Commissioners defeat citizen-initiated ADU text amendment after public hearing and debate over process

Brunswick County commissioners voted to reject a citizen-initiated text amendment that would have allowed accessory dwelling units on lots that do not meet the zoning district's minimum area requirements.

Planning staff presented the proposal as a narrow change to the Unified Development Ordinance intended to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on nonconforming lots. Planning staff said ADUs take multiple forms ' "the detached ADU, the attached converted garage, a basement, ... and including also an upper floor ADU" ' and argued the change would increase housing options and support workforce-affordable housing. The planning board unanimously recommended approval on Nov. 12, 2024, and staff read a consistency statement referencing state law and the Blueprint Brunswick 2040 Comprehensive Plan and CAMA guidance.

The public hearing drew one speaker who opposed the timing and process rather than the substance. Commissioner discussion focused less on the technical merits than on process: several commissioners said they are hesitant to approve piecemeal changes while a consultant is completing a full UDO rewrite. Commissioner comments noted the amendment was citizen-initiated and that staff'prepared changes have been deferred pending the comprehensive UDO, creating what some described as an inconsistent practice when an individual application is processed ahead of the full rewrite.

After public comment and deliberation, a motion to accept the amendment and the related consistency statement failed. The transcript records the motion and a second but does not provide a roll-call tally in the record provided; the clerk announced the motion was defeated.

Why this matters: ADUs are a commonly used municipal tool to add modest housing supply without rezoning. Planning staff told commissioners they receive relatively few ADU requests each year and that the change was unlikely to prompt a large immediate increase in development. Supporters said the change would expand housing choice; detractors stressed consistent application of the county's public process while the full UDO update is pending.

What comes next: The applicant may reapply or wait for the county's comprehensive UDO adoption; commission members asked planning staff to ensure citizens understand the paths for text amendments and to clarify how staff-initiated changes and citizen-initiated requests will be handled during the UDO rewrite.