HB 1056 aims to increase housing supply in North Carolina by allowing residential construction in commercial zones and banning minimum parking requirements for new developments. The bill also creates a state program to reimburse local governments for costs associated with speeding up housing permit reviews and provides additional funding to the state housing finance agency. These measures are designed to reduce regulatory barriers that currently limit the number of homes being built and help address rising housing costs.
This bill protects the right of homeowners and tenants in North Carolina to operate licensed family child care homes by preventing restrictions from private and public entities. It makes it illegal for homeowners associations to ban or penalize child care operations and voids any lease clauses that prevent tenants from running such businesses. Additionally, the law requires local governments to treat licensed child care homes as standard residential properties, ensuring they are not subjected to stricter zoning rules or special permits than other homes. If these rules are violated, licensed operators can seek legal relief and recover legal fees, while landlords and associations remain responsible for enforcing general safety and maintenance standards.
This bill allows local governments in North Carolina to create inclusionary zoning rules, which can require developers to include affordable housing units in new projects. It also directs the state to provide $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Housing Finance Agency for a workforce housing loan program. The legislation directly affects local planning authorities and developers by expanding their zoning options, while also increasing funding available for loans aimed at helping workers afford housing.
This bill aims to speed up the approval process for housing projects in North Carolina by simplifying environmental reviews and setting strict deadlines for state agencies. It allows small residential developments in existing zones to skip certain environmental documents and requires state departments to issue decisions within 60 days or face internal review. Additionally, the law creates a streamlined path for duplexes and small multi-family units in residential areas and mandates the creation of public dashboards to track permit processing times. The legislation includes funding for staffing support and explicitly states that it does not override local zoning authority or weaken environmental standards.
HB 323 modifies zoning rules for Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville by requiring written consent from all property owners affected by down-zoning changes, unless the local government initiates the change. Down-zoning is defined as reducing land development density, limiting permitted uses, or creating nonconformities (e.g., nonconforming structures). The law applies exclusively to these three towns and takes effect upon enactment, with retroactive application to December 11, 2024. This policy change directly affects property owners in these municipalities by giving them a veto over zoning shifts that reduce their land's development potential.
SB 688 amends North Carolina's local government planning and development laws, directly affecting cities and counties by limiting their zoning authority. It prohibits local governments from regulating specific building design elements (like exterior colors, roof styles, or window placement) except in historic districts or for safety code compliance. The bill also bans minimum building size requirements for residential properties, overly large parking space standards (beyond ADA requirements), and unnecessary road design rules. All changes take effect January 1, 2026, making inconsistent local ordinances void.
SB 137 requires written consent from all property owners for any zoning change that reduces development density or permitted land uses (down-zoning), except when local governments initiate down-zoning specifically for farmland preservation. It directly affects property owners in Henderson County and specific towns within the county (Fletcher, Mills River, Flat Rock, Laurel Park, and Saluda) by giving them veto power over most down-zoning proposals. The key mechanism is the consent requirement, with the exception allowing local governments to protect farmland without owner approval. This bill applies retroactively to January 31, 2025, and modifies existing zoning law to prioritize property owner consent in zoning decisions.
HB 209 authorizes Durham Public Schools and Durham County to create affordable rental housing for teachers, police officers, first responders, and other Durham County employees. The bill allows these entities to partner using their existing land to build housing, with at least 75% of units reserved specifically for Durham Public Schools teachers. Rent will be set at reasonable, below-market rates, and all housing must comply with standard building and safety codes. The bill is currently pending in committee and does not change existing zoning or safety regulations for the housing units.
SB 134 allows North Carolina local governments to require new residential developments to include affordable housing units through inclusionary zoning policies. It directly affects local zoning authorities, developers building new housing, and low-to-moderate income residents who would benefit from increased affordable housing options. The bill also appropriates $10 million in recurring funds to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for its Workforce Housing Loan Program starting in 2025. These provisions aim to supplement affordable housing availability by giving local governments tools to mandate inclusionary requirements and providing dedicated funding for housing loans. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill revises Winston-Salem and Forsyth County zoning laws to clarify the joint City-County Planning Board's authority over zoning changes and promote affordable housing. It allows the city to offer density bonuses - permitting more housing units than normally allowed - to developers who build or donate land for low/moderate-income housing. The bill also establishes two zoning district types: "general use" districts (permitting multiple land uses without specifying the intended use) and "special use" districts (requiring developers to specify a single use, like a park or apartment building, with conditions set by the City Council). These changes directly affect property owners, developers, and residents in Winston-Salem and the three-mile area surrounding the city, where zoning regulations now extend.
