news-record.com

GREENSBORO — An update of the city’s land development rules is headed to the City Council for approval.

In a joint hearing Monday night, the city planning board and zoning commission recommended that the City Council adopt a proposed new land development ordinance.

The City Council is tentatively scheduled to consider the ordinance at a public hearing Feb. 2. If adopted, it would take effect in March.

The goal of the rewrite is to make the ordinance easier to understand and use for everyone, from developers to residents affected by re zonings.

The regulations also encourage developments that mix residential and commercial uses and high-density residential development, like apartments, along major roadways with access to public transportation.

New changes to the code include a landscape requirement of one tree planted in the yard of every new house, an issue opposed by the real estate industry and a couple of members of the city boards.

Paula Sloneker, regulatory affairs director for the Triad Area Real Estate and Builders Association, spoke at Monday’s hearing and asked that the city consider exempting affordable homes from the new tree requirement.

That is one issue that may be considered at next year’s public hearing.
 

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com