As Durham continues to grow and evolve, the City-County Planning Department is taking proactive steps to shape its future by updating the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO serves as the blueprint for land development across the city and county, determining everything from zoning regulations to environmental protections. In a city as dynamic as Durham, the stakes for getting this right are high.
To ensure residents have a voice in shaping these rules, the Planning Department has initiated recurring office hours where members of the public can drop in to ask questions, share concerns, and provide valuable input. The sessions are designed to foster community engagement and transparency in the decision-making process.
What is the UDO?
The Unified Development Ordinance is a vital document governing how land is used and developed in Durham. It outlines regulations for residential, commercial, and industrial zones, establishes guidelines for building height and density, and addresses critical issues like environmental conservation, transportation infrastructure, and affordable housing.
Durham’s UDO has not seen a significant overhaul in years, and this rewrite represents a unique opportunity to modernize the framework to better reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. As the city experiences rapid population growth and increased housing demand, the update aims to address challenges like gentrification, environmental sustainability, and equitable development.
Office Hours Schedule
To ensure accessibility, the Planning Department will host drop-in office hours at the Durham County Main Library, located at 300 N. Roxboro Street. The schedule is as follows:
• First Thursdays: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Third Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These sessions will be held in the main entrance lobby on the second floor of the library. Residents are encouraged to stop by to ask questions and provide feedback.
Why Community Input Matters
Public participation is a cornerstone of effective urban planning. By gathering diverse perspectives, city planners can create a development ordinance that balances economic growth with quality of life for all residents. In recent years, Durham has faced significant challenges, including affordable housing shortages and tensions over how to preserve historic neighborhoods while accommodating new development.
For example, neighborhoods such as Old West Durham and East Durham have witnessed a surge in redevelopment that has sparked debates over displacement and cultural preservation. Ensuring that these voices are heard during the UDO update is essential to crafting a balanced approach that protects community heritage while embracing progress.
How to Get Involved Beyond Office Hours
If you cannot attend the office hours, the Planning Department offers additional resources and opportunities for engagement:
• Visit EngageDurham.com to stay updated on the project, review draft proposals, and submit feedback online.
• Follow the City of Durham on social media platforms such as Twitter (@CityofDurhamNC) for timely updates and announcements.
The Bull City Citizen urges all residents to take advantage of these opportunities. As a trusted source for local news, we are committed to keeping you informed about developments that shape our community. Your participation in shaping the UDO will help ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Durham for years to come.
Stay tuned to the Bull City Citizen for continued coverage of the UDO update and other important stories affecting our city. Visit us online or pick up our latest issue to stay informed and engaged.
