By Mimi Kessler
The rules for constructing buildings are covered in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The city is reviewing and rewriting this important document. It is a long project, but it is nearing its end. This spring they presented a section of the draft to the community and they are revising as necessary.
This installment included: Pedestrian and bike considerations, vehicle access to buildings of all types, parking lots and space design, transitions between zoning district where there is a shared lot line and consistent frontage elements, Landscaping and lighting which included signs. See details below.
For more information or to see the draft topic described, go to https://www.engagedurham.com/35/New-UDO. Scroll down and find recordings and documents of the latest update to the public.
There were community feedback sessions offered in May, both in person and two via Zoom. However, the Planning Department is conducting “Office Hours” in the public library branches every week for people to go take a look or ask questions.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions: mimikessler1@gmail.com
If you want to reach out to the Planning department on your thoughts/concerns, you can email them at NewUDO@DurhamNC.gov
=================================================================
Latest Updates on the rewriting of the UDO focus less on buildings and more on how people and vehicles access buildings. All the requirements are based on the zoning type for the area where the structure is built. Included in this update:
- Pedestrian connections from street to buildings
- Bicycle access and parking for a safer and easier city for bicyclists
- For every 50 units of apartments must provide 1 short term space for every 10 units and 1 long term space for every 2 units.
- Vehicle access – driveway spacing and widths
- Calm Traffic, improve safety
- Reduce driveway width to reduce distance of vehicle crossing by pedestrians
- Parking – more sustainable and compatible with other modes of transportation
- Maximum number of spaces, no minimums
- Multi-unit dwellings: max 1space/unit in transit available districts
- All other districts: max of 2/unit
- Spaces may exceed maximums if
- previous materials are used
- parking structure that is <75% of the lot
- underground parking
- parking is also available to the public
- Handicapped and EV charging stations should be included
- Parking lot design – safe, accessible, and attractive space that accommodate pedestrians and cars alike
- Maximum number of spaces, no minimums
- Edges of zoning districts – transitions and screenings where different development districts share a lot line
- For example, a multi-unit structure with single family homes that share a boundary.
- Building setbacks modified for building height
- Landscape and screening requirements (table for options for developer based on housing types and zoning). (Removed opacity and replaced boundary buffers to district transition types.)
- Provides multiple options for developers based on zoning intensity and classification
- Screening
- choices for developer: wall and less space or no wall and larger space
- Scaling based on transition types
- Frontage screening – harmonious and transition as people move along the street depending on the intensity types
- Concealed building elements – screening for dumpsters, roof mounted equipment, or electrical or mechanical equipment
- Fences and Walls – balancing privacy and security with visual interest to maintain a neighborhood’s character with practical needs; options are related to whether it is a street or a log line
- For example, a multi-unit structure with single family homes that share a boundary.
- Landscape and lighting
- Landscape: Sustainability and environmental stewardship – visual appeal, biologic diversity; installing new plants and preserving those that exist
- Lighting: safe, security and visibility for residential and commercial uses; security but prohibiting certain types of lighting; minimizing light pollution; options offer both style and functionality
- Signs
- Wayfinding, branding, and federal requirements balancing clarity and with area zoning; sign dimensions and types depending on zoning districts; restrictions on lighted signs
- Building signs: awnings, canopy, projection, wall with maximum area depending building frontage; signs must be orderly, options are flexible but must adhere to standards and visually balanced
- Free standing signs: must meet placement standards
- Special signs (ex: signs on the roof) are subject to additional requirements depending on the height of the building.
