The Union County Land Use Board on Oct. 21 voted to endorse a package of rural land‑use recommendations developed by a steering committee and to forward the plan to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.

Presenters said the plan focuses on preserving rural character by protecting farmland, refining where new commercial uses may be allowed and strengthening open‑space requirements. Key recommendations highlighted in the presentation include expanding the county’s agricultural easement purchase program to protect 10% of agricultural land by 2050 (the steering committee suggested increasing funding by $3 million to $5 million per year), allowing limited low‑impact commercial uses on a 5‑acre minimum lot paired with 4 acres of protected land, requiring contiguous open space for major subdivisions (setting at least 60% of required open space as contiguous forest or stream buffers), and creating six rural center locations on the land‑use map for small hubs of local commerce.

Presenters said the steering committee conducted two rounds of public engagement, received nearly 400 public responses, coordinated with municipal planners and secured endorsement from the Soil and Water Conservation District Board. The presentation also included a recommended timeline for next steps: Agriculture Advisory Board review on Nov. 6, presentation to the county commissioners on Nov. 17, continued steering‑committee work on UDO amendments beginning Nov. 25 and subsequent reviews and decisions planned through February.

Board members expressed support across a range of viewpoints, noting urgency to act before additional farmland is converted to development. One board member said the county must act now to preserve open space for future generations; another member suggested empowering local communities with stronger local input in decisions affecting immediate neighborhoods. After discussion a motion to endorse the plan and forward it to the commissioners passed on a voice vote.

Next steps include Agriculture Advisory Board review and a public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners; staff and the steering committee will continue drafting specific unified development ordinance amendments for later review.