Chatham County Commissioners voted 3-2 to apply zoning to the remaining portions of the county that were previously unzoned at its meeting Monday night.

The vote means that the newly zoned portions of the county will now fall under R-1 or R-5 zoning regulations.

R-1 will allow “low to moderate density residential development in residential and agricultural areas (approximately one residence per acre).” R-5, meanwhile, calls for approximately one residence per five acres in areas adjacent to rivers and streams.

Bona fide farms, which are defined by state law, are exempt from the zoning regulations as long as they continue using the property for agricultural purposes, according to a release.

Businesses that are in areas that were previously unzoned are being grandfathered in as non-conforming issues, meaning they can continue operating even though they do not fit the current zoning guidelines.

The issue had been a contentious point among Chatham County residents and commissioners between those thinking this was a way to protect the county from impending development and those who felt it was government intrusion.

Related Stories
‹
Countywide Zoning Going Back Before Chatham County Commissioners
A contentious topic will be revisited at the Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting tonight. Much of rural Chatham County is not currently subject to zoning regulations, but that could change Monday night. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday night with countywide zoning on the agenda. A public hearing was held […]
Zoning Public Hearing Turns Contentious for Chatham County
Emotions flared in the Chatham County Commissioner meeting on Monday night during a public hearing over the possibility of zoning portions of the county that have previously been unzoned. That temperament extended to commissioners Walter Petty and Diana Hales, who were involved in a particularly contentious back and forth. “You said yourself, ‘I will zone […]
Chatham County's Arts Center Set for Grand Opening Celebration, Aims to be New Creative Resource
After several years of planning, the new Chatham County Arts Center is now open and will hold a grand opening ceremony Saturday, May 17.
Chatham County Roundup: Former Pittsboro Mayor and "On The Porch" Host Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor and host of "On The Porch" on 97.9 The Hill, Randy Voller joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 14. He discussed recent real estate trends in Chatham and Orange counties. He also discussed some of the recent high profile guests he has spoken with on "On The Porch." He talked about some news and events around Chatham County, including the importance of residents paying attention to budget decisions made by local leaders, and more.
Here Are Top Takeaways From The Chamber's 2025 State of the Community Report
The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro held its 18th State of the Community presentation for local leaders on May 7
Chatham County Roundup: Budget Updates, Downtown Work Plan, Local Land Use Authority
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 13, discussing town news and events. He discussed the latest on the Pittsboro budget, including no property tax increase. He also discussed the downtown work plan, a resolution passed in support of local land use authority, police week, and more.
'Where Do We Draw the Line?': NC Legislation Targets Public School Libraries
In this legislative session, North Carolina Republican lawmakers sponsored bills that would allow more control over public school libraries.
Chatham County Roundup: Chair of the County Commissioners Karen Howard from Washington, D.C.
Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 6. She joined via phone from Washington, D.C. for an economic conference. She discussed the tone and purpose of the conference, including leaders showing a recognition of the importance of addressing affordable housing, and the challenges presented by the current administration's economic policy. She also discussed the first look at Chatham County's budget proposal for next year, and more.
Chatham County 911 Operator Helps a Woman Give Birth at Home
After entering labor, Chatham County's Sarah Gianni called 911 and was helped by operator Lorie Teague. Now they've met for the first time.
Chatham County Utility Customers Will Switch to TriRiver Water in July. What Does That Mean?
The Haw River Assembly hosted a public information session to assuage Chatham County water customers' concerns about an upcoming utility merger with TriRiver Water.
›