Bill > S314

This bill eliminates a city's ability to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) - which is the power to regulate land use and development outside of its official city limits - in counties that already have their own zoning regulations. Currently, cities can extend their regulatory powers up to one mile beyond their corporate boundaries, but this bill would prohibit such extension in counties with established zoning ordinances. The proposed change aims to prevent regulatory overlap and simplify land use decision-making by ensuring that counties with zoning regulations have primary control over development in unincorporated areas. Specifically, the bill removes language about county approval of city jurisdiction and replaces it with a clear limitation that prevents cities from exercising regulatory powers beyond their contiguous corporate limits in counties with existing zoning rules. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law, potentially changing how land use and development are managed in areas surrounding city boundaries in North Carolina.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S314