Thomasville council urges state to restore local down‑zoning authority

The Thomasville City Council voted unanimously to ask the state legislature to restore local authority to initiate down‑zoning.

The council adopted a resolution supporting repeal of portions of Session Law 2024‑57 and related changes to state statute that council members said greatly limit local governments’ ability to change zoning rules without property‑owner consent.

The resolution notes that North Carolina’s revised definition of “down‑zoning” in the cited session law and General Statute 160D‑601(d) (as amended) broadens the term and “greatly limits local government authority to amend zoning ordinances and maps without property owner consent,” the resolution text says. The item description presented at the meeting cited examples including changes to permitted uses, landscaping and parking rules, and enforcement of state or federal stormwater and floodplain regulations.

Councilors did not request further changes to the resolution on the floor. After discussion, the council recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution (7–0).

Why it matters: Council members said the change reduces local flexibility to respond to land‑use, environmental and infrastructure needs. The resolution asks the General Assembly to reinstate the ability of local governments to initiate down‑zoning. The measure is advisory to the state; it does not alter local code.

The meeting record does not identify subsequent steps beyond adoption of the resolution; the resolution itself asks the legislature to act.