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Planning director outlines zoning and code tools to support affordable housing

Beaufort County Natural Resources Committee · February 3, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Planning Director Rob Merchant briefed the committee on existing tools — density bonuses, accessory dwelling units, family-compound provisions, transect/place-type overlays and traditional community plans — and staff said they will work with the Housing Trust and return with recommendations.

Rob Merchant, Beaufort County Planning Director, told the Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 3 that the county’s comprehensive plan and existing zoning code already include several tools staff can use to facilitate affordable housing. Merchant described density bonuses (including an example conversion that required 25% of units to remain affordable for 20 years), accessory dwelling units that are permitted in many districts, rural small‑lot…

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