Johnston County Commissioners Schedule UDO Town Hall Amid Growing Public Concern

The public meeting follows weeks of mounting scrutiny over the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will hold a town hall meeting on March 23 in Smithfield to address growing public concern over the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The 619-page proposal would replace existing zoning and subdivision rules with a more detailed regulatory framework, which planning officials describe as a modernization effort to clarify standards and better manage rapid growth. However, opponents argue the draft is overly restrictive on property owners, particularly farmers and livestock operators, and could increase permitting requirements and costs.

Why it matters

The UDO has sparked intense debate in the community, with hundreds of residents, farmers, small-business owners, and landowners voicing concerns about the potential impact on property rights and development. The town hall meeting is an attempt by county officials to gather more public feedback and address these concerns before potentially adopting the new ordinance.

The details

The town hall meeting will begin with a presentation from county planning staff and the consulting firm that helped draft the UDO, followed by information stations where staff will answer questions and gather feedback from residents. This follows a packed public hearing last month that prompted commissioners to delay adoption of the ordinance. The latest draft of the UDO and a summary of revisions are expected to be posted on the county Planning Department's website on February 27, and commissioners have indicated additional changes are likely as they continue to receive public input.

  • The town hall meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 23 at the Johnston County Agricultural Center.
  • A public hearing on the UDO was held last month, prompting commissioners to delay adoption of the ordinance.
  • The latest draft of the UDO and a summary of revisions are expected to be posted on the county Planning Department's website on February 27.

The players

Johnston County Board of Commissioners

The governing body of Johnston County, North Carolina, responsible for overseeing the development and adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Johnston County Planning Department

The county department responsible for drafting the Unified Development Ordinance and providing information to the public.

Mike Rose

A commissioner from Princeton, North Carolina, who acknowledged the size of the public turnout and said officials are continuing to review public input before moving forward.

Adam Caldwell

A commissioner candidate from Benson, North Carolina, who has emphasized property rights and criticized the length of time spent developing the UDO proposal.

Chad Stewart

A commissioner candidate from Four Oaks, North Carolina, who has also emphasized property rights and criticized the length of time spent developing the UDO proposal.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.