October 26, 2026: Johnston County Planning Board UDO Public Hearing

The Johnston County Planning Board continued its public hearing on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Version 4, on October 26, 2026. Public commenters raised concerns about agricultural buffers and protections for farms, shooting-range standards, residential zoning and density, open-space requirements, subdivision review, infrastructure capacity, and developer waiver provisions. Staff recommended approval and clarified that the proposed buffer options were 10, 30, and 50 feet; certain infrastructure-capacity standards could instead be addressed through county policy. No procurement, contract, or spending activity was identified.

The board voted unanimously to recommend denial of the proposed UDO to the Board of County Commissioners, finding it inconsistent with the comprehensive land-use plan regarding rural character, agriculture and forestry, open space and natural resources, and coordinated development. Staff said it would prepare a written resolution reflecting the motion. The recommendation is advisory; the commissioners retain authority to make the final decision.