Active Development

Development projects follow many stages, including formal application submittal, Council action, and final plans. If you're interested in local development activity and where a project stands in the process, browse the Development Activity Dashboard or search for a project.

Development Activity Map

The map tracks these stages of a development project: Concept Plan, Formal Development Application Submittal (includes Staff Review, Planning Commission Recommendation, and Council Action), and Final Plans (includes Zoning Compliance, Permitting, and Construction).

Steps of the Development Review Process with Council Action

Step 1: Concept Plan

No decisions are made; Preliminary feedback is provided from Planning Commission and Council. Applicant must respond to Concept Plan feedback in Formal Application.

Step 2: Formal Development Application

Typically, this will be a Conditional Zoning application. A Pre-Application Meeting with Planning staff may be useful to better understand submittal requirements and review timeline.

Step 3: Staff Review

Technical Review Team and Advisory Boards review plans for completeness. collect fees, and compliance with development regulations. Applicant revise their plans to address comments and resubmit.

Step 4: Planning Commission Recommendation and Council Action

Applicant presents to Planning Commission, resulting in a recommendation. Council conducts public hearings and considers action on the application that has been submitted. All meeting are opportunities for public comment.

Step 5: Final Plans

Construction plans are reviewed by Technical Review Team for compliance with Council approval and development regulations. A Final Plans Zoning Compliance Permit is full zoning approval.

Building Permits

Final Plans review concludes with the issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit, which is considered full zoning approval. The applicant can then obtain building permits from the Building and Development Services Department. In some cases, demolition permits may be issued in advance of a building permit. Construction in the public right-of-way also requires permits from Chapel Hill Public Works.


Projects with Upcoming Meetings

Click name to link to more project details.

Find meeting details on the Town Calendar

Development Project Status Upcoming Meeting
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Conditional Zoning Application
Under Review
Public Information Meeting,
TBD
860 Weaver Dairy Road
Conditional Zoning Application
Under Review
Town Council Considers Action,
January 28, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Projects with Construction Starting Soon or Recently Started

Construction Complaints

For excessive construction noise occurring before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m., call 911

For water pollution or storm drainage problems, call 919-969-RAIN (7246)

For other concerning activities, contact Code Enforcement at (919) 969-5069 or codeenforcement@townofchapelhill.org

Active Development Projects

Can't find what you're looking for on the dashboard or project list? Contact us at Planning@townofchapelhill.org