Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in zoning
Large-scale residential rezonings (REZONE 2026-99 and 2026-100)
Two rezoning requests totaling over 1,950 new homes — one 1,023-home subdivision in Long Creek Township and one 930-home 55+ community in Topsail Township — were set for public hearings. Together they could significantly reshape traffic, schools, and services in those areas.
Topsail Township commercial rezone of 0.31-acre parcel
An 11.36-acre portion of three tracts could shift from planned development and residential performance zoning to General Business, opening the door to commercial uses near Topsail residents.
Small business office rezoning off US 17
A roofing contractor wants a tiny office on a quarter-acre near Union Bethel Road — about 12 vehicle trips a day. The board supported it with conditions but noted the applicant must still get NCDOT driveway approval and final Commissioner approval.
Topsail Township rezone to Office and Institutional
A property owner wants to rezone roughly a quarter-acre to open a specialty trade contractor office. It's a small commercial land-use change, but nearby residents may care about what kinds of business activity move in next door.
Hearing time limits for applicants and public
Board members want a fairer balance — maybe 15 minutes for applicants — since the public gets only 2 minutes. No vote yet; staff will research other jurisdictions and possibly revise rules of procedure.
Commercial rezoning in Topsail Township
Two linked public hearings were scheduled on a proposal to rezone about 32 acres in Topsail Township for a wastewater treatment facility and revise the related special use permit. This could open the door for expanded development capacity in the Topsail area.
Topsail Township Wastewater Treatment Facility Rezoning
Two linked public hearings were scheduled on a proposal to rezone about 32 acres in Topsail Township for a wastewater treatment facility and revise the related special use permit. This could open the door for expanded development capacity in the Topsail area.
Topsail Township Rezone from Residential to General Business
A small 0.31-acre parcel in Topsail Township was up for rezoning from Residential Performance to General Business, which would allow commercial uses. No outcome is on record.
8 PM Public Hearings: Special Use Permits and Zoning Map Amendments
The board was scheduled to hold public hearings at 8 PM on special use permits, zoning map amendments, and resolutions. These hearings directly shape what can be built where — but the specific applications are not identified in the available materials.
Appeals of development approvals (Appeal 2026-18)
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on Appeal 2026-18, an appeal of an administrative decision. This matters to anyone who thinks a county development approval was wrongly made — the appeal process is how neighbors challenge it. The June session showed the board applying a strict state-law standing test before hearing the merits.
Hotels in Industrial Districts
A text amendment would add hotels and motels as permitted uses in the Industrial Transitional and General Industrial districts. That could open more land countywide to lodging development.