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HB 333

Federal acts-legal actions authorized-2.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dalton Banks

HB 333 bars Jacksonville, NC from using municipal planning/zoning beyond its borders; ETJ relinquished immediately, with county uptake during transition per 160D-202(h).

H Did not Consider for Introduction
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Bill Summary · HB 333

HB 333 — Jacksonville / Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Prohibited (North Carolina, 2025)

Status: Enacted (effective upon becoming law)
Introduced: 11/12/2024 — Filed; First referred 03/10/2025
Primary Sponsors: Representatives Shepard and Gable
Subject areas: Local government, municipalities, planning & zoning, property, Onslow County / City of Jacksonville

Main purpose and intent

HB 333 prohibits the City of Jacksonville (Onslow County) from exercising municipal planning and development authority outside its contiguous corporate limits. The bill removes the city’s ability to apply its Chapter 160D powers (planning, zoning, development regulation) in areas that lie beyond the city’s incorporated boundaries.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on ETJ authority: Notwithstanding G.S. 160D-202 or any other law, the City of Jacksonville may not exercise powers granted to municipalities in Chapter 160D in any area beyond its contiguous corporate limits.
  • Immediate relinquishment: The city’s relinquishment of jurisdiction over areas outside its limits becomes effective on the date the act becomes law.
  • Transitional enforcement: The city’s existing development regulations and enforcement authorities remain in effect in the affected areas only until the time provided in G.S. 160D-202(h) (i.e., the statutory transition period referenced in current state law).
  • Narrow, city‑specific change: The prohibition applies specifically to the City of Jacksonville and does not create a statewide ban on extraterritorial jurisdiction for other municipalities.

Who is affected

  • City of Jacksonville: loses authority to regulate land use, development, and zoning in its former ETJ areas once the act is effective (subject to the transitional window).
  • Residents, property owners, and developers in former ETJ areas: permitting, development standards, and enforcement responsibilities will shift away from the city.
  • Onslow County and adjacent local governments: county planning and permitting authorities likely assume land‑use jurisdiction in the affected areas; coordination and rule‑making may be required.
  • Service providers and utilities: potential changes in permitting processes and land‑use approvals could affect infrastructure and service planning.

Procedural/timeline aspects and practical implications

  • Effective date: the act takes effect when it becomes law; the bill text makes the jurisdictional relinquishment effective immediately upon that date.
  • Temporary coverage: existing city development regulations remain enforceable for the duration specified by G.S. 160D-202(h) — parties should consult that provision to determine the precise transition timeline and any interim permitting rules.
  • Practical impacts: shifting jurisdiction may require the county to adopt or update zoning/development ordinances for the areas; developers and property owners may see changes in applicable standards, permitting offices, fees, and enforcement practices. Gaps or overlap in enforcement during transition are possible and will depend on county and city actions.
  • Implementation actions recommended: review and alignment of county ordinances, interlocal coordination, public notice to affected property owners, and administrative updates to permitting processes.

Bottom line

HB 333 is a targeted, city‑specific law that removes Jacksonville’s authority to regulate land use outside its municipal boundaries, with a statutory transition period preserving existing regulations only for the time allowed under G.S. 160D-202(h). The change shifts land‑use control to the county (or other applicable jurisdiction) and will require administrative and regulatory adjustments during the transition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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