Commissioners deny UDO change after packed public hearing from 7 Lakes residents

Moore County commissioners voted Oct. 7 to deny a proposed amendment to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance that would have allowed residential major subdivisions in certain gated‑community zoning districts (GCSL, GCWL) and expanded major‑subdivision allowances under the Planned Development Conditional Zoning (PDCZ) designation.

Planning Director Ruth Peterson opened the reopened public hearing and said the amendment would "allow major subdivisions to utilize existing infrastructure" within existing gated communities and would give "greater flexibility and options for unique and efficient uses of land" if master plans are approved. She said apartments, manufactured‑home parks and multifamily housing would remain not permitted under the proposal.

The text amendment was the subject of a lengthy public hearing that drew homeowners and homeowners‑association leaders from 7 Lakes West, 7 Lakes North and South, Woodlake and surrounding neighborhoods. Jim Christner, vice president of the Southern Lakes West Board, told commissioners the community faces "significant negative impacts" if the…