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CLT UDO Change Request Form Introduced: Use it and Become Part of the Solution

Originally published on July 20, 2023, by Rob Nanfelt for REBIC.

Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) has been in place for nearly two months.  As was anticipated, we are seeing challenges in the field due to some of the new requirements.  Similarly, language changes have resulted in a lack of clarity and constrained flexibility.  Each of you have an opportunity to play a direct role in assisting us in obtaining some of the necessary changes.  Take advantage of it!

In collaboration with, and at the request of City Staff, REBIC members have developed a UDO Change Request Form to assist Staff and Members of Council with reviewing suggested changes to the ordinance.  Specific examples and recommended language changes submitted along with justification for the requested amendments should result in a more efficient process for obtaining clarity where necessary, and to accelerate the process of administrative as well as legislative relief. 

Complete the Form

Forms should be sent to Laura Harmon with the City of Charlotte Planning Department at [email protected], with carbon copies to [email protected][email protected], and [email protected].

My take:  I don't know how more directly to say this - if we want to fix the problems, in a timely manner, we need to demonstrate the need and reason for those changes.  This tool also provides another layer of accountability and buttresses our needs case to adopt amendments, as rapidly as possible.  When we entered into his new era of the 2040 Plan and UDO, it was frequently mentioned by Members of the Council and Planning Staff that modifications would be necessary and would be considered on an ongoing basis.  This tool will assist in tracking our progress and obtaining a more positive outcome.  Please share this within your network so it may be utilized broadly.  

UDO Goes Into Effect June 1 - Four Text Amendments Reviewed

During last night's meeting, the Charlotte City Council held a hearing on four text amendments related to the soon-to-be-implemented Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Since these were introduced several weeks ago, REBIC representatives met with Planning Staff and suggested revisions to the proposed amendments, some of which were accepted, and some were not.  This is the first round of changes that will likely be made over the course of the next couple of years.   Here are the details:

  • Text Amendment to the Charlotte Tree Ordinance - (1) Adds new requirements for collected civil penalties to only be used to further the purpose, intent, enforcement, spirit, and requirements of the Charlotte Tree Ordinance with regard to the use of collected funds; (2) Corrects numerical and roman numeral sequencing in Articles; and (3) Deletes two unintentional words in one sentence.  
  • Text Amendment 2023-056 - Amends the UDO for the use Landfill, Land Clearing, and Insert Debris (LCID) by (1) deleting it as a use permitted with prescribed conditions in all zoning districts except ML-2; (2) modifying the use in the ML-2 zoning district as a use requiring a conditional zoning that complies with the prescribed conditions; (3) increasing the distance between an operational portion of an LCID landfill to 50 feet from any property line; (4) adding a requirement that the actual fill area shall be located at least 300 feet from any Neighborhood 1 or Neighborhood 2 Place Type or an existing residential structure in any other place type; (5) deleting collector streets as a permitted primary vehicular access; (6) adding limited hours and days of operation for the use; (7) adding a requirement for a geomembrane liner and leachate collection system subject to state standards that is equal to or exceeds the state criteria for municipal solid waste landfill units; (8) adding a requirement that the use shall comply with the state groundwater well and surface water requirements for a municipal solid waste landfill; and (9) deleting the requirement for a zoning permit for the use. 
  • Text Amendment 2023-057 - Amends the UDO to allow Multi-Family Attached and Multi-Family Stacked development in the CG and CR zoning districts under certain conditions and to modify the prescribed conditions for the principal use of Drive-Through Establishment and the accessory use of Accessory Drive-Through (formerly Drive-Through Facility) to limit their use in Centers Place Types.
  • Text Amendment 2023-058 - This is a broad "clean up" amendment that corrects errors in the adopted ordinance and will improve functionality.  This is the first of many such amendments that will be proposed over time.  Click this link for a Summary Memo that describes the proposed language changes.  
A final vote on the amendments will likely be held prior to Memorial Day as the originally adopted ordinance becomes effective on June 1st.

UDO: Planning Committee to Review and Recommend

Compiled from REBIC, staff reports

REBIC’s Rob Nanfelt reported Tuesday that the City’s Planning Committee is taking up the matter of the proposed Unified Development Ordinance. Next month, committee members will take any additional recommendations before the third/final draft.

