Read the Plan

 Please read the plan that was adopted on March 16, 2026. 

About the 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.”

Current Status

The Union County Board of Commissioners adopted the Rural Land Use Plan on March 16, 2026, with five recommended strategies approved. The strategies, and the implementation status, are below:

• Add flexibility for commercial uses in rural areas: The Planning Department has started the process for updating the Union County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to include these requirements
• Require contiguous areas for open space in major subdivisions: The Planning Department has started the process for updating the Union County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to include these requirements
• Expand rural area in the Land Use Map: The Planning Department has updated the Map
• Add six Rural Centers to Land Use Map: The Planning Department has updated the Map
• Express concern over impacts from bypasses: Approved as a Board of Commissioners policy as part of future engagement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and affected municipalities  

Steering Committee

The Rural Land Use Plan Steering Committee, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, included seven 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

The steering committee met monthly from October 2024 through March 2026. The last meeting of the committee occurred March 3, 2026.