New Bern Planning & Zoning Meeting September 17, 2026

The City of New Bern Planning & Zoning Board held a meeting on September 17, 2026, to consider three rezoning requests related to the southwest and southeast corners of US7 and NC43, the east of the future NC43 connector, and the southeast corridor of US70 and US7 bypass. The discussions focused on proposed zoning changes from agricultural and residential 15 districts to commercial 3 (C3) and residential 6 (R6) districts to support future growth and development consistent with the 2022 adopted land use plan. The board heard extensive public comments expressing concerns about environmental impacts, buffering, traffic, and neighborhood character. The applicants, represented by legal counsel, emphasized the consistency of the proposals with the land use plan and the role of development agreements in addressing infrastructure, buffering, and use restrictions. The board voted to recommend approval of all three rezoning requests to the Board of Aldermen, with motions finding the amendments consistent with the land use plan and reasonable. The meeting also highlighted the importance of the forthcoming development agreements and public hearings before the Board of Aldermen, where further community input and detailed conditions will be considered.