Legislation Changes How N.C. Cities Consider Development Plans
The North Carolina General Assembly has approved legislation that changes the way Raleigh and other municipalities in the state consider subdivision plans, site plans and variances.
At its Nov. 3 meeting, the Raleigh City Council authorized City Attorney Thomas McCormick and City Planning Director Mitchell Silver to draft a text change that will bring the City’s policies into compliance with the new state law. The proposed text change will be presented to the City Council for its consideration.
The new state law takes effect on Jan. 1. Specifically, it will change municipalities’ notification process for proposed subdivision plans, site plans and variances. For example, municipalities will have to notify a larger number of citizens who live near the area of a proposed development or variance site. Also under the legislation, municipalities may have to conduct quasi-judicial hearings on proposed subdivision plans, site plans and variances. Municipalities hold quasi-judicial hearings to receive sworn testimony to help determine if a development application complies with their ordinances. The Raleigh City Council must decide whether it, the Planning Commission or both the council and the Planning Commission may hold these quasi-judicial hearings.
Prepared by:
John Boyette
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
Thomas A. McCormick
City Attorney
City Attorney Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-831-6560
