Current Initiatives

Learn about our ongoing projects and initiatives that shape the future of Chapel Hill. This page provides updates on active efforts, community engagement opportunities, and resources to keep you informed and involved.

Shaping Our Future- A transportation and land use initiative

Check out our work updating our Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to create vibrant, walkable growth areas that provide homes, jobs, and services, attract transit riders, and connect neighborhoods for a sustainable future.

Learn More

Water and Sewer Boundary Modification

We approved the expansion of the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) area along the US 15-501 corridor to the Chatham County line. This will: increase housing opportunity consistent with the recent Complete Community Strategies Comprehensive Plan amendment and support the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in the southern part of Chapel Hill.

Learn More

Other Initiatives 

Chapel Hill East

Framework Plan Review

The Town has received four applications for residential development in eastern Chapel Hill, located in the general area of E Lakeview Dr, N White Oak Dr, and Old Chapel Hill Rd.

Town staff partnered with applicants to draft a Framework Plan that coordinates site design elements across the four sites to establish a cohesive and connected community.

Proposals within Chapel Hill East 

Gateway

White Oak Dr

5500 Old Chapel Hill Rd

Huse St Residential

Public Meetings

Event:
 Date: Location:
Community Open House

September 12, 2022, 6:00-7:30pm

NC-HC Parking Garage,
100 Eastowne Drive
Town Council (Concept Plan review
for Gateway and White Oak Dr)		 September 14, 2022, 7:00pm Chapel Hill Town Hall,
405 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

 

Natural Areas Modeling (Green Infrastructure)

Green Growth Lunch and Learn May 8, 2024 

 

Revisions to Rules of Boards and Commissions

Boards & Commissions Info Session, April 29, 2025

Project Schedule

Meeting: Date: Location:
Planning Commission Review May 6, 2025 Virtual - see Town Calendar
Town Council Hearing May 21, 2025 Town Hall, Council Chamber
Council Considers Action June 11, 2025 Town Hall, Council Chamber

 

Planning Systems Implementation

Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) Text Amendment

Project Purpose

To update the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) to reflect the Council’s interest of better aligning planning processes with the Complete Communities Framework.

The proposed text amendments will modify the role of advisory boards and commissions in reviewing land use applications. Specifically, the amendments will:

  • Modify the Concept Plan review process so that concept plans either go to the Planning Commission or the Town Council.
  • Allow the Board of Adjustment (BOA) to approve those special use permits (SUPs) that are considered “minor” due to the use or specified thresholds. Town Council would still decide on “major” SUPs.

Background

In September 2022, the Council contracted a consultant to conduct a Planning Systems Evaluation to achieve better outcomes in the planning process and land use decisions. The evaluation found:

  1. Development reviews are not delivering desired outcomes.
  2. Current processes are the primary disincentive to investment in Chapel Hill.
  3. Efficiencies are required to streamline the process and mitigate confusing iterations.
  4. Role clarification is required.
  5. An unclear process creates an emotional toll for everyone involved.
  6. The time is right for change: a key success factor for change is having a clear vision.

Since that time, Council has expressed interest in streamlining planning processes and reconsidering the role of advisory boards. At their September 20, 2023, work session, Town Council expressed interest in modifying existing procedures to better align with the Complete Community Framework, including the role of advisory boards in reviewing Concept Plans and Special Use Permits (SUPs).

Process

Planning Commission reviews the proposed text amendment and recommends to Town Council. Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider the proposed amendments on November 15, 2023.

Meeting Dates

Event: Date & Location:
 Meeting Materials:
Planning Commission
 11.8.2023 at 7pm(Virtual)

Agenda

Meeting Materials
Town Council

11.15.2023 at 7pm

Town Hall, Council Chambers

 Agenda
Town Council

11.29.2023 at 7pm

Town Hall, Council Chambers

 Agenda

 

Back to top