The changes could impact how much density is allowed in many future townhome, duplex and triplex projects.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte officials are revisiting the city’s new zoning codes due to what they call "unintended consequences."
The Unified
Development Ordinance was adopted in 2022. One of
the main goals is to allow higher-density housing in more places to help
address the city’s housing deficit.
Now, city planners are proposing
changes that could decrease density for certain projects after finding issues
with how they are being built.
Charlotte city planners told the city council on Monday that they’ve found a loophole in the UDO that is allowing builders to decrease lot sizes to fit more units.
Their concern is that the way the projects are being built is hindering people’s quality of life. That's because the developments are too close to existing housing and their streets are too small.
For example, many homeowners opposed a luxury townhome development that's currently being built on Selwyn Avenue due to its density.
"This development doesn’t have
any setbacks on any of its sides," neighbor Paul Maxwell said while
pointing to the project. He worries there isn’t enough space for cars or
parking.
"The streets are almost
nonexistent, they have tiny alleys between each building," Maxwell added.
City planning director Alyson Craig
told city councilmembers she is seeing similar situations across
town. "What we’re seeing is not really getting at what we had
intended," Craig said.
Craig said the root of the problem
is the conservation development option in the UDO. It allows builders to use
smaller lot sizes and increase density if they conserve open
space. However, Craig said green space isn't being conserved as they
envisioned.
"I think it's just about
making sure we’re getting it right," Craig added.
She’s asking city leaders to tweak
the UDO to limit the conservation option to projects that are at least five
acres. The current requirement is two acres.
The changes would also
increase green space and buffer zone requirements, which could decrease
density in some projects.
"As our city grows at such a
fast pace, open space and green space continue to be a challenge,"
Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera said on Monday.
Maxwell said the changes are too
late for his neighborhood, but he thinks they can help others. "I’m
hoping that the authorities take a look at these new [regulations] and modify
them," Maxwell said.
The city council will hold a public
hearing on April 15 and is set to vote on the proposed changes on May
20.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and
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