Rep. Cohn files bill in North Carolina House to restore local zoning powers in two counties

A new bill filed by State Rep. Bryan Cohn in the North Carolina House seeks to restore local governments’ ability to regulate land development density and uses in Granville and Vance counties, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 68 on Feb. 5 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Restore Down-Zoning Auth./Granville & Vance.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill restores the authority of local governments in Granville and Vance counties in North Carolina to initiate down-zoning actions without requiring the written consent of all affected property owners. Down-zoning refers to amendments that decrease the development density of land, reduce permitted land uses, or create any nonconformity on land that is not in a residential zoning district. The bill applies only to Granville and Vance counties, including their municipalities, and takes effect retroactively to Dec. 11, 2024. Any ordinances affected by previous legislation are reinstated as they were before the mentioned date.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cohn, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 32nd House district, replacing previous state representative Frank Sossamon.