Local Voices, Local Choices: Preserving Greensboro’s Zoning Authority

Written by Nicky Smith
May 10, 2025

As a committed advocate for Greensboro, I firmly believe that decisions impacting our neighborhoods should always remain in the hands of those who know them best—our local community and elected city leaders. House Bill 765, currently before the North Carolina General Assembly, threatens this core principle by drastically reducing local control over zoning and development decisions.

Understanding House Bill 765

House Bill 765 seeks to centralize zoning decisions at the state level, stripping municipalities like Greensboro of critical authority. Specifically, this bill would:

• Prevent Greensboro from enacting or enforcing zoning rules that are more stringent than state standards.
• Impose state-mandated minimum density requirements based purely on population metrics, regardless of local context or infrastructure.
• It would limit our city’s flexibility in setting crucial development guidelines, including parking requirements, street and sidewalk specifications, and building standards.

Why This Bill is Bad for Greensboro

Local governance has always been Greensboro’s strength, enabling us to preserve our city’s unique character and respond effectively to residents’ concerns. If HB 765 passes:

• Neighborhood Integrity Will Suffer: Our community’s ability to prevent unwanted high-density development or inappropriate construction projects in established neighborhoods will be severely compromised.
• Property Values Could Decline: By stripping local zoning protections, neighborhoods might face incompatible developments that negatively impact home values.
• Infrastructure Stress and Increased Congestion: Mandated density without adequate consideration of local roads, schools, parks, and utilities could overwhelm our infrastructure, creating congestion and lowering the quality of life.
• Loss of Local Character and Identity: Under standardized state-level decisions, Greensboro’s distinct neighborhoods, each with its charm and heritage, could lose their identity.

Key Developments:

House Bill 765 has garnered significant attention across North Carolina, with various municipalities and organizations expressing concerns about its implications for local zoning authority.

• Greensboro City Council’s Opposition: The Greensboro City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing House Bill 765, emphasizing that the bill would undermine local control over zoning regulations. Mayor Nancy Vaughan highlighted that the legislation could remove essential tools municipalities use to protect property values and support reasonable growth.
• Other Municipalities Join Opposition: Towns like Huntersville and Cornelius have also expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns over the erosion of local governance in planning and development matters.
• Legislative Details: House Bill 765 proposes that municipalities cannot enact or enforce zoning regulations that are more restrictive than state law. It also mandates minimum density requirements for developments based on population, potentially limiting local governments’ ability to manage growth according to their unique needs.
• Broader Implications: The bill is part of a wider legislative effort to address affordable housing shortages in North Carolina. Proponents argue that standardizing zoning regulations can facilitate housing development, while opponents believe it compromises local autonomy and the ability to tailor solutions to specific community contexts.

My Commitment to Greensboro

I stand unequivocally with the Greensboro City Council and Mayor Nancy Vaughan opposing House Bill 765. I pledge to fight for Greensboro’s right to determine its growth and future. Our city deserves thoughtful, tailored zoning decisions that reflect local values and preserve community integrity.

Let’s send a clear message to Raleigh: Greensboro must retain the power to protect our neighborhoods, preserve our quality of life, and manage our growth responsibly. Your voice matters in this fight—let’s ensure it’s heard loud and clear.

I am ready to lead Greensboro into a smarter, more connected future. If you believe in his vision, please consider contributing to his campaign today.

– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4

Additional Reading Resources:
North Carolina General Assembly House Bill 765
WUNC – NC lawmakers want to encourage homebuilding. Cities, counties don’t like how they plan to do it
WFDD – Greensboro City Council opposes state bill that undermines local zoning authority
Town Board unanimously opposes NC House Bill 765 threatening local control over development
Summerfield – HB 765 – Local Development Control Could Be Impacted