Proposed legislation would return final development approval power to elected Commissioners amid infrastructure concerns.
By BC News Staff Writer
BOLIVIA, NC — Two companion bills filed this week in the North Carolina General Assembly could fundamentally change the face of development in Brunswick County by stripping the Planning Board of its final decision-making power.
Senate Bill 1079, introduced by Senator Bill Rabon on May 5, and House Bill 1222, filed the following day, aims to repeal a 2019 local law (S.L. 2019-99). That previous legislation allowed the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners to delegate final authority on rezonings and major site plans to the appointed Planning Board.
The proposed shift in power, if passed, would mandate that the Board of Commissioners makes the final decision on all development approvals via a recorded roll call vote. The Planning Board would likely return to a strictly advisory role, reviewing projects and providing recommendations rather than issuing final green lights.
Infrastructure and accountability – The timing of these bills follows significant regional tension regarding sewer capacity and infrastructure. While the Board of Commissioners has recently debated development moratoriums due to wastewater concerns, the Planning Board—functioning under its current delegated authority—has continued to approve projects that meet technical requirements.
Proponents of the shift argue that returning authority to the Commissioners ensures that those responsible for the county’s $100M+ infrastructure budget are the same individuals making final land-use decisions. Because these are “Local Bills,” they do not require the Governor’s signature and can become law immediately upon passing both the House and Senate.
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