Union County, NC
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We want to hear from you! Read the draft plan and submit your comments to staff.
Download the draft plan.Learn how Union County is protecting rural land through the new Land Preservation and Easement Program.
Learn about the program.
We encourage you to download the draft plan above and review it carefully.
About the Plan
The Union County Board of Commissioners has appointed a steering committee to work with Union County Planning staff on developing a Rural Land Use Plan.
This plan will guide future land use decisions in rural parts of Union County. It aims to balance the needs of local landowners and farmers with community goals such as:
- Low impact residential development
- Retail and commercial options
- Farmland preservation
- Flexible development options
- Wildlife preservation
- Natural resource protection
Vision Statement
The steering committee adopted the following vision to guide the development of the plan:
“In the rural areas of Union County, we cherish a way of life where farms and protected open spaces define our community. As stewards of the land, we treasure the balance between living close to nature and preserving our agricultural heritage. Expanses of productive farmland remind us daily of where our food comes from, and by adding options for property owners, lowering density, and enhancing environmental protection requirements we preserve our natural resources and encourage public appreciation while ensuring agriculture thrives. This approach will sustain our rural character and provide a vibrant future for generations to come.”
Next Steps
County residents are invited to review the draft plan and provide input to staff and the steering committee before the draft plan is presented to the Board of Commissioners in the fall. Read more about the current step of this long-term planning effort.
Steering Committee
The Rural Land Use Plan Steering Committee includes eight members from rural areas across Union County:
- Chairman: Allan Baucom
- Vice-Chairman: James Austin
- Members: Mick Noel, Danyelle Crum, Nick Long, Jared Steele, Laura Varela
Meeting Schedule
The November steering committee will meet at 11:30 AM on November 25. Starting in December, the steering committee will meet the first Tuesday of the month. The last meeting of the committee is March 3, 2026.
- When: First Tuesday of each month at 11:30 AM
- Where: Union County Government Center
- Address: 500 North Main Street, Monroe, NC 28112
- Public Access: All meetings are open to the public