Zoning Map Change

Every property in Durham has a zoning designation that says what is allowed to be built on that property. A zoning map change is the process to change a property’s zoning designation. This process is known as a Zoning Map Change, or more commonly referred to as a "re-zoning". Zoning provides rules for things like how tall and wide buildings can be, building placement, what type of homes, businesses or green spaces are allowed or required, how many and what kinds of trees should be planted or preserved, and more. A property owner may request to change the zoning of their property so that they can build a new type of development (like changing a property from residential to commercial) that follows different zoning rules.

PROCESS:

A zoning map change may be initiated by the governing body, the Planning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Planning Director or designee, a community member, the property owner, or their agent.

Presubmittal Meeting

The first step is to request a Presubmittal Meeting with the Growth Management Team. Please note that presubmittal meetings are only good for 6 months from the time they are held until application submittal. Please upload any relevant presubmittal documents ahead of your meeting to allow staff to look over your project. Please add the project name, or some type of unique identifier, to each file (ex: 888 Main Street Apartments - Site Plan).

Neighborhood Meeting(s)

Once this meeting has been held, the next step is to hold a virtual Neighborhood Meeting following the Neighborhood Meeting Guidelines.

Submit Zoning Map Application

Once these requirements have been met, a formal Zoning Map Change application can be formally submitted to the Box.com customer portal. To ensure timeliness and accuracy, please use the most current applications and forms found on the website.  Once the application is submitted, and staff have deemed the application complete, Planning will initiate the review of the zoning map change with other departments. The initial review is 40 business days, and any re-review is 15 business days. Staff will also upload the project to the Interactive Growth Management Engagement Site, so that community input may be collected throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Public Hearings

After the proposal has been reviewed, and all staff comments are satisfied, the case will be scheduled for a Planning Commission Public Hearing. Public notification is required prior to the hearing for all zoning map change requests. Mail out notification is sent to all parcel owners located within 600-feet of the parcels requesting a zoning map change. Signs are posted on all street frontages of the parcels to be rezoned, and the application request is posted in the local newspaper. In addition, staff includes notifications of public hearings in the Planning Weekly Newsletter. The Planning Commission makes an advisory recommendation to the governing boards on approval.

After Planning Commission, the zoning map change goes to either the City Council, or to the Board of County Commissioners, depending on the jurisdiction, for a public hearing. Public notification is required prior to the hearing for all zoning map change requests. Mail out notification is sent to all parcel owners located within 600-feet of the parcels requesting a zoning map change. Signs are posted on all street frontages of the parcels to be rezoned, and the application request is posted in the local newspaper. The governing bodies make the final determination on approval or denial of the zoning map change request.

Applications and Submittal

1. Applications
   1. Zoning Map Change Application (PDF)
   2. Textual Development Plan (PDF)
   3. Graphic Development Plan Checklist (PDF)
   4. Owner Acknowledgement Form for a Zoning Map Change Request (PDF)
   5. Utility Statement Application 
   6. Stormwater Services Rezoning Submittal Checklist (PDF)