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About the Project 

 

Chatham County undertook Recode Chatham, a project to rewrite its land-use regulations, including zoning and subdivision regulations, based on the policy direction in the Plan Chatham Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2017. The project resulted in a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that served as the primary regulatory document guiding all development and land use within the county.

 

The UDO is a user-friendly document for residents, elected officials, appointed boards, and the development community, with a streamlined development review process tailored uniquely to Chatham County. The goal was that the UDO would develop clear procedures and guidelines that are simple, flexible, and easily administered. At this time, while the UDO was adopted in November of 2024, it remains not effective due to pending legislation challenges. The County's prior land use & development regulations remain in effect. 

Participate

 

There are many ways to learn about Recode Chatham and to provide your input.

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  • Sign up to receive project updates so that you always have the latest information.

  • Attend public events.

  • Review draft material and provide your comments. 

 

All interested parties are encouraged to participate in Recode Chatham, because the project will be most successful with input from a broad cross section of the community. To sign up to receive project updates, input your information in the form to the right. 

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Thanks for submitting!

News & Updates
Chatham County UDO Update
November 13th, 2025
 
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on November 18, 2024, with an initial effective date set for July 1, 2025.
 
On December 11, 2024, Senate Bill 382 became law (SL 2024-57), prohibiting local governments from initiating, enacting, or enforcing any zoning map changes or regulations that down-zone property without the affected owner’s written consent. The law defines “down-zoning” as creating any kind of nonconformity in a non-residential zoning district, decreasing development density, or reducing permitted uses. This new legislation, along with other recent laws, has significant challenges to the UDO’s execution. Given statewide concerns, legislators have already introduced bills for the 2025–2026 session aimed at completely repealing the down-zoning prohibition or exempting certain counties from it. At  this time, those have not moved forward. In the meantime, the Board of Commissioners postponed the UDO’s effective date to December 31, 2025, in May 2025. 
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Presently, the legislation remains. A public hearing was held on September 15th with the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to propose a UDO text amendment that would extend the effective date to December 31, 2026. This item was referred to the Planning Board and was discussed at their October 7th meeting at the Old Ag Auditorium, located at 65 E. Chatham Street, Pittsboro, Carolina 27312. At that meeting, a motion was made by Mr. Smith that the Chatham County Planning Department amends the effective date of the adopted Unified Development Ordinance from December 31, 2025, to June 1, 2026, as a result of legislative action S382 bill. During that time, identify the legally permitted items from the Unified Development Ordinance so action can be taken without delay. The motion was seconded by Ms. Lyons. Chair Roodkowsky called for a vote, and the motion was approved 7-1, opposed by Mr. Andrews.
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The proposed text amendment will be back before the BOC for final action on November 17th, 2025 during their regular meeting at 6:00pm located at the Historic Chatham County Courthouse
9 Hillsboro Street, Second Floor Courtroom, Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312. 
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For more information about the UDO text amendment, click here.
Chatham County UDO Update
September 19, 2025
 
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on November 18, 2024, with an initial effective date set for July 1, 2025.
 
On December 11, 2024, Senate Bill 382 became law (SL 2024-57), prohibiting local governments from initiating, enacting, or enforcing any zoning map changes or regulations that down-zone property without the affected owner’s written consent. The law defines “down-zoning” as creating any kind of nonconformity in a non-residential zoning district, decreasing development density, or reducing permitted uses. This new legislation, along with other recent laws, has significant challenges to the UDO’s execution. Given statewide concerns, legislators have already introduced bills for the 2025–2026 session aimed at completely repealing the down-zoning prohibition or exempting certain counties from it. At  this time, those have not moved forward. In the meantime, the Board of Commissioners postponed the UDO’s effective date to December 31, 2025, in May 2025. 
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Presently, the legislation remains. A public hearing was held on September 15th with the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to propose a UDO text amendment that would extend the effective date to December 31, 2026. This item has been referred to the Planning Board, which will be discussed at their meeting on October 7th at the Old Ag Auditorium, located at 65 E. Chatham Street, Pittsboro, Carolina 27312.
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The County's land use regulations prior to the UDO are in still in effect and can be found by visiting the following webpage - https://www.chathamcountync.gov/government/departments-programs-i-z/planning/ordinances-regulations. 
 
