The goal of the Environmental Enhancements to the Unified Development Ordinance (EEUDO) project is to look closely at the environmental protections codified in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and recommend improvements.
In October 2008 the Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC) formed a steering committee made up of citizens, developers, and field professionals to provide input and policy recommendations in four areas of environmental concern: sedimentation and erosion control, water quality and stream buffers, tree protection, and site preparation. The steering committee met monthly from November 2008 until May 2009, and presented its policy recommendations to the JCCPC in June 2009. The steering committee continues to meet on an ad hoc basis to review draft text amendments within the scope of the EEUDO project.
For information and materials regarding the steering committee’s regularly held meetings, contact Aaron Cain of the Durham City-County Planning Department at (919) 560-4137, ext. 28226.
The City of Durham and Durham County adopted new regulations, in November and December of 2009, respectively, regarding sedimentation and erosion control that met both new state law and the recommendations of the EEUDO steering committee.
Sedimentation and Erosion Control Memo – City Version
Sedimentation and Erosion Control Memo – County Version
Sedimentation and Erosion Control Adopted Text Amendment
The City and County of Durham adopted new regulations regarding water quality and stream buffers (now referred to as riparian buffers) that met state law and regulations for Jordan Lake as well as some of the recommendations of the EEUDO steering committee in November 2010.
Riparian Buffers Memo – City Version
Riparian Buffers Memo – County Version
Riparian Buffers Adopted Text Amendment
The Durham City-County Planning Department presented a draft text amendment to the Durham City-County Planning Commission on November 9, 2010 regarding tree protection and preservation based on the recommendations of the EEUDO steering committee. The Planning Commission recommended its approval on a unanimous vote. The Planning Department will bring the draft text amendment to both governing boards this winter for adoption.
Tree Protection Memo – City Version
Tree Protection Memo – County Version
Tree Protection Draft Text Amendment
The Durham City-County Planning Department plans to begin work on the recommendations of the EEUDO steering committee regarding site preparation in 2011. The three main issues in the site preparation module are mass grading, mass grading buffers, and clear cutting.