Pender County delays vote on Imagine Pender 2050 comprehensive land use plan after public questions

Pender County planning staff presented the Imagine Pender 2050 draft comprehensive land use plan on Oct. 6, describing an 18-month process of public engagement, vision themes, goals, policies and 114 implementation actions aimed at guiding growth, conserving rural character and targeting infrastructure investments.

Planning Director Justin Brantley told the Board the process included two major public engagement windows, about 1,400 responses to the first survey and additional community meetings across the county. He said the plan preserves most of the county as rural/agricultural, identifies medium-density growth south of the NC 210 corridor, and highlights targeted areas for commercial and industrial growth such as Rocky Point and segments of U.S. 421.

The presentation included changes made after public review: staff withdrew a proposed commercial designation for a portion of Penderlee after residents objected; it expanded some rural-neighborhood and coastal-neighborhood designations to align with expected infrastructure investments; and it adjusted parking and design guidance in regional centers after input from the Planning Board.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan is a policy roadmap that county staff, the Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners will use to evaluate zoning map changes, infrastructure investments and development proposals. Although the plan itself does not rezone property, it can guide future rezoning and UDO updates and will be reviewed by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission if adopted by the county.

Commission discussion focused on public outreach, the plan’s treatment of growth north of NC 210, and how the plan would relate to large projects such as the Lanes Ferry development and expansion along U.S. 421. Several commissioners and members of the public urged more outreach and clarity about how the plan would—and would not—change landowner rights.

After public comment and discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the plan; the maker later rescinded the motion and the board voted unanimously to table consideration and direct staff to re-notice the matter for the Nov. 1 meeting so additional public review and advertising could take place. Staff said if the board adopts the plan it will then be transmitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for certification as required for coastal-county plans.

The county’s next steps: staff will re-advertise the plan and return with any additional revisions and staff recommendations at the follow-up hearing. If adopted locally, the plan will proceed to the Coastal Resources Commission for final review and certification.