Salisbury council overrides mayor's veto to restore higher downtown density

Salisbury City Council voted to override Mayor Randolph J. Taylor's veto of Ordinance 2909 on Jan. 27, 2025, restoring an amendment to Section 17.24.040 of the Salisbury City Code that increases the inherent density permitted for development and redevelopment in the city's central business district. The motion to reconsider and approve the ordinance passed by the four-of-five threshold required under the Salisbury City Charter.

The override followed a public hearing period and earlier committee action: the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on Nov. 21, 2024, and recommended the amendment (6-1). Council first passed the ordinance after a public hearing on Jan. 13, 2025, by a 4-1 vote; Mayor Taylor returned the ordinance with a veto on Jan. 19, 2025. Under the charter, an ordinance returned without the mayor's approval may become law if the council passes it again by four-fifths of the whole council within 20 days; councilors completed that process at the special legislative session on Jan. 27.

Why it matters: The change removes or raises density limits in the central business zoning district, a move supporters say is intended to encourage housing and economic activity downtown. Opponents and some residents say the change will worsen parking congestion, produce mostly market-rate/luxury units rather than affordable units, and favor outside developers over longtime residents.

Council debate and recorded action

Council members debated before the roll call.…