For more information about the UDO text amendment, please contact
recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or (919) 542-8204.
Chatham County UDO Update
August 1, 2025
 
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on November 18, 2024, setting its original effective date for July 1, 2025.
 
On December 11, 2024, Senate Bill 382 became law (SL 2024-57), prohibiting local governments from initiating, enacting, or enforcing any zoning map changes or regulations that down-zone property without the affected owner’s written consent. The law defines “down-zoning” as creating any kind of nonconformity in a non-residential zoning district, decreasing development density, or reducing permitted uses. This new restriction and other new session laws have introduced significant hurdles to the UDO’s implementation.
 
In light of statewide concerns, legislators have already filed bills for the 2025–2026 session to repeal the down-zoning prohibition entirely or to exempt certain counties from its requirements. Meanwhile, in May 2025 the Board of Commissioners postponed the UDO’s effective date to December 31, 2025. Since repeal legislation has not advanced, a further extension beyond the end of 2025 is possible. 
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For more information, please contact recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or (919) 542-8204.
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Chatham County UDO Update
February 5, 2025
 
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners (BOC) adopted the UDO on November 18, 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. On December 11, 2024, North Carolina Senate Bill 382 became law (Session Law 2024-57). Part of this law prohibits local governments from initiating, enacting, or enforcing a zoning map or zoning regulation that down‑zones property without the express written consent of the affected property owner(s). The law defines “down-zoning” as creating any kind of nonconformity in a non-residential zoning district, decreasing development density, or reducing permitted uses.
 
Due to concerns expressed by local governments and communities across the state, members of the North Carolina Legislature have introduced bills in the 2025-2026 Session that would repeal the “down-zoning law” in its entirety or exempt certain counties from the law’s provisions.
 
The UDO implements Plan Chatham policies to preserve rural character and agricultural areas, promote a compact growth pattern, and increase access to open space. In some instances, consistent with the community’s vision set out in Plan Chatham, the new UDO regulations create nonconformities, decrease development density, or reduce permitted uses. If the State law remains as adopted, Chatham County must revise certain provisions of the UDO.
 
For more information, please contact recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or (919) 542-8204.
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Recode Chatham Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Adopted!
November 2024
 
We’re pleased to announce that the Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the Recode Chatham Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) at their November 18th regular meeting! Although the ordinance has been adopted, it will not take effect until July 1, 2025. This later effective date allows the County ample time to ensure a seamless transition to the new regulations and development processes.
 
The Recode Chatham UDO has been a cornerstone project for the Chatham County Board of Commissioners since its inception in late 2021. This new code is a key component of implementing Plan Chatham, the county’s Comprehensive Plan approved in 2017. The UDO has modernized and streamlined land use regulations by delivering a comprehensive update and introducing a user-friendly framework.
 
The Adopted UDO can be accessed by visiting the current code hosting site, Konveio and the project website. The County is excited for this new ordinance as it implements the Plan Chatham vision of preserving rural character while ensuring balanced development across Chatham.
 
For more information, individuals may visit Recode Chatham or Chatham Planning. Those with questions may contact recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or 919-542-8204.
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Upcoming Review of Recode Chatham Final Draft Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
November 2024
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We’re pleased to announce that the final draft of the Recode Chatham Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), incorporating revisions guided by the Board of Commissioners as well as valuable input from the public and staff will be presented for review and tentative adoption at the upcoming Board of Commissioners meeting on November 18th at the Historic Courthouse. Once the agenda is available, you can access it via the link below and the final draft will be placed there and the project website as well, once available.
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For more information about the UDO or to review previous drafts, please visit our UDO project page here. For additional information, individuals may visit Recode Chatham or Chatham Planning. Those with questions may contact recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or 919-542-8204.
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Chatham County Sets Meeting Dates for Review of Final Draft Unified Development Ordinance
September 19, 2024
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Chatham County has scheduled several meetings to review and consider adoption of the new Unified Development Ordinance. These meetings are listed below along with links to more information.
 
The deadline for community members to submit online comments through Konveio is Thursday, October 10, 2024.
 
For more information, please contact recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or 919-542-8204.
 
