Hundreds Pack Benson Meeting As UDO Debate Grows

Johnston County residents voice concerns over proposed Unified Development Ordinance

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Hundreds of Johnston County residents, including farmers, small-business owners, and landowners, filled a community meeting in Benson to voice their concerns over the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The 619-page land-use rewrite has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it could limit how property owners use their land and impose additional permitting requirements.

Why it matters

The UDO debate highlights the ongoing tension between development and preserving the rural character of Johnston County. Residents are concerned the proposal could negatively impact existing agricultural operations and small businesses, while also failing to adequately address rapid residential growth.

The details

The Feb. 24 meeting was organized by concerned citizens and was not sponsored by the county, though county officials were in attendance. The meeting came just over a month after a standing-room-only public hearing prompted county commissioners to delay adoption of the UDO proposal. Planning officials and commissioners have spent nearly three years drafting the ordinance, which would replace the county's existing zoning and subdivision rules.

  • The Feb. 24 community meeting was held in Benson.
  • A public hearing on the UDO proposal was held over a month ago, prompting county commissioners to delay adoption.
  • Johnston County planning officials and commissioners have spent nearly three years drafting the 619-page UDO proposal.

The players

Mike Rose

Johnston County Commissioner from Princeton, acknowledged the intensity of public concern and said commissioners are continuing to review feedback before moving forward.

Adam Caldwell

Candidate for Johnston County Commissioner, said property rights should remain central to any final ordinance.

Chad Stewart

Candidate for Johnston County Commissioner, criticized the length of time commissioners have spent developing the ordinance and said property owners should have the right to do with their land as they please.

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What they’re saying

“This is what democracy looks like. Incredible turnout for tonight's community led meeting dealing with the UDO. I will continue to listen and together we will create the best document possible.”

— Mike Rose, Johnston County Commissioner (Facebook)

“Fellow citizens, you shouldn't have to spend your Tuesday night away from family after a long day at work to figure out if your ag operation will still be viable (or allowed) under new county ordinances. Commissioners have had ALMOST 3 YEARS to figure this out but kicked the can down the road and then tried to pass something most had not even read. You spoke up and showed up.”

— Adam Caldwell, Candidate for Johnston County Commissioner (N/A)

“My position should be known plain and clear as a property owner and farmland owner. Property owners should have the right to do with their land as they please as long as it does not significantly and negatively impact someone else's property.”

— Chad Stewart, Candidate for Johnston County Commissioner (N/A)

What’s next

County commissioners are continuing to review public feedback on the UDO proposal before moving forward with any final decisions.

The takeaway

The intense public debate over Johnston County's proposed UDO highlights the ongoing tension between development and preserving the rural character of the region. Residents are concerned the ordinance could negatively impact existing agricultural operations and small businesses, while also failing to adequately address rapid residential growth in the area.