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Raeford council adopts resolution opposing state bills that would change local zoning rules
Summary
The Raeford City Council adopted Resolution #2021-05 opposing North Carolina bills HB401 and SB349, saying the measures would override local land-use authority and could increase residential density without local review. The resolution directs the mayor to send copies to state representatives and urges a gubernatorial veto if passed.
The Raeford City Council on May 3 adopted Resolution #2021-05 formally opposing House Bill 401 and Senate Bill 349 in the 2021 North Carolina General Assembly.
The resolution, approved on the consent agenda, says HB401 and SB349 would force municipalities to allow duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes and townhouses in all residential zoning districts and would permit one accessory dwelling unit on each lot with an existing single-family home. It also notes the bills would exempt areas covered by private restrictive covenants and would bar municipal consideration of traffic impact analyses even after North Carolina Department of Transportation review.
Council members characterized the resolution as a defense of local land-use control. The resolution states the measures would be "a radical and comprehensive attack on local land-use planning" and warns they could produce unintended consequences in municipalities with differing local conditions.
The resolution directs the mayor to send copies to the city's state representatives and requests that, if the bills pass, Governor Roy Cooper veto them. It also authorizes the city manager to take additional steps he deems prudent to oppose the legislation.
The action was recorded on the consent agenda and was approved as part of a motion by Councilman Wayne Willis, seconded by Councilman John Jordan; the consent motion carried unanimously.
The resolution text cites concerns about the bills' effects on neighborhood character and on municipalities' ability to set parking and utility approval protocols. The council did not vote on any state legislation itself; it passed a local resolution stating the city's position and instructing its officials to communicate that position to state leaders.