UDO Review Meetings
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Chatham County Unveils Draft Unified Development Ordinance to Balance Growth and Rural Preservation 
September 6, 2024​
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Chatham County is pleased to announce the release of its consolidated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) draft, a groundbreaking initiative designed to streamline land use and development processes, encourage balanced community growth, and ensure the County protects its rural character for years to come.
 
The Recode Chatham UDO has been a cornerstone project for the Chatham County Board of Commissioners since its inception in late 2021. This new code is a key component of implementing Plan Chatham, the county’s Comprehensive Plan approved in 2017.
 
The UDO aims to replace outdated regulations by offering a comprehensive update to existing land use regulations and creating a more user-friendly framework for development that aligns with best practices to better serve the rapidly growing community and preserve the county’s rural character.
 
The drafting process has been a collaborative effort involving County staff, consultants with White & Smith Planning and Law Group, the UDO Planning Board Subcommittee, the Planning Board, the Board of Commissioners, County Advisory Boards & Committees, and community members. In addition to this input, the group also enlisted the expertise of subconsultants including Clarion Associates, Tetra Tech, and Green Heron Planning. Their collective input has been vital in shaping a document that reflects the vision of Plan Chatham and meets community needs.
 
The draft UDO is now available for review on the code hosting site, Konveio. The public is encouraged to review the document and provide feedback through Konveio, which will be considered by the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board. For those requiring translation, Konveio offers the option to view the code in multiple languages. Meetings for the Board of Commissioners to consider adoption of the UDO are tentatively scheduled for October and November, with details to follow soon on the Recode Chatham web page and the Planning Department’s website.
 
For more information, individuals may visit Recode Chatham or Chatham Planning. Those with questions may contact recodechathamUDO@chathamcountync.gov or 919-542-8204.
UDO Task 6.3: Administration & Procedures Module Available for Public Review
June 25, 2024
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The consultant team recently completed the Public Review Draft of the UDO Administration & Procedures Module, which includes six chapters (Chapters 13 through 16 and Chapter 18) that address procedures and submittal requirements, reviewing and decision-making bodies, nonconformities, enforcement, and rules of interpretation and measurement.
 
The Public Review Draft incorporates input received from County staff, the Planning Board UDO Subcommittee that includes Planning Board members and Ex-Officio members from Climate Change Advisory Committee, Appearance Commission, Environmental Review Advisory Committee, and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The drafts are available on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab.
 
The consultant team will present the drafts to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) at its regular meeting on Monday, July 15, and to the Planning Board at a special meeting on July 16. The presentations will focus on major changes proposed to current regulations. The BOC meeting will include time for public comment following the consultant team’s presentation.
 
The consultant team will incorporate feedback received at these meetings into the next iteration of each UDO chapter.
 
Input may also be submitted anytime to Chance Mullis, UDO Project Manager, at recodechathamudo@chathamcountync.gov.
UDO Development Standards Module
May 10, 2024 â€‹
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The consultant team presented the UDO Development Standards Module drafts to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) at its regular meeting on Monday, May 6, and to the Planning Board at its regular meeting on May 7. The presentations focused on major changes proposed to current regulations. Both the BOC & Planning Board provided input and suggested revisions to the Development Standards Module during those presentations. In addition, public comment was available at both meetings and that feedback will be reviewed by the consultant team and staff.
 
The Development Standards Module includes eight chapters (Chapters 4 through 11) that address development, design, and environmental standards. The drafts are available on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab.
 
The community may submit input on the Development Standards Module until May 28, 2024 by emailing Chance Mullis, UDO Project Manager, at recodechathamudo@chathamcountync.gov.
UDO Task 6.2: Development Standards Module Available for Public Review
April 16, 2024​
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The consultant team recently completed the Public Review Draft of the UDO Development Standards Module, which includes eight chapters (Chapters 4 through 11) that address development, design, and environmental standards.
 
The Public Review Draft incorporates input received from County staff, the Planning Board UDO Subcommittee that includes Planning Board members and Ex-Officio members from Climate Change Advisory Committee, Appearance Commission, Environmental Review Advisory Committee, and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The drafts are available on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab.
 
