Several years ago I prepared a blog entitled “Nuisance Abatement and Local Governments: What a Mess.” At the end of that blog I promised a sequel to take up several other legal issues related to nuisance abatement and building condemnation. … Read more

UPDATE: This blog is out-of-date. A new version of “Planning Board Basics” has been posted here. The local planning board may take many forms and perform many roles.  The core responsibilities are clearly set forth by statute.  The General Statutes … Read more

In 2015 the General Assembly abolished the supermajority requirement for adopting zoning map amendments if a protest petition had been filed. S.L. 2015-160 created G.S. 160D-603 as an alternative to the protest petition. It allows written protests to be filed … Read more

I was on vacation with my family last week, and there’s nothing quite like a drive across our fair state to spur interest in motor vehicle laws. Here are a few of the questions that my clan raised along the … Read more

When it’s filing season for people seeking city or county offices, questions often arise about who can run. Can the spouse of a current board member run? What about the spouse of a current employee? How about the adult child … Read more

[UPDATED 8/24/16] Big changes are on the horizon for all North Carolina drivers.  Under the state’s new “Tax and Tag Together” program (aka “H.B. 1779” among property tax geeks) that will launch in September, anyone who wishes to renew a … Read more

For most units July 1 (or the date that the annual budget ordinance is adopted) marks the end of the formal budgeting season. Each year, however, at least a few counties and local school boards face a protracted budgeting process. … Read more

A newly elected local government board member is attending an orientation session. Her hand shoots up. “One thing I’ve always been confused about is whether or not it’s legal for a board to take action in a workshop or retreat … Read more

Tomorrow we celebrate the 237th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of our journey as an independent nation.  But, did you know that July 4th also marks another beginning for our nation, one that … Read more

Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is unconstitutional.  So said the Supreme Court of the United States on June 25, 2013, in the case of Shelby County v. Holder.  Section 4 identified the jurisdictions in the nation … Read more