Planning board approves zoning text amendment requiring stub-street notice signs

The Pender County Planning Board voted to recommend a zoning text amendment (ZTA-2025-30) to require signs at stubbed street rights-of-way informing the public that a right-of-way may be extended in the future.

Planning staff explained the amendment adds language to UDO section 7.10.5 (public and private street design) requiring developers to post a notice sign at any street end that abuts an adjacent parcel. The proposed text and sign language come from Pender County’s adopted Streets Plan: a sign placed in the right-of-way facing the currently paved street reading, in substance, “Notice: This right-of-way may be extended in the future to other developments and other roadways. County of Pender.” The sign would be the developer’s responsibility to post and would be removed when the connection is constructed.

Supporters at the meeting said the change increases transparency for buyers and residents so homeowners do not assume a cul-de-sac or dead-end will always remain closed. Board members discussed implementation timing (the sign should be posted prior to initial final plat/issuance of construction permits) and whether the amendment would apply retroactively; staff said the amendment would apply going forward and that retroactive enforcement on existing subdivisions would be difficult.

The board unanimously moved to recommend approval; the amendment will advance to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. Staff said the change supports existing Pender 2 comprehensive plan policies that encourage interconnectivity and multimodal connections.