What location-based zoning could mean for Moore County

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Planning and Zoning Commission board members will discuss location-based zoning at its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. This approach comes as the Retreat at Whiskey Creek, the Silicon Ranch solar farm, and the 3 Rivers anaerobic digester move forward, alongside the Gateway Companies’ apartment project, which remains in limbo.

The board meets in the basement of the County Building at 241 Main. St.

Location-based zoning aims to match development to the unique character and needs of different county areas.

Traditional zoning divides land into broad categories – like residential, agricultural, or industrial – and restricts what can be built within those zones. However, location-based zoning (often referred to as “character-based” or “form-based” zoning) focuses instead on where development occurs and how it integrates into its surroundings.

For a small, rural county like Moore, the approach could bring both opportunities and challenges.

A Tool to Balance Growth and Preservation

Proponents say location-based zoning could help protect farmland and rural scenery while still allowing for targeted economic development. The idea is to identify distinct areas, such as village centers, rural conservation zones, and renewable energy corridors, and tailor regulations accordingly.

It’s about putting the right projects in the right places. That means fewer conflicts between farmers, homeowners, and industries.

The system also makes development more predictable, providing both residents and companies with a clearer understanding of where they can locate new facilities, such as solar farms or processing plants.

Advantages for Rural Communities

There may be several potential benefits for Moore County:

Compatibility
Reduces friction between industrial projects and nearby neighborhoods or farms.

Character Protection
Helps preserve scenic and historic areas that define rural life.

Economic Clarity
Encourages investment in designated growth zones while safeguarding agricultural and residential land.

Location-based zoning enables the county to align growth with existing roads, utilities, and emergency services, while also providing flexibility for modern industries – including renewable energy and agribusiness – that don’t fit neatly into older zoning categories.

Concerns About Cost and Control

However, location-based zoning brings tradeoffs. Drafting detailed land-use maps and collecting the necessary geographic data can prove expensive and time-consuming, especially for small planning departments.

Some residents may worry about government overreach or losing control over their property rights. Others may fear that new zoning restrictions could deter investment or make it more difficult for new businesses to locate in Moore County.

Moore Countians value their land and their independence. They do not want to be told what we can and can’t do on our own property. Still, the process requires extensive public input to ensure fairness and transparency.

Finding the Right Fit

For Moore County, the question isn’t whether to grow – but how to grow without losing what makes it special. location-based zoning could help the county chart that path, if residents and leaders can agree on a shared vision for the future.

From the Planning and Zoning Commission’s standpoint, location-based zoning may help Moore County adapt while preserving its unique identity.