Last week, the Charlotte City Council received comments from the community during a public hearing on the proposed UDO. Click here to view the resolution. The entire hearing is available to view here – beginning approximately at the 2:51:30 mark.   

Next is a review and recommendation from the City’s Planning Committee scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 19, at 5 p.m. Those interested can view it on the City’s Planning Department YouTube Channel. The complete agenda and meeting packet is available here.

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Charlotte UDO Public Hearing Held Monday

UDO

On Monday, Charlotte's proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) public hearing took place in the City Council Chambers. 

Many in the audience turned out for the Public Forum portion of the plan, but several neighborhood activists were also on hand. That group mainly wanted to challenge the ordinance provision allowing for higher-density dwellings in single-family neighborhoods. REBIC supports a wide range of housing types and believes the development of additional units is necessary to meet current and future demand.

The City Council also voted 9-2 to adopt a policy providing source of income protections to prospective renters of properties developed using a taxpayer-provided subsidy, conveyance of property, or infrastructure reimbursement incentive such as a Tax Increment Grant (TIG). The policy seeks to promote the use of Housing Opportunity Vouchers that some property managers and landowners have been reluctant to accept. Proponents have argued the policy is necessary to eliminate a discriminatory practice. Opponents are concerned it will result in less affordable housing units for future development.

More from the meeting

The Charlotte City Council received comments from the community on Monday at a scheduled public hearing on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Click here to view the resolution. The entire hearing is available here - beginning approximately at the 2:51:30 mark.   

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RECAP – Industry Forum: Charlotte’s UDO and Next Steps

UDO dom photo

June 23, 2022:  More than 100 commercial real estate professionals registered to hear a panel of local industry professionals share their feedback on the latest draft of Charlotte’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Roger Manley (BB+M Architecture), Jon Morris (Beacon Partners), Tim Sittema (Crosland Southeast) and moderator Rob Nanfelt (REBIC) discussed their participation and impacts the new ordinance will have on the future of commercial real estate development.

Some of the highlights included:

Affordability after the UDO's implementation.  Yes, development and housing costs will go up. But the new draft should offer more flexibility.

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Strategic Mobility Plan Out Thursday


UDO graphic

Thursday will mark the release of the Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) draft. The public can access the May 19 meeting at this link.

The SMP’s goal is to shape the mobility future for the City of Charlotte and expand on the “Safe and Equitable Mobility” goal of the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2040 Plan). The SMP dives deeper into the mobility policies of 2040 Plan to achieve a safe, connected, equitable, sustainable, prosperous, and innovative mobility vision for Charlotte. To learn more, follow this link to the Strategic Mobility Plan homepage.

SMP Virtual Engagement Sessions will be live on Thursday, May 26 (6 p.m.) and Tuesday, May 31 (noon). Meeting links will be available by visiting charlottenc.gov/smp.

Additionally, you can sign up to share input during the public comment portion of the City Council Business Meeting on Monday, June 13, at 6 p.m.

UDO – Updates

On Wednesday, there will be a presentation on the findings related to the Economic Analysis of the draft UDO.


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Raleigh UDO: Lessons Learned | Panel Discussion

 

As Charlotte strives for a UDO, what can we learn from Raleigh? Hear a discussion with public and private perspectives about the process, transition and implementation.

Join us for a Virtual UDO Listening Session

 

Beginning next Thursday, the Charlotte Department of Planning, Design & Development will host weekly virtual listening sessions focused on UDO topics that have sparked particular interest from the community. We invite you to share your input with staff about the proposed standards in the first draft UDO for the topics listed below. Each session will be offered twice on the scheduled day, from 12-1p.m. and 6-7p.m via Zoom. Registration is required. 

Thursdays with the UDO Virtual Listening Sessions
February 17, 2022 | Heritage Tree Protection
February 24, 2022 | Short-Term Rentals
March 3, 2022 | Neighborhood 1 Zoning Districts
March 10, 2022 | Parking

These sessions will include a brief presentation from staff about the topic followed by an open forum. If you are interested in speaking during the session, please sign up to speak when you register to attend. Based on the number of registered participants, individual speaking time will be limited. Your feedback is important to us, and we look forward to hearing from you!

REGISTER HERE

Charlotte Policy Map & UDO

 

originally published by REBIC with permission to reshare.

