Durham council sets public hearing for ordinance to allow five-story buildings in part of Central Business-1 district

At its June 1 meeting, the Durham Town Council held first reading on Ordinance #2026-05, an amendment to Durham’s zoning code that would permit five stories and a 60-foot height limit in a portion of the Central Business‑1 (CB‑1) district, cap first-floor office/retail depth at 50 feet, and allow first-floor structured parking behind retail.

Planning Board Chair Paul Rasmussen told the Council the Planning Board adopted an architectural standard for Main Street setbacks (a 20-foot setback for five-story facades facing Main Street, 10-foot setbacks on sides or other streets) to address Council concerns about scale and street presence. "The key item of the setback has been addressed," Rasmussen said.

Council discussion focused on timing and community awareness. Town Planner Michael Behrendt confirmed the specific setback item the Council requested had been voted on by the Planning Board, and Administrator Todd Selig said developer interest at 66 Main St. — part of UNH’s EDGE initiative — contributed to the Council’s sense of urgency. Councilor Jim Lawson amended the motion to set the public hearing for Aug. 3, 2026 to allow more time for public review; the amendment and the motion passed unanimously (8-0).

Councilors said they want the community to have time to review the architectural standards and for staff to ensure the community understands the changes prior to the hearing. No decision on the ordinance’s final adoption was made; the public hearing will be the next formal step.