The consultant team will present the drafts to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) at its regular meeting on Monday, May 6, and to the Planning Board at its regular meeting on May 7. The presentations will focus on major changes proposed to current regulations. The BOC meeting will include time for public comment following the consultant team’s presentation.
 
The consultant team will incorporate feedback received at these meetings into the next iteration of each UDO chapter.
 
Input may also be submitted anytime to Chance Mullis, UDO Project Manager, at recodechathamudo@chathamcountync.gov.
Health & Equity Assessment Minor Update 
December 13, 2023 
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In collaboration with Planning Department and Public Health Department staff, White & Smith completed a minor update to the final draft of the Health & Equity Assessment. The minor update reflects newly available U.S. Census Bureau information and makes changes to relevant data in the report. This update also includes corrections to formatting, spelling, and grammar.
 
The Health & Equity Assessment is available on the Health & Equity page on the Recode Chatham website and will be presented alongside UDO Module 2 in early 2024.
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Board of Commissioners Adopts Plan Moncure
October 2023 
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Plan Moncure has been adopted! On October 16th, following deliberation and discussion, the Board of Commissioners adopted the Plan Moncure small area plan.  Here is a link to the County’s October 17th press release regarding the adoption of the plan. 
 
Prior to its vote, the Board received an update from the plan consultant, including a summary of potential revisions to the draft plan (dated August 9, 2023) that would reflect input received from the public, the Planning Board, and the Board of Commissioners from its prior meeting on October 2nd. The consultant’s presentation can be downloaded here.  Notable changes to the August 9th draft plan would include:
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  • Including “lodging” as a potentially compatible use and clarifying “apartments” are among the types of compatible uses in Community Center place type areas
  • Including “lodging” and a variety of residential uses in the Employment Center place type areas as potentially compatible uses`
  • Revisions to the “Future Land Use & Conservation Vision Map,” adjusting Community Center and Compact Residential areas
  • Adjustments and clarification of Conservation place types along road corridors  
 
The full agenda packet and meeting minutes will be available on the County website.
 
Once the consultant team completes these additions to the plan document, it will be posted to the “Plan Moncure Documents” tab under the Plan Moncure dropdown menu above. 
Now Available Online: Health & Equity Assessment
October 2023 
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In collaboration with Planning Department and Public Health Department staff, White & Smith completed the final draft of the Health & Equity Assessment. The Assessment is available on the Health & Equity page on the Recode Chatham website.
 
The Assessment identifies ways the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) can help protect and enhance community health and equity in seven core areas:
  • Healthy food access
  • Obesity and inactivity
  • Mobility and multimodal access
  • Environment and pollution
  • Displacement and gentrification
  • Access to health care and early childhood development
  • Access to affordable housing
 
The assessment evaluates and prioritizes objectives that align with best planning practices, ongoing State and local initiatives, and specific Chatham County policies outlined within Plan Chatham, followed by recommended approaches for implementing these objectives via the UDO drafting process. Where applicable, the Assessment also identifies policy objectives related to health and equity that cannot be accomplished through the UDO, such as mapping, education, and establishing public-private partnerships.
 
The consultant team will present the Health & Equity Assessment alongside UDO Module 2 in early 2024.
UDO Module 2, Health & Equity Assessment, and Plan Moncure
October 2023 
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The UDO team and County staff continue to work on UDO Module 2, which includes development standards such as parking, landscaping, open space, buffers, and subdivision. The Planning Board’s UDO Subcommittee has begun reviewing drafts and will continue its review through the end of this year. We anticipate presenting all Module 2 drafts to the community in early 2024.
 
We recently completed the final draft of the Health & Equity Assessment, which the consultant team reviewed with Planning Department and Public Health Department staff on October 3. The report identifies ways the UDO can help protect and enhance community health and equity. The consultant team will continue to incorporate the Assessment’s recommendation’s into the draft UDO. The Health & Equity Assessment will be presented alongside Module 2 in early 2024 and will be posted on this website in the coming weeks.
 
