Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mooresville board opposes state bill that would limit local planning authority
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly to terminate Senate Bill 205 and related bills, saying the proposed changes would erode local planning and zoning authority under Chapter 160D and increase litigation risk for municipalities.
The Mooresville Board of Commissioners on June 16 adopted a resolution opposing Senate Bill 205 and similar legislation that would change statewide planning and zoning rules.
The resolution, read into the record, says Senate Bill 205 would "diminish the input and trust of citizens," erode Chapter 160D authority, and replace locally elected decision-making with heightened quasi-judicial standards that limit municipal discretion. It also warns the legislation would increase litigation risk and could subject municipalities to damages, costs and attorney fees for rezoning decisions.
Commissioners described local examples where town-level zoning discretion was used to moderate density and preserve neighborhood character. Commissioner Qualls and others said the bill mirrors prior proposals that would impose uniform state-level rules and limit a municipality's ability to implement "smart growth" or context-sensitive development standards.
Commissioner West moved to forward the resolution to the General Assembly; Commissioner Qualls seconded and the motion passed.
