Union County planning staff urges residents to check zoning before altering property

During a meeting, a Union County planning staff member urged residents to contact county planning before making changes to their property, saying zoning exists to protect property rights and public health, safety and welfare.

“Zoning is important. It's there to protect property,” the Union County planning staff member said, adding that many residents contact the county only after receiving a violation letter. “Hey, I did this on my property. Got a letter from the county saying I can't do this. What's going on?”

The staff member said the county encourages residents to call planning staff before beginning projects so officials can confirm whether a proposed use is permitted in the property's zoning classification and to identify potential impacts on neighbors. “Please call us. We can look to make sure that the usage you're planning on is appropriate for the zoning classification,” the staff member said.

The staff member cited the foundation for local zoning authority, saying the practice was adopted by the North Carolina legislature to protect health, safety and welfare. The comments framed the guidance as routine compliance and outreach rather than a change in county policy.

The remarks focused on public information and avoidance of post‑hoc violations; no ordinance, motion or formal action was recorded during the exchange. Residents with questions were directed to contact Union County planning staff to verify permitted uses before proceeding with construction or other property alterations.