Southern Pines Backs New Housing Options and Industrial Redevelopment
The Southern Pines Town Council moved through a busy agenda this week, approving a set of zoning changes aimed at expanding housing options and greenlighting a major upgrade at a local industrial site.
One of the most closely watched items was a zoning text amendment designed to support so-called “missing middle” housing—homes that fall between traditional single-family houses and large apartment complexes. The changes create new categories of minor subdivisions in high-density districts, allowing more lots when projects meet stricter design and quality standards.
Town staff explained that the new rules allow smaller-footprint townhomes while keeping caps on total square footage. Developers must also meet a points-based menu of incentives—such as redevelopment of existing sites, energy-efficient construction, or adding sidewalks—to qualify for extra allowances. After a lengthy discussion, the council approved the measure with one dissenting vote.
The board also signed off on a six-lot subdivision along Country Club Circle, converting a former golf course parcel into six detached homes on large lots. The project is described as infill development that aligns with the town’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, with homes expected to be built to a high standard and likely priced near the $1 million mark.
On the economic development side, council members approved a conceptual plan to modernize a 22-acre industrial site along Trimble Plant Road. The plan includes a 40,000-square-foot flex building, stormwater improvements, and exterior updates, along with a 75-foot buffer along U.S. 1 to screen views. The site, which already includes NC Self Storage, Penske Truck Rental, and Moore Free & Charitable Clinic, was also rezoned into a planned development district to allow a broader mix of employment uses.
In addition, the town approved the donation of surplus police car equipment to the Parkton Police Department in Robeson County, using state law that allows municipalities to share unused property with other agencies.