Harnett County approves first conditional zoning—175 homes on rural ag land

On Sept. 21, after a public hearing, Harnett County Commissioners approved rezoning 87.51 acres from rural agricultural 40 to CZ-RA-40 conditional zoning for a 175 single-family subdivision development off Purfoy Road in Fuquay-Varina. This was the county’s first conditional zoning case.

Citizen Larry Mitchell spoke in favor of the development in hopes it would supply affordable housing.

No citizens spoke against the development.

Project Engineer Carlton Calcutt said the planning board helped construct the layout. He said they had consulted the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the department would not finalize recommendations until the development was approved. He said they would meet environmental requirements.

The black line (see image above) identifies the area the planning board consistently called a conservation area on Sept. 15 and indicates the wetlands area next to the planned 25% open area, and it was noted as a reason the planning board unanimously approved the proposal.

The planning board recommended the project unanimously because, although the lots are small, they plan a large open space, which is adjacent to the wetland area where housing is not allowed.

“The open space is more than what we would typically get with a standard subdivision,” the planning board representative, who did not introduce herself on Sept. 15 and was not identified on the agenda said.

Moore County recently amended its UDO to ensure “open space” in developments is usable, dry land, rather than unbuildable wetlands, floodplains or stormwater basins.

In North Carolina, building setbacks from wetlands vary by buffer protection, usually between 30 and 75 feet or more from the water’s edge.

The property is next to a shooting range, and the owners have spoken with applicants, and they agreed on a buffer of trees and a fence.

The development plans a covered mail kiosk and bus stop for school children.

The planning board had recommended the proposed development as low density “due to the availability of sewer service and the provision of 25% open space,” which is connected to wetlands.

 Commissioners had no substantial questions about the proposed development.

UDO Amendment

The board held a public hearing to consider applicant Rodney A. Gregory’s proposed Unified Development Ordinance text amendment to allow covered porches on manufactured homes within manufactured home parks.

The board approved allowing the porches as Gregory proposed at a maximum of 100 square feet, but they must remain open and shall not be enclosed. The planning department verified in an email that porches may be screened.

The board held a public hearing to share public transportation concerns and the proposed 5311 community transportation program application for the NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division. The due date is Oct. 2.

The federal grant budget is $769,365 with a county match of $98,791. Its goal is to enhance transport for citizens in rural areas.

In one year, the county transports about 17k citizens through HARTS.

Commissioners honored Harnett County Veteran Hero George A. Woodbury.

During public comments, Mark P. of Sanford argued the commissioners’ board was comprised of Republicans, but they were not acting like it because they were “robbing” residents with high property taxes. “Ours went up seven percent…While you hold millions in comfort and savings…Stop holding a 33% surplus.” He said six years priors that spending was conservative and maintained the budget and the new board is spending at a rate citizens had never seen. “You are over collecting from this county.”

Lynne R. of Coats said she grew up picking cotton and earned a degree in radiology. She paid off her house with her 401K and said she does not really own her home because she can’t afford the property taxes. She requested the board ask legislators for help because their property taxes were higher than Wake County’s.

Noah Stancil of Coats said he moved to the area before housing skyrocketed. His taxes increased by $200 dollars. “I’m on .2 acres.” He complained of the sudden tax increase.

Jay Sills said the sheriff in place did not address the drug traffic problem in Dunn. He said he was a previous law enforcement officer. He said Harnett County deputy Major Aaron Meredith would not speak with him.

During the county manager’s report, Brent Trout reviewed the legislative appropriation of $1,334,400 along with Senator Jim Burgin’s recommended list of uses. Recipients have two to three years to spend the funds.

Vice-Chairman Matt Nicols said the list did not show any funding “across the river” for less advantaged citizens.

The board tabled voting on the recommended list until the next meeting, to facilitate the board’s further discussion.

Trout said the county approves the final list.

The next meeting is Oct. 5 at 9 a.m.

Sept. 22, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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