UDO picture

During last night’s Charlotte City Council Business Meeting (start at 7 minute and 45-second mark), Alysia Osborne, Project Director, gave a presentation on the 2040 Policy Map. The second draft of the map will be released on January 18th. The other details on the new schedule may be found here.

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Charlotte UDO Virtual Q&A Session Postponed

 

originally published by REBIC with permission to repost in NAIOP Charlotte

UDO picture

The Frequent Users Q&A Virtual Conversations originally scheduled for January 4th have been postponed until January 27, 2022. Thank you to those who submitted questions before the previous deadline, however, the City did not receive enough questions to warrant an hour-long session. Please submit comments so that the City can facilitate a robust discussion for those who will use the UDO regularly. You may now submit questions until Thursday, January 20, 2022. Please submit your questions on the registration pages in the buttons below or via email to [email protected].

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Charlotte's UDO

 

Do you frequently use or reference Charlotte's development regulations?

The City of Charlotte, Department of Planning, Design, and Development will hold two conversations on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, to respond to development and design-related questions about the UDO. This session will be geared toward design and development professionals who may have very technical questions.

To ensure that all questions are addressed during this conversation, questions must be submitted in advance through the registration page or via email to [email protected] before next Tuesday, December 28, 2021. There will be two of these conversations from 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Join the virtual conversation that best fits your schedule!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with city staff on this first draft of the UDO!

UDO Frequent User Q&A Flyer

A unique opportunity to discuss the Charlotte UDO

 

Charlotte Pic

Do you frequently use or reference Charlotte’s development regulations?

The City of Charlotte, Department of Planning, Design, and Development will hold two conversations on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, to respond to development and design-related questions about the UDO. While we are calling all professionals who regularly use development regulations in Charlotte, all are welcome to attend.

To ensure that all questions are addressed during this conversation, questions must be submitted in advance through the registration page or via email to [email protected] before next Tuesday, December 28, 2021. We will host two of these conversations from 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Join the virtual conversation that best fits your schedule!

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City of Charlotte Elections Filing Opens Next Week

 

originally published by REBIC with permission to repost to NAIOP

#1) 2022 Elections: Filing Begins Next Week

Vote

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City Releases Easy to Understand Reference Guide of Unified Development Ordinance

 

originally published by City of Charlotte with permission to repost on NAIOP Charlotte

City of Charlotte Pic

City Releases Easy to Understand Reference Guide of Unified Development Ordinance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Nov. 24, 2021) – The City of Charlotte on Wednesday released an easy-to-understand reference guide of the first draft of the Unified Development Ordinance.

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Release of the Draft Comprehensive Transportation Review (CTR) Guidelines

 

The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) has released for public review and comment a draft of the Comprehensive Transportation Review (CTR) Guidelines. 

These guidelines are a key component to implementing the 2040 Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  As stakeholders and partners in the development of the UDO, we value your continued engagement, review, and input.

Why are they important?

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Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map Survey

A special thanks to Elizabeth McMillan at Crescent Communities for sharing this information below.  Please pass along to your colleagues.

As a follow-up to the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the Charlotte Planning Department has moved into Part 2 of the implementation phase, the Charlotte Future 2040 Policy Map. This part of the process will translate the plan’s place-based policies to specific locations throughout the community.  The Planning Department has put out a survey to collect data and input from residents and professionals to help influence the Policy Map, which will help guide the UDO.

Please feel free to share this email with others in hopes that more of our voices can be heard.

Complete Survey

** The first page sets the stage for the previous work and gives an overview of the process, so may be helpful if you need a refresher.

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Important Government Affairs Update

Top 3 Items to Note:

