Planning and Zoning

Quiet Southern charm, just sixteen minutes from Raleigh, NC.

Citizen Boards

Planning Board

The Wendell Planning Board's function is to guide and advise the Wendell Board of Commissioners in accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the municipality and the surrounding area which with present and future needs, best promote Wendell's health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare. The Planning Board is made of 12 members, six of which live inside the corporate limits and six that live outside the corporate limits but within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

The Planning Board meets on the third Monday of every month. The board members are:

  • Lee Batson- Vice Chair
  • Sam Laughery
  • Miles A. Dean, Jr
  • Chris Smith
  • Charles Cannon
  • Karlita Harris
  • Lisa Sanderson
  • Glenn Harris
  • Sally Phipps - Chairperson

Board of Adjustment

The Wendell Board of Adjustment is the quasi-judicial board of the Town of Wendell. The Board of Adjustment's powers and duties are to hear administrative review, grant/deny variances, and/or grant/deny conditional uses. These powers entail making conditions and stipulations to the town zoning ordinances. If one finds conflict with town zoning ordinances or regulations, they may go before the board and state their case. The cost to go before the Board of Adjustment is $500. If one has any questions or would like to go before the Board of Adjustment, please call the Planning Department at (919) 365-4448.

The Board of Adjustment has only special called meetings by the Zoning Administrator. The members of the Board are :

  • John Narron - Chair
  • Curt Phipps - Vice Chair
  • Mary-Kathryn Phillips 
  • Stephen Apple
  • Arthur Whittington
  • Kimberly Boylston
  • Betsy Rountree

Tree Board

The Wendell Tree Board purpose is to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on town owned public property and right-of-ways within the Town of Wendell. The board shall consider, investigate, make findings, report, and recommend upon any special matter of question when requested by the Wendell Board of Commissioners. They are primarily an advisory board.

The Wendell Tree Board meets once a quarter, as well as on special called meetings. For more information call the Tim Kay at (919) 366-2266. The members of the Wendell Tree Board are:

  • Jennifer Sollinger
  • Lewis Piner
  • Jenny Melton
  • Karl Thoma
  • Warren Boyette
  • Joe Sparacia


Tree Trimming by Progress Energy - Progress Energy follows American National Standards Institute (ANSI 300) guidelines in the trimming of trees from utility lines. Progress Energy clears 15 feet from the center of the overhead powerline and 55 feet vertical. Progress Energy promotes the education and understanding of why planting the proper tree is important for your safety and the environment. For citizens wanting to request the trimming of trees in their area, they may contact Progress Energy at 508-5400. Mr. Harlod Taylor will make an evaluation of the request before a work order is generated. For more information on Where to Grow, contact http://www.progress-energy.com/environment/vegetation/index.asp

The following links will also provide you with additional information related to proper tree care and management. These websites provide answers questions concerning: tree pruning, tree removal, brush cutting, herbicide application and tree growth regulators.

The International Society of Arboriculture
The Tree Care Industry Association
National Arbor Day Foundation
Utility Arborist Association

Meeting Schedule

Planning Board: Third Monday of each month.

Tree Board: Once each quarter.

Board of Adjustment: Once each quarter.