The last major revision of the Charlotte Zoning Ordinance occurred in 1992. Since then, numerous amendments have occurred, new land use and pedestrian plans have been adopted, and new visions for how land should be developed have been embraced. This, along with changes in demographics, new land use types, zoning approaches, and best practices in the field, point to the need to revise and/or update the Ordinance once again.

The 2010 Diagnostic Assessment and Recommendations (see link below) is the Planning Department’s internal staff evaluation of the current Zoning Ordinance. It is not intended to take the place of a thorough examination of the Ordinance by an objective specialized professional consulting firm, but it is an important starting point for just such a comprehensive assessment.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Department has hired Clarion Associates, a professional consulting firm, to conduct a general assessment of the Charlotte Zoning Ordinance and to identify several zoning ordinance models for future consideration.

This project is an important step possibly leading to a comprehensive revision of the Zoning Ordinance in future years, under a separate process.

Clarion Associates began work in August 2012, and will complete the project by the end of June, 2013. Two public meetings were held on September 18, 2012 for the consultant to gather comments and input from citizens.

In addition, citizens are able to provide input through a survey by following the link posted at the top of this webpage. The survey will remain active until November 18. A paper copy of the survey can be mailed upon request.

Relevant Links

• Zoning Ordinance
• General Development Policies
• Centers Corridors and Wedges Growth Framework
• Diagnostic Assessment and Recommendations
• Summary Public Meeting Notes (September 18, 2012)