Finally, we are nearing completion of the Plan Moncure small area plan. The consultant team presented the draft plan to the Planning Board on August 23 and September 5. The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of Plan Moncure on September 5. The Board of Commissioners received the draft plan and the Planning Board’s recommendations at its meeting on October 2, and continued its consideration of the plan to October 16. Additional information on Plan Moncure is available here.
UDO Module 2, the Health & Equity Assessment, and Plan Moncure Small Area Plan  
June 2023 
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The UDO team and County staff have been busy working on several important parts of ReCode Chatham.  
 
Following the March roll out of Module 1 of the Unified Development Ordinance (including zoning districts and uses), we’ve now turned to development standards, including parking, landscaping, open space, buffers, and subdivision, for example. This summer we’ll be working with staff to finalize drafts of these sections of the UDO for public roll out anticipated in the fall. 
 
In addition, we have recently completed a draft of the Health and Equity Assessment and Report, which we are reviewing with Planning staff and the County department of Public Health.  This report will summarize areas of the UDO in which we are able to protect and enhance community health and equity related to healthy food access, obesity and inactivity, mobility and multimodal access, environment and pollution, displacement and gentrification, health care and early childhood development, and affordable housing.     
 
Finally, we have been busy at work on the Plan Moncure small area plan.  Since January, the small area planning process has included 6 public outreach sessions and workshops, two public surveys, and the development of an existing conditions report and alternative scenario plans, which were presented at public workshops on March 21st and May 24th.  The Team updated the Board of Commissioners on our progress on June 5 and is now finalizing a final recommended plan and vision for southeastern Chatham County.   At this time, we anticipate completing this process later in the summer, followed by a presentation and consideration by the Planning Board and, in the fall, the Board of Commissioners for final action.  Plan Moncure documents and meeting materials can be found by clicking here.
 
You can monitor this website for ongoing updates related to the UDO.  
 
In addition, to keep track of or participate in the Plan Moncure project, check out the webpages for the small area plan, which can be accessed via the “Plan Moncure” drop-down tab above.  The home page for Plan Moncure includes detailed updates for the small area plan, as well as an email list for staying informed.  
UDO Task 6.1: Zoning Module Presented to the BOC and Planning Board 
March 22, 2023 
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The consultant team presented the UDO Zoning Module Public Review Draft to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on March 6 and to the Planning Board on March 7. The presentations focused on major changes proposed to current regulations.
 
The Zoning Module includes Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Zoning Districts, and Chapter 3: Use Regulations, and is available on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab. The consultant team will incorporate feedback received on the Public Review Draft Zoning Module into the next iteration of each UDO chapter.
 
The consultant team is beginning to draft the next module, Development Standards, which includes UDO Chapters 4 through 12. Topics include parking, signs, landscaping, building design, tree protection, subdivision, and environmental regulations. The Annotated Outline provides more detail about the topics covered in each chapter.
 
Input on the UDO may be submitted anytime to Chance Mullis, UDO Project Manager, at recodechathamudo@chathamcountync.gov.
UDO Task 6.1: Zoning Module Available for Public Review
February 20, 2023
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The consultant team recently completed the Public Review Draft of the UDO Zoning Module, which includes Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Zoning Districts, and Chapter 3: Use Regulations. The Public Review Drafts incorporate input received from County staff and the Planning Board UDO Subcommittee. The drafts are available on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab.
 
The consultant team will present the drafts to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) at its regular meeting on Monday, March 6, and to the Planning Board at its regular meeting on March 7. The presentations will focus on major changes proposed to current regulations. The BOC meeting will include time for public comment following the consultant team’s presentation.
 
The consultant team will incorporate feedback received at these meetings into the next iteration of each UDO chapter.
 
Input may also be submitted anytime to Chance Mullis, UDO Project Manager, at recodechathamudo@chathamcountync.gov.
Plan Moncure Phase 1 Completed and Report Posted
January 2023
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On December 19, 2022, the Board of Commissioners completed the first phase of Plan Moncure, which included a subject matter assessment, visioning process, and development of an action plan for Plan Moncure, which is now underway. 
 
The final report from Phase 1 is posted under the Documents & Work Products tab above.  Chapter 4 of the report details the approach to be taken in Plan Moncure, including the adopted Action Plan.  
 
