PETITION TO PROTECT FARMLAND, PUBLIC SAFETY RESOURCES, AND RESPONSIBLE GROWTH IN NASH COUNTY

To: County Commissioners, Planning Board, and Local Government Officials  
From: Concerned Residents, Landowners, and Community Members of Nash County  

Subject: Request for Temporary Development Moratorium, UDO Consistency, Protection of Agricultural Land, and Public Service Capacity

We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Nash County, respectfully request that our local government take immediate and meaningful action to protect farmland, preserve public safety resources, and ensure responsible residential growth that does not threaten our agricultural heritage, infrastructure, and rural way of life.

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Nash County’s economy, culture, and identity. Farmland provides food production, supports local jobs, protects natural resources, and preserves open space that benefits both current and future generations. Continued loss of farmland to large-scale housing developments puts these critical resources at risk. Once farmland is lost, it is rarely recovered.

Temporary Development Moratorium During UDO Revision

Nash County is currently revising its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Approving major residential subdivisions during this revision period risks allowing development to proceed under outdated regulations that may not reflect updated infrastructure capacity and long-term planning goals.

Therefore, we respectfully request a temporary pause on approval of major residential subdivisions and large-scale development projects until the revised UDO is completed, adopted, and implemented.

Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Farmland Impact Concerns

Rapid residential growth without adequate planning places measurable strain on:

- EMS response times  
- Fire department staffing and coverage  
- Law enforcement capacity  
- Road safety and congestion  
- Water and sewer infrastructure  
- School capacity and long-term taxpayer costs  

Incremental development decisions can also result in significant cumulative farmland loss if agricultural impacts are not measured and tracked.

We ask county leaders to:

1. Implement a temporary pause on major residential subdivision approvals during the UDO revision process.  
2. Conduct impact assessments evaluating public safety, school, and infrastructure capacity before approving large developments.  
3. Strengthen protections for existing farmland and agricultural zones.  
4. Require farmland impact assessments that track productive agricultural land loss and cumulative impacts on the county’s agricultural economy and rural character.  
5. Limit rezoning of prime farmland for high-density residential use.  
6. Require sustainable infrastructure plans including roads, utilities, and emergency access prior to approval.  
7. Establish buffer zones between agricultural operations and residential neighborhoods.  
8. Encourage development within designated growth areas rather than expanding into active farmland.  
9. Explore policies ensuring large developments contribute fairly to the infrastructure and public services needed to support growth, including schools, emergency services, transportation improvements, and long-term maintenance costs.  
10. Ensure transparency and meaningful public input in major development decisions.

Responsible growth must balance economic opportunity with public safety, fiscal responsibility, and preservation of the land that defines Nash County.

By signing below, we respectfully urge leaders to prioritize farmland preservation, responsible infrastructure planning, and thoughtful decision-making while updated development policies are finalized.