring sustainable growth.