The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (ACFT) strongly opposes North Carolina Senate Bill 205—a repackaged version of House Bill 765, a bill that drew bipartisan backlash for its attack on local land-use authority. While HB 765 stalled in the House, its most damaging provisions didn’t disappear—they were quietly rolled into SB 205, a piece of legislation that once dealt only with swimming pools.

 

Now, SB 205 threatens to override local planning. If passed, this sweeping legislation would strip municipalities of critical land-use authority, allowing for development that prioritizes speed and sprawl over local input, environmental sustainability, and long-term public health. 

 

Despite its framing as an affordable housing measure, Senate Bill 205 fundamentally undermines local planning and public engagement processes. Its provisions remove key tools that communities use to guide and manage growth while preserving the environment, mitigating stormwater, and protecting quality of life.

​​​

The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees envisions a future where tree-lined streets, healthy canopies, and walkable neighborhoods are accessible to everyone. SB 205 jeopardizes this vision, making it harder to ensure that new development supports vibrant, livable communities—and easier for developments to proceed without regard for existing canopy, neighborhood input, or long-term sustainability.

​

LET LOCAL LEADERS LEAD

North Carolina’s cities and towns are diverse. What works for Charlotte may not work for Wilmington. Senate Bill 205 ignores this reality, eroding local democracy and threatening our canopy.

​​​

The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees urges residents across North Carolina to contact their representatives and demand they vote NO on Senate Bill 205!