Plan Adoption and Initial Actions

At its August 16, 2021 meeting, the Union County Board of Commissioners adopted the Union County 2050 Plan.

Watch a short video explaining the 2050 Plan

The Commissioners accepted nearly all recommendations from the Coordinating Committee, which oversaw a 15-month planning process. However, they deferred action on two strategies:

• Enact a policy to deny rezonings until funded road projects are complete
• Establish a rural water authority

July 2022 Update: Community Implementation Committees

In July 2022, the Board appointed Union County residents to six implementation committees to create specific recommendations for:

• Reducing litter
• Protecting rural character
• Expanding broadband internet
• School siting
• Stormwater management

These committees met through June 2022 and completed their work.

Read the recommendations presented to the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners

October 2024 Update: Rural Land Use Plan

The Rural Land Use Plan Steering Committee began an 18-month planning process in October 2024. This initiative was a key recommendation of the 2050 Plan.

April 2025 Update: Litter Task Force Report

The Litter Task Force completed its report in April 2025 and presented its findings to the Board of Commissioners.

About the Comprehensive Plan

A comprehensive plan sets a long-term vision for the community’s future and includes recommendations for:

• Infrastructure
• Land use
• Economic development
• Environmental protection

The land use map is one of the most referenced components. It reflects:

• Community input
• Infrastructure capacity
• Existing development patterns

The previous plan was adopted in 2014. Due to rapid growth, the Board of County Commissioners initiated an update to better address growth-related challenges.

Vision for Union County in 2050

"Union County in 2050 is a place defined by connections, where local governments work together on targeted issues. There are clearly communicated plans for growth and infrastructure improvements, and resources are committed to their implementation."

Key goals for 2050 include:

• Improved capacity to manage education, transportation, water, and public safety
• High-density residential, retail, and employment options in designated areas
• Convenient access between homes, jobs, and shopping
• Compatible development along key corridors
• Preserved rural character in areas without public water/sewer
• Support for agriculture as a vital industry
• Stronger community ties through arts, agritourism, and recreation

Regulatory Changes to Support the Plan

The Board approved the following regulatory strategies:

1. Land Use Map Update

• Reduced high-density development areas
• Maintained commercial and industrial zones
• Created Transition Zones in unincorporated areas where upzonings are discouraged

2. Closing "Donut Holes"

• No upzonings in isolated unincorporated areas
• Property owners encouraged to seek annexation into nearby municipalities

3. Stormwater Regulations

• Increased standards to address larger storms
• Applies to most new developments (excludes lots of 40,000+ sq. ft.)
• Implemented in 2024

4. Well Water Testing

• Requires well water test results before certificate of occupancy is issued for new homes with well service

5. Cluster Subdivisions

• Allows smaller lot sizes in rural/agricultural areas with water/sewer
• Overall density must remain the same

6. Open Space Requirements

• Applies to major subdivisions (8+ lots) in rural/agricultural zones
• Standards to be developed during Rural Land Use Plan process

7. School Site Standards

• Proposed minimum requirements for:
• Road access
• Buffering
• Separation from heavy industrial areas
• Intended to reduce impacts on nearby properties
• Standards presented in 2024; no action taken yet

New Programs and Initiatives

The Board adopted the following new programs recommended by the Coordinating Committee:

1. Litter Task Force

• Formed to recommend effective anti-litter strategies
• Report presented in early 2025

2. Broadband Internet Expansion

• Ongoing collaboration with service providers
• Standing advisory committee formed in 2024

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