P&Z explores balancing growth, preservation
7:39 p.m. Nov. 3, 2025
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
At its meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, the Moore County Planning and Zoning Commission discussed location-based zoning. This approach to land use aims to match development with the unique character and needs of each area in the county.
The commission’s discussion comes as several major projects are underway or being considered in Moore County. These include the Retreat at Whiskey Creek residential development, the Silicon Ranch solar farm, the 3 Rivers anaerobic digester, and the Gateway Companies’ apartment project, which is still uncertain.
• What is location-based zoning?
The commission plans to send a summary of its zoning recommendations to the Metro Council. They also emphasized the importance of utilizing Moore County’s land use and transportation plan, which was developed to guide growth through 2029, as a key reference.
“I really think we need to start paying attention to this [plan],” P&Z Chairman Dexter Golden said. “We can modify when this comes up – I don't know if you can add to it necessarily – but, in my opinion, use this book and encourage other people to look at it.
“I think the Council has copies of it. but I'll bring that up at the next meeting just to help us on whenever we take these votes, rezone, or what we want to see come into the county. In your zoning book, you'll look at how we have everything listed.”
Location-based zoning could also help match new development with existing utilities, specifically water and sewer.
Public input key for zoning changes
Board members emphasized the importance of extensive public input to ensure that any zoning changes accurately reflect the community's desires and are transparent. They also said it’s essential to be more specific with zoning categories, such as distinguishing between duplexes and other types of apartments in residential zones, to help the county council make more informed decisions on zoning requests.
Golden used the Chapman Acres project as an example. “Whenever somebody comes in [for] rezoning, the council will know exactly what they're voting on. Somebody comes in right now and says, ‘Hey, I just want to go R1,’ you don't really know what's coming down from that.
“Chapman Acres – that's just one on the books; District 1 did not want to see that come in there. At least those council members who represent those people could say what they feel their neighbors want.”
Unlike traditional zoning, which uses broad categories such as residential, agricultural, or industrial, location-based zoning examines how development aligns with the character of each specific location. For Moore County, this could help protect farmland and scenic rural areas while still allowing for economic growth that aligns with the community's needs.
Setting clear development expectations
Commission members discussed the possibility of identifying distinct zones. The intent is to reduce friction between farmers, homeowners, and industrial users. Such an approach would provide clearer development expectations for both residents and businesses.
Board member Scott Fruehauf added, “I like that. Zoning districts are a fairly common practice in other counties. ... Does it make sense from a zoning standpoint to allow apartment complexes to be built in areas that don't have urban services?”
Golden mentioned the land plan separated “what you want to leave agriculture within the county and not be developed and what sections of the county you would like to see developed.
“I think Shelbyville, how they look at it, the further outside of their urban service areas is when they step out.”
Ultimately, Moore County must find a way to manage growth while preserving the rural character and independence that residents value. The commission sees location-based zoning as a potential tool that, with community input and careful planning, could help shape the county’s future.
