Jacksonville Planning Advisory Board - October 12, 2026

The Jacksonville Planning Advisory Board met October 12, 2026. Staff presented a UDO text amendment revising where street trees are required: instead of applying to all roads, requirements would apply to specified roadway types, with other roads relying on trees on private property. The proposal also consolidates standards and sets a consistent 30-foot spacing rule for understory trees. Staff cited tree-canopy and environmental benefits alongside potential damage to sidewalks, curbs, stormwater systems, and power infrastructure. The board unanimously recommended approval, finding the amendment consistent with the adopted land-use plan.

The board also considered a UDO amendment removing references to the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), following state legislation that eliminated Jacksonville’s ETJ and Onslow County’s subsequent zoning action. The board recommended approval; the transcript does not clearly state the vote count. Staff noted that voluntary annexation requests are handled by the city clerk’s and city manager’s offices and may involve capital costs for extending water and sewer service. No contract awards, purchasing decisions, or procurement actions were identified. The board also received a report on recent City Council actions, including annexations and other development-ordinance amendments.