The White & Smith consulting team is now developing a separate webpage for Plan Moncure, which will include documentation, updates, meetings, and notice of input public engagement opportunities, which are starting this month.  Once completed, the Plan Moncure webpage will be accessible from this website as well.  
 
Stay tuned for details. 
Draft Plan Moncure Phase 1 Report Available for Review
December 2022
 
The Board of Commissioners will discuss the Phase 1 portion of Plan Moncure when it convenes in a work session on December 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. 
 
At this session, the consultants will review the detailed scope of work and timeline proposed for Phase 2, which is the "small area plan" for Moncure and the region immediately impacted by the development of the Triangle Innovation Point (“TIP”) properties.  The findings from Phase 1, as well as the scope of work and schedule for the small area plan itself are included in the draft report, which can be found under the Documents & Work Products tab above. 
 
Discussions on December 19th will include, for example, public outreach and input opportunities, demographic and other areas of analysis, potential scenarios for the physical development of Moncure, as well as the project timeline for completing the Plan Moncure small area plan.  The BOC also will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the consultant team and staff as the action plan for Phase 2 is finalized.
 
Phase 1 of the plan began in June of this year, and has included the planning, visioning efforts, and analysis needed to be part of the small area plan for the Moncure community in Phase 2.  The current schedule anticipates the small area planning project to begin soon after the new year. 
UDO Task 6.1: Zoning Module is Underway
November 2022
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The consultant team recently finalized an Annotated Outline of the UDO based on input from staff. The Annotated Outline establishes the overall structure of the document and indicates where the current development-related regulations will be incorporated into the UDO. The Annotated Outline is a “blueprint” for the UDO drafting stage, but does not represent the final outline for the UDO. During drafting, chapters, sections, and subsections may be added, removed, and reorganized. The Outline is available on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab.
 
The consultant team has begun drafting the Zoning Module of the UDO, which includes Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Base Zoning Districts, Chapter 3: Overlay Zoning Districts, and Chapter 4: Use Regulations.
 
The Planning Board UDO Subcommittee reviewed and provided feedback on Chapters 1 & 2 at its meeting on September 29, 2022. The UDO Subcommittee reviewed and provided feedback on portions of Chapter 4 (related to accessory uses and temporary uses), as well as the proposed Activity Center Zoning District, at its meeting on October 27, 2022.
 
The consultant team is currently working on drafts of Chapters 3 & 4, which we anticipate the UDO Subcommittee will review at its December meeting.
 
The Planning Board UDO Subcommittee will meet periodically to review and provide feedback on drafts of the UDO. Meeting agendas and minutes are available online. While their meetings are open to the public, the UDO Subcommittee typically will not directly receive public input.
 
The consultant team will conduct workshops at several points during the drafting stage to receive input from the community. Input may also be submitted anytime to Chance Mullis, UDO Project Manager, at recodechathamudo@chathamcountync.gov.
UDO Stage 3: Drafting is Underway
August 2022
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On June 6, 2022, the consultant team met with the Board of Commissioners to provide a project update and discuss development principles and policies for the County’s rural and agricultural areas. Through a lens of character, capacity, and economy, the Commissioners discussed three key tools for regulating development—density, subdivision, and land use. The meeting presentation and video are available online.
 
The consultant team recently completed a draft Annotated Outline of the UDO, which establishes the overall structure of the document and indicates where the current development-related regulations will be incorporated into the UDO. Based on input from staff and the Planning Board UDO Subcommittee, the consultant team will finalize the Annotated Outline in the coming weeks. Once finalized, the Outline will be posted on the project website under the Documents & Work Products tab.
 
The Planning Board UDO Subcommittee will meet periodically to review and provide feedback on drafts of the UDO. Meeting agendas and minutes are available online. While their meetings are open to the public, the UDO Subcommittee typically will not directly receive public input. The consultant team will conduct workshops at several points during the drafting stage to receive input from the community.
"Health & Equity" in the UDO 
May 2022
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Chatham County has set aside a portion of its Healthy Communities grant funding to augment the UDO rewrite and ReCode Chatham project.  The consultants  will develop a standalone “Heath & Equity Assessment” report to increase focus of the new UDO on health and equity issues in Chatham County.  Areas addressed will include healthy food access, obesity/inactivity, mobility and multi-modal access, environment and pollution, health- and childcare access, displacement/gentrification, and access to affordable housing.  The consultant team kicked-off this component of ReCode Chatham on May 24, 2022 by holding a work session with County staff and members of the County Department of Public Health.  The deliverables for this subtask will be posted to the website and resulting UDO revisions summarized in the final report. 
UDO Drafting Kick-Off / Moncure Megasite
May 2022
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The Board of Commissioners will meet in a work session on June 6th at 1:00pm in the Historic Courthouse located in Pittsboro to discuss the UDO and provide direction on specific topics outlined in the Recode Chatham audit. 
 