  1. We are making significant progress on our efforts to identify and bring aboard a seasoned individual to provide additional eyes and ears on the ground in Iredell County and Cabarrus County.  More on that to come later this week.
  1. The City of Charlotte is seeking development/real estate representatives to serve on two advisory boards created by the passage of the policy section of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.  It is essential we engage qualified and knowledgeable individuals to fill these positions.  We have an incredible opportunity here and I could use your help.  (Deadline is Friday, August 27th, details follow)
Charlotte Equitable Development Commission
The Charlotte Equitable Development Commission was created with the adoption of the Future Charlotte 2040 Comprehensive Plan by City Council resolution on June 21, 2021. The Commission is charged with advising in the assessment of infrastructure throughout the city and recommending strategies that balance equitable investments in areas most in need, including areas with absent and insufficient facilities, areas growing fastest, and areas targeted for growth. The Commission will work with the Office of Strategy and Budget to provide input on the development of the city’s proposed Capital Investment Plan. The Commission will provide regular updates to the Budget and Effectiveness Council Committee and quarterly reports to the entire Council.  The committee will consist of individuals with significant backgrounds in community development and infrastructure assessments. Examples of preferred experience shall include consulting engineers in the project development business; attorneys specializing in development; developers; independent business representatives; construction contractors; bankers or insurance agents engaged in the financial aspect of development; representatives from homebuilder's association; homeowners or neighborhood association representatives.
9 Members (3 appointments by Mayor, 6 appointments by City Council), Term Length – 3 years, 1 term
 
Charlotte’s Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Commission (Charlotte’s NEST)
The City of Charlotte needs to address displacement caused by gentrification in a comprehensive, broad, and systematic, intentional manner. The recently adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes the establishment of the Charlotte Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Commission (Charlotte’s NEST). The City currently has an adopted Affordable Housing Framework coupled with a number of neighborhood programs that are used to address gentrification. However, the City desires to engage the community in developing additional strategies to limit displacement. Therefore, the Charlotte Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Commission is established for a 3-year period and is charged with reviewing and recommending specific anti-displacement strategies and specific tools for protecting residents of moderate to high vulnerability of displacement. The Commission will make regular reports to the Great Neighborhood Council Committee, quarterly reports to the entire Council and provide recommendations for combatting displacement prior to the implementation of the Plan.
15 Members (5 appointments by Mayor, 10 appointments by City Council) who shall be appointed according to the following criteria:
- 3 appointees - Housing Advocates (1 appointed by Mayor, 2 appointed by Council)
- 3 appointees - Neighborhood Leaders or Community Organizers (1 appointed by Mayor, 2 appointed by Council)
- 3 appointees - Involved in the Real Estate Development Industry as specified below:
- Non-Profit Affordable Housing Developer (1 appointment by the Mayor)
- For Profit Affordable Housing Developer (1 appointment by the Council)
- Market Rate Housing Developer (1 appointment by the Council)
- 2 appointees - Residents who have experienced or are experiencing displacement (1 appointed by Mayor, 1 appointed by Council)
- 1 Urban Studies and Planning Representative with experience in displacement and gentrification and implementing equitable inclusive development strategies (1 appointment by the Mayor)
- 1 Housing Finance Representative with experience in rental housing finance and homeownership and affordable and subsidized housing (1 appointment by the Council)
- 1 Land Use Representative with expertise and experience in historic preservation and landmarks, zoning, and development rights (1 appointment by the Council)
- 1 appointee - Neighborhood Conditions Representative with expertise and experience in economic development, health, racial/ethnic segregation, schools and education and crime (1 appointment by the Council)
Term Length – 3 years, 1 term
 

For more information on the new advisory boards, please visit: https://charlottenc.gov/CityClerk/Pages/BoardsandCommissions.aspx

 

  1. The next phases of CLT Future 2040 (mapping and UDO) are underway –
    • Alan and I had our second monthly meeting with Taiwo and Alyson last Thursday.  As a result of that meeting, REBIC will be putting together a small group of design professionals that will meet with planning staff every two weeks (for as long as necessary) beginning a few days prior to the public release of the UDO on October 4th.  These meetings will allow REBIC representatives to provide feedback and to receive an immediate response, much earlier in the process, on elements of the proposed ordinance that could be problematic if implemented  It also allows us to be a cheerleader for those things in the UDO that help streamline the process and reduce development time frames.
    • Brenda Hayden will be joining Alan and me for the monthly meetings beginning in September.
    • A brief presentation containing the projected schedule for mapping/UDO is here.
  • Due to recent and higher than anticipated COVID infection rates, the Government Center has been closed to the public for the time being.

Two for Tuesday - First Draft of Charlotte UDO Released

originally published by REBIC with permission to repost on NAIOP

Two for Tuesday


 

#1) First Draft of Charlotte UDO Released

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Concord and Kannapolis UDO Updates

The City of Concord is updating their UDO – Read more

Kannapolis is updating their UDO – Read more