County Commissioners oppose North Carolina House Bill 765 limiting local growth controls

A proposed bill in North Carolina is stirring significant concern among Edgecombe County officials, as it threatens local control over residential development. During the Edgecombe Commissioners Meeting on May 5, 2025, the board discussed House Bill 765, which mandates minimum residential densities of 4 to 6 units per acre based on county population. This legislation could strip counties of their ability to manage growth in rural areas, raising alarms about potential overdevelopment and infrastructure strain.

The bill would limit local governments from enforcing specific design standards, such as buffer yards, multi-family housing requirements, and even the installation of sidewalks unless they connect to existing pathways. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the Association of County Commissioners, which has urged counties to take action against the bill.

Commissioners expressed their intent to adopt a resolution opposing House Bill 765, emphasizing the need to maintain local governance over development decisions. The resolution will be shared with legislative delegates to advocate for the county's interests.

As the bill progresses, Edgecombe County leaders are rallying to protect their authority over land use, highlighting the potential risks of unchecked growth in their communities. The outcome of this legislative battle could have lasting implications for rural development across North Carolina.