The Board also will discuss incorporating considerations of the Moncure Megasite into the UDO and the initiation of a countywide planning process focusing on the site.
 
The consultants will incorporate the Board's feedback as they begin UDO Stage 3: Drafting and the assessment phase of Megasite planning effort.
Moncure Megasite and the UDO
May 2022
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On March 29th, Governor Roy Cooper announced that automaker VinFast selected Chatham County as the location of its first North American assembly plant for its electronic vehicles.  The plant is planned for development at the Moncure Megasite in Southeastern Chatham County.
 
In anticipation of this historic project, the County is initiating a wide-ranging planning effort to assess countywide impacts of the project, to prepare an action plan to address those impacts, and to develop an area plan for the County lands expected to be most directly impacted by development of the Moncure Megasite site.
Board of Commissioners Review Code Audit
April  2022
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On April 4, Tyson Smith and Kelly Cousino presented the draft Code Audit to the Board of Commissioners for its consideration and its feedback on the report.  The Board also received initial public input on the UDO Code Audit and UDO rewrite project.  The Consultant Team now will finalize the Code Audit and post it to “Documents and Work Products” tab above.  The Audit serves as a guide to the development of the County’s new Unified Development Ordinance. 
Code Audit Available for Public Review and Comment
March  2022
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The public review draft of the Recode Audit is available under the “Documents & Work Products” tab above.  
 
The Audit serves as the “plan” for preparing draft revisions to the County’s land use codes during the Recode process.  It reflects the extensive feedback already received from the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, County staff, and County advisory boards and committees.
 
The Audit will be presented at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 4th, starting at 6 PM.  Public comment will be received.
Draft Code Audit Under Review
March  2022
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The consultants have provided a preliminary draft assessment of the County’s current land use codes, which staff is reviewing now.  
 
Following staff review, a draft of the audit will be presented to the Board of Commissioners at its 6:00 meeting on April 4th.   Public comment will be received at this meeting as well, to ensure a complete inventory of issues to be addressed during the recode process.
 
The draft audit will be posted under the “Documents and Work Products” tab above prior to the April 4th meeting. 
The Code Audit is Underway
February 2022
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County Staff has reviewed the consultant's initial versions of the UDO Code Audit, in the form of a stakeholder "Issues Identification Summary."  The consulting Team is now putting the formal Audit together with completion expected next month.   
Stage Two is Underway
January 2022
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Having completed Phase One’s listening sessions in December, the Team has begun developing the UDO "Code Audit," which will identify the subject areas to be revisited during the recode process, based on feedback received during Phase One.  In coordination with County staff, the Consultant Team is working on initial drafts of the Audit and we anticipate an update on our progress in a few weeks.
Stage One Nears Completion
December 2021
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The Board of Commissioners will meet in a work session on December 8th to complete Stage One of Recode Chatham, Project Orientation.
 
Stage One’s listening sessions will be followed by preparation of a Code Audit and Drafting Blueprint, which summarize input received during the Project Orientation, as well as our Team’s assessment of code revisions to implement Plan Chatham's recommendations and initial guidance from the Board.
Recode Chatham
Website Launch 
November 2021
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The project website has launched! Check back here for information about the project including upcoming meetings and events! 
Recode Chatham
Project Kickoff
October 2021
 
The first phase of the project will include document review and a series of meetings with County Boards and Committees. Check out this page for more info. 
Recode Chatham Consultant Selection
February 2021
 
The County selected a dynamic team of consultants led by White & Smith Planning and Law Group that includes Clarion Associates, Green Heron Planning, Tetra Tech, and Nealon Planning.
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