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County staff outline sidewalk policy options as development and grants expand pedestrian links
Summary
Harnett County development staff briefed commissioners on current sidewalk requirements, incentives under compatibility design, side‑path vs. sidewalk distinctions, fee‑in‑lieu options and grant opportunities; staff will integrate sidewalk policy recommendations into an enhanced regulations package expected late summer.
Development services staff briefed the Board of Commissioners on sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure in unincorporated Harnett County, saying sidewalks are not universally required for conventional subdivisions but can be required or incentivized in compatibility developments, multifamily projects and where plans or the Comprehensive Transportation Plan identify side paths.
Staff said the county’s 2040 land use plan and the 2021 bicycle, pedestrian and greenway plan call for expanded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Examples were cited where side paths were added along major corridors and where fee‑in‑lieu payments were used to pool funds for later construction. Staff noted that when sidewalks or side paths are placed on state roads the county assumes maintenance responsibility and that grants (e.g., LAP or other DOT funding) can be used with regional partners to finance projects.
The presentation described the compatibility design table that offers developers incentives (smaller lots, other amenities) in exchange for features such as sidewalks and curb and gutter; staff said conditional‑zoning negotiations will likely be a venue to secure sidewalks on future developments. Staff said enhanced regulations under review with a transportation consultant will incorporate sidewalk policy recommendations and that a draft should be ready by late summer for the board’s consideration.
Commissioners and staff discussed opportunities to connect side paths across jurisdictions (examples included sidewalks along U.S. 421 and projects linking Campbell University campuses) and the challenge of funding and maintaining sidewalks on state roads.
Next steps: staff will incorporate board guidance into the enhanced subdivisions/regulations review and present draft text amendments for later consideration.
