Commissioners adopt UDO amendment changing common open-space rules

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that rewrites how developers meet common open-space requirements, the board heard July 28. Planning staff said the text amendment (Text 26052000013) removes an 'improved' open-space definition that staff considered redundant, clarifies ownership and maintenance expectations, and adjusts calculation rules for required open-space acreage.

Director of Planning and Zoning (introduced in the meeting as Jamie Kimberlew) told the board the proposed draft replaces section 11.7 and updates chapter 2 language to allow passive or active open space, adds a rounding statement that requires fractional results to round up to the nearest whole number, and bases calculations for mixed-lot developments on the smallest lot size proposed. The draft also sets a 0.667 requirement for active recreation (playground, courts, trails, etc.) with the remaining 0.333 of dedicated open space allowed as undeveloped area. "The main thing we will be looking for with this requirement is that the residents of the development are able to actively use the space," staff said.

Planning & Zoning recommended approval 10–0 on July 6. Commissioner Sheehan moved to approve as presented and Commissioner Fraley seconded; the board's vote was unanimous. The amendment is intended to simplify administration of the ordinance and incentivize larger-lot developments in certain cases, staff said.