Washington County Flag Lot Zoning Hearing Set for July 6

PLYMOUTH, N.C. — Washington County commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday on a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment involving flag lots, a land-use issue that can affect future residential development, property access, and subdivision design.

The hearing is scheduled during the Washington County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room at 116 Adams Street in Plymouth. The flag lot public hearing is listed for 6:45 p.m. on the published agenda.

The agenda describes the item as a “Recommended Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment re: Flag Lots.” The full ordinance language was not included in the agenda packet reviewed by Camden Tribune.

What Is a Flag Lot?

A flag lot is a parcel of land located behind another property and connected to a public road by a long, narrow strip of land. The narrow strip resembles the pole of a flag, while the larger buildable area behind it resembles the flag itself.

Flag lots are often used when landowners want to divide property that does not have enough direct road frontage for a traditional lot.

Supporters often say flag lots give rural property owners more flexibility. Critics often raise concerns about driveway access, emergency response, shared easements, future density, and neighborhood design.

Why the Public Hearing Matters

Zoning ordinance changes can shape how land is divided and developed for years. Even a technical change involving lot design can affect future housing, road access, emergency services, and rural land use.

Because this is a public hearing, residents will have an opportunity to speak before commissioners decide whether to approve, reject, or revise the proposed zoning text amendment.

Other Items on the July 6 Agenda

The flag lot hearing is one of several items scheduled for Monday’s meeting.

Commissioners are also expected to consider a consent agenda that includes a proposed five-year agreement with AXON Enterprise, Inc., tax refunds and releases, a late application for tax property relief, and Washington County Schools long-range plans.

Other scheduled items include:

• A Recreation and Active Aging Center department update.
• A Pea Ridge project update and work change directive.
• A tax settlement report.
• A $246,558 Public School Building Capital Fund request using North Carolina Education Lottery funds for renovations at the WCECHS and JROTC sites.
• Budget amendments and budget transfers.
• A fire ordinance amendment discussion involving a Roper Fire Department request.
• A closed session for attorney-client privilege and personnel matters.

Meeting Information

Washington County Board of Commissioners
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Commissioners’ Room, 116 Adams Street, Plymouth, NC

The board is also scheduled to recess the meeting to July 14, 2026, for a joint meeting with the Washington County Board of Education at the Washington County School Auxiliary Gym, 3177 US Hwy 64 East in Plymouth.

What Residents Should Watch

Residents following the flag lot proposal may want to watch for several key points:

• The exact ordinance language proposed by county officials.
• Whether the amendment changes road frontage, access, driveway, or subdivision standards.
• Public comments from property owners, builders, planners, or residents.
• Whether commissioners vote Monday or delay action for further review.

Why This Matters

Flag lot rules may sound technical, but they can have real consequences for rural growth and private property use.

For landowners, the rules may affect whether property can be divided or developed. For nearby residents, the rules may influence neighborhood layout, traffic patterns, and emergency access. For county officials, the issue connects directly to planning, zoning, infrastructure, and long-term development policy.

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Stay Informed

Camden Tribune covers local government, public meetings, schools, planning and zoning, public safety, and taxpayer issues across northeastern North Carolina.

For continuing coverage of Washington County government, visit our Washington County section.

Camden Tribune will continue following the July 6 meeting and any action taken on the proposed flag lot zoning amendment.