Blog
Legislative Committee >> Blog
For use by the APA-NC Legislative Committee
January 28, 2025
SB382 Resources
The APA-NC Legislative Committee continues to collect examples of resolutions and other resources that may assist members and their communities in their response to the ‘downzoning’ provisions contained in SB382. We will update these resources as we receive materials.
Town of Mills River Resolution
Town of Holly Ridge Resolution
Town of Maggie Valley Resolution (HB24)
Town of Apex Resolution (HB24)
December 2, 2024
SB382 Chapter Response
Governor Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 382, which includes provisions significantly limiting local government authority for what is termed as “down zoning.” The Chapter recognizes the many difficulties the revisions to 160D included in the bill pose to the principles of logical, consistent zoning administration and effective community planning.
The Chapter is deeply concerned about the process by which this legislation was advanced, particularly the lack of transparency and meaningful engagement with local governments and community stakeholders throughout our state. Provisions such as this result in benefits to a few, while undermining the ability of municipalities to adapt zoning and land use regulations to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
The Chapter’s legislative committee will continue to monitor the status of the bill as the Legislature reconvenes in December and will provide timely updates to our members. In preparation for the 2025 legislative session, we remain committed to continued coordination with the League of Municipalities and the Association of County Commissioners to advocate for sound planning practices and the protection of local authority.
While the full implications of the legislation are yet to be determined, and it is not yet law, anticipated issues include:
- Retroactive applicability to decisions made six months in the past
- Conflicts with state requirements
- Impacts to extra territorial jurisdiction and voluntary annexation
- Barriers to updating and amending land use regulations in response to community and market needs
- Unintended impacts to the zoning entitlements process
- Undermines local governments’ ability to implement long-term planning strategies
- Complications to the development and application of new regulations
We encourage our members to share this message with their legislators directly, as they are able to do so. Additionally, if your jurisdiction considers a resolution regarding SB 382, please forward to the legislative committee at Legislative2@plannersnc.com.
October 12, 2024
A Brief about Senate Bill 166 (2024)
The Legislative Committee has put together a short primer on Senate Bill 166. This bill amends various provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes concerning development, building code, and environmental regulations. For more information, please follow this link to the legislative brief.
September 4, 2024
Legislative Committee Passes the Torch
At its Annual Retreat held on August 16, the APA-NC Executive Committee accepted the resignation of Chad Meadows as the Chair of the Chapter’s Legislative Committee and approved the appointment of Michael Zehner, AICP as the new Chair of the Legislative Committee.
On behalf of the Chapter, the Executive Committee extends its heartfelt thanks to Chad for his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership to the Committee, the Chapter, and its members over his last 13 years as Chair to the Legislative Committee. Chad’s efforts have been instrumental in advancing the Chapter’s legislative goals and keeping members informed of legislation impacting our profession and communities. Chad’s legacy of service to the Chapter will undoubtedly continue to inspire us all. We are confident that Michael will build upon the strong foundation laid by Chad and continue to lead the Committee with the same level of dedication and vision. Please join us in expressing our gratitude to Chad for his invaluable contributions and in welcoming Michael to his new role. Chad will continue as Chair Emeritus of the Legislative Committee and assist, where needed, with strategy and execution of the Committee's Strategic Plan.
Michael is the Director of planning and community development for Berkley Group, a local government consulting firm based in Virginia. Michael has served as the Vice Chair of the Chapter’s Legislative Committee since 2021. Michael also serves as a member of the Planning Board for the Town of Southern Shores.
April 15, 2024
NCAZO Legislative Liaison Named
We are excited to announce that a new relationship has been established between the NCAPA Legislative Committee and NCAZO (North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials). The NCAZO has voted to designate Janie Phelps as its Legislative Liaison. Janie is also a member of the NCAPA Legislative Committee.
This collaborative effort was created to facilitate greater legislative bill awareness and insight across a broader spectrum of the planning profession in North Carolina.
Many of the planning-related bills we track affect both the planning and zoning disciplines and this partnership will help ensure more communication. The Legislative Committee is thrilled to welcome the State’s zoning officials to our monthly bill update calls, and we look forward to the new insights and perspectives they will surely bring.
Thank you to Janie Phelps for agreeing to serve in this dual capacity.
April 10, 2024
Infographics on the Legislative Process from the NCEDA
As the Legislative Short Session convene on April 24, 2024, the members of the Legislative Committee would like to encourage planning professionals across all jurisdictions to continuously engage with members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Throughout the duration of Short Session, the Committee will be providing members with updates regarding pertinent planning-related legislation and legislation impacting the planning field and profession. In efforts to better assist our members, please have a look at the following information, regarding the structure and nature of the General Assembly as well as ways to effectively engage with elected officials and their staffs. The infographics below are provided courtesy of the North Carolina Economic Development Administration (NCEDA). We anticipate our twice monthly status update calls to commence in early May.
NCEDA Advocacy 101 - Relationship Building
NCEDA Advocacy 101 - The NC General Assembly
January 19, 2024
Legislative Committee releases policy guidance document
The APA-NC Executive Committee recently endorsed a policy guidance document for use by the Legislative Committee. The document explains how pending planning-related bills will be prioritized by the Legislative Committee, what a proposed bill's priority ranking means in terms of how it is discussed by the Legislative Committee, and how the Legislative Committee will engage with the Executive Committee prior to taking any advocacy action on a particular piece of legislation. The intent of the guidance document is to help the Legislative Committee better manage its resources and ensure that the Executive Committee is involved determining if and how the Chapter will take advocacy action on a particular piece of planning-related legislation. The Legislative Committee will continue tracking planning-related legislation and hosting our usual twice-monthly calls to keep planners informed. In cases where an impactful bill is proposed, the Legislative Committee will continue to work with the Chapter membership and now the Executive Committee on how advocacy responses will be formulated. The policy guidance document is attached here.