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Durham council reviews sweeping UDO rewrite as members spar over affordability and density
Summary
City planning staff presented a full draft of a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that would remap much of the Urban Growth Boundary and introduce new districts and development options; councilmembers praised readability and sustainability measures but sharply debated how and when to tie additional height or density to deeper affordable housing requirements.
Durham — City planning staff on Tuesday presented a full draft of a proposed Unified Development Ordinance intended to put the 2023 comprehensive plan into practice, proposing new zoning districts and three development pathways designed to increase housing variety while protecting natural resources.
The presentation, led by Bo Dobrinski of Planning & Development and consultant Code Studio, laid out four modules already released in public engagement: zoning districts and uses, development standards, subdivision/infrastructure and environmental standards, and a forthcoming administrative section. Staff said they expect a special Planning Commission meeting Feb. 24, a joint public hearing April 22 and adoption before the end of the fiscal year.
"The UDO is the way we deliver on the promises of the comprehensive plan," Dobrinski said, noting the document aims to be shorter, more graphic and easier for the public and staff to use. The draft replaces development tiers with place‑type‑aligned districts…
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