Forsyth County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Forsyth County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Data Center Moratorium and Regulations
Residents keep pressing commissioners to pause data center rezonings while the county updates its UDO, but the board has declined, citing state downzoning restrictions. Commissioners are instead asking state lawmakers to return local zoning authority over data centers.
Planning & Development Area Plans and Housing Choice
UNC Professor Tyler Mulligan briefed commissioners on the legal limits, funding restrictions, and strategic tools available to counties for addressing affordable housing. Commissioners discussed the complexities of financing, tax foreclosures, and the statutory requirements for public referendums.
Salem Chapel Road Landfill Proposal (F-1671)
Residents strongly opposed a proposed 102-acre landfill on Salem Chapel Road, expressing major concerns over narrow rural roads, heavy truck safety, and well water contamination. The Board of Commissioners ultimately voted 4-3 to deny the special use permit.
Ace Acres Special Event Center Zoning
Neighbors raised concerns about excessive noise and traffic from a proposed special event center on Hampton Road. Despite these concerns, the board approved the special use rezoning with assurances from the owner regarding noise mitigation.
County Boundary Survey with Davidson County
Staff proposed partnering with the NC Geodetic Survey to accurately map the boundary line between Forsyth and Davidson counties to resolve longstanding discrepancies and ensure correct emergency services response and taxation.
Unified Development Ordinance Forward 2045 Plan Alignment
The county is updating its development ordinances to replace references to older planning documents like 'Legacy' with the new Forward 2045 plan, keeping local regulations aligned with current growth goals.
City-County Line Development and Annexation Policy
The county is examining whether to encourage or require voluntary annexation for new housing developments that cross the city-county line to clear up confusion over trash pickup, 911 dispatch, and road maintenance.