Senate Bill 720 Summary

• Consolidates land-use provisions into Chapter 160D of North Carolina General Statutes, completing the consolidation directed by S.L. 2019-111 as recommended by the General Statutes Commission.

• Implements "permit choice" provisions allowing development applicants to select which version of development regulations applies when rules change between application submission and permit decision.

• Establishes vested rights framework protecting development approvals from subsequent regulation changes, with varying durations (6 months to indefinite) depending on permit type and development stage.

• Creates vacant building receivership authority allowing cities to petition courts for appointment of receivers to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell vacant structures deemed nuisances.

• Updates procedures for appeals, administrative decisions, historic preservation reviews, and civil actions challenging development regulations, with expanded standing and judicial remedies for aggrieved parties.