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Council approves annexation and zoning for Danube Lane townhouses, 6–1 vote on annexation
Summary
Durham City Council approved the voluntary annexation and zoning change for roughly 5.04 acres at Danube Lane, allowing up to 30 townhouses and duplexes; annexation passed 6–1, zoning ordinance and consistency statement passed unanimously.
The Durham City Council approved a voluntary annexation and zoning change for a roughly 5.04‑acre site at 3824 and 3910 Danube Lane on Monday, clearing the way for as many as 30 townhouses and duplexes in the Carver neighborhood.
Planning staff said the site’s existing county zoning would allow up to 10 single‑family houses; the applicant requested a change to planned development residential (PDR 7.813) to permit the higher‑density townhouse and duplex design. Staff said the proposal is “generally consistent” with the comprehensive plan place‑type designation and noted commitments to preserve environmentally sensitive area north of Carver Street and to dedicate a greenway easement for the Cub Creek Trail.
Public comment and applicant commitments Local residents and speakers asked that the council prioritize street safety projects and noted Vision Zero connections; the applicant, project planner Laura Holloman of McAdams, said the developable area would be limited south of Carver Street and that native landscaping would be used. Holloman also offered a $10,000 contribution to the city’s affordable housing fund as part of the rezoning commitments.
Council action and votes - Motion to annex the property and authorize a utility extension agreement: passed 6–1 (Councilmember Baker voted no). - Motion to adopt the UDO map change to PDR 7.813: passed unanimously. - Motion to adopt the required consistency statement under state statute NCGS 160D‑605: passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the change allows a smaller infill townhouse project instead of a 10‑lot suburban subdivision, adds a greenway easement that could support the Cub Creek Trail, and includes modest affordable‑housing and school‑system contributions.
Next steps: the applicant will proceed to site plan and permitting; parks staff will review the greenway easement; utility extension agreements will be finalized with the city.
Ending: Council members expressed mixed views in questioning but ultimately voted to approve the annexation and zoning change; one member objected to the annexation vote but the zoning changes carried unanimously.
