Sen. Lowe files bill in North Carolina Senate to amend Forsyth County zoning laws

A new bill filed by State Sen. Lowe seeks to update zoning authority and promote affordable housing in Forsyth County and the city of Winston-Salem, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 196 on Feb. 27 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co. Planning & Zoning.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the planning and zoning laws for Forsyth County and the city of Winston-Salem, giving the joint City and County Planning Board authority to recommend revisions or create new zoning ordinances. It allows the City Council to rezone property through ordinances and grants it the power to regulate land use for various purposes, such as trade and recreation. The bill also promotes affordable housing by permitting the city to offer developers density bonuses or incentives if they construct housing for low- or moderate-income individuals. The city can zone areas within three miles of its corporate limits, and zoning regulations may differ between districts. Additionally, the bill defines several terms related to amendments and clarifies that the terms “Board of Aldermen” and “City Council” are interchangeable. This legislation is specific to Winston-Salem and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Lowe proposed another seven bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lowe graduated from Bishop College in 1985 with a BA and again from Drew University School of Theology with a DMIN.

Lowe, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2015 to represent the state’s 32nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Earline Parmon.