Clemmons Village Council mobilizes residents against state zoning bills

Clemmons officials are organizing residents in opposition to zoning bills moving through the state legislature that they say could threaten local authority.

House Bill 765 says a local government can't enact or enforce zoning regulations more restrictive than state law. If passed, it would also require municipalities like Clemmons to have a high number of dwelling units per acre for places zoned residential.

It's one of several proposed bills that brought more than two dozen people to a Clemmons Village Council special meeting Wednesday to discuss mobilizing in opposition.

Mayor Pro Tempore Mike Combest says the proposed changes would be harmful for the area.

"The more I read about this legislation and study it, the more clear it becomes that if this legislation passes, it will, and this will sound a bit hyperbolic, fundamentally change Clemmons as we know it today," Combest says.

Jeff Zenger, a Republican representing Forsyth County, is a primary sponsor of the bill. He was not immediately available for comment.

The legislation is currently being reviewed in the state House of Representatives.