Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Southern Pines council adopts 'missing middle' UDO amendments to allow attached housing in core zones
Summary
After extended debate, the Southern Pines Town Council approved a package of unified development ordinance (UDO) amendments to enable "single-family attached" housing via new minor-subdivision types and a points-based incentive menu in five higher-density zones. Supporters said it helps workforce housing; opponents warned of neighborhood impacts.
Southern Pines, N.C. — The Town Council on Dec. 9 approved a suite of zoning text amendments intended to make it easier for developers to build ‘missing middle’ housing — duplexes, townhomes and compact single‑family attached units — in targeted, higher-density parts of town.
Planner James Broadwell told council the package creates two new administrative subdivision tracks ("minor 2" and "minor 3") that allow higher unit counts when projects meet a long list of standards and, for the larger option, a 15‑point incentive menu. "This package represents 1 and 3, or zoning reform and administrative approvals," Broadwell said, describing the changes as voluntary, site‑specific options rather than mandatory rezoning.
The staff presentation cited the Bowen housing needs assessment and town focus‑group work. Broadwell said the changes are meant to "bring the supply closer to the demand in a way that doesn't erode our community character," and that the rules limit the reform to five specific zones and bake in design, open‑space and tree‑protection requirements.
Council members pressed staff on reversibility, market demand, and whether the changes would encourage demolition of older cottages. Attorney and staff responses noted the approach is incentive‑based, administratively reviewed when applicants meet clear standards, and that the town can revise provisions if unintended loopholes appear. Councilmember Peterson asked for more time to review; she said, "my instinct is to just say, I need — I'm gonna need more time to wrap my head around this," but also acknowledged staff work and the plan’s goals.
After deliberation and several procedural votes, council leaders moved to find the amendments consistent with the 2040 comprehensive plan and to adopt the text changes as presented in the packet. The motion carried; the record shows both support and on‑the‑record opposition among members.
What happens next: Staff will monitor how the new administrative approval pathway is used and return to council if policy tweaks are needed. The ordinance text and appendices (point schedule, system‑vision construction standards and watershed analyses) remain in the record and will guide future applications.
Actions: Council found the amendments consistent with the comprehensive plan and adopted the UDO amendments as shown in the Dec. 9 packet. The ordinance and packet specify detailed standards, point values and permitted zones; applicants using the new option must meet base requirements and document chosen incentive points on site plans.
