Beaufort County staff urge public input as five‑year comprehensive plan review continues

Planning staff told the Beaufort County Natural Resources Committee they are conducting the required five‑year review of the county’s comprehensive plan, adopted in November 2021, and seeking fresh public input before making recommendations to the planning commission.

"We started...we had a series of public workshops, I think on June 11 and June 18," said the county planning presenter, adding the county followed up with online engagement and a new mapping exercise that was recently launched. Staff said the online outreach produced about 257 responses and that the mapping tool will be live for roughly three weeks; staff will compile results into a report for the planning commission and then, if directed, to council.

The presenter said the review uses an implementation spreadsheet the planning commission maintains, department updates, and chapter‑by‑chapter workshops to identify recommendations that have been completed and items that need updating. Committee members asked how staff will publicize the mapping tool so residents who do not regularly navigate the county website can participate; staff agreed to work with the county communications office and the local paper to promote the opportunity.

Committee members emphasized they do not expect large, automatic changes to the plan but want clear notice if staff recommend substantive amendments for particular areas. Staff said any major substantive amendments would go to the planning commission in November and then to council for ordinance action if required.