Task 1 Engagement

During Phase 1 we hosted a community workshop and an online survey. We had focus groups with local stakeholders, such as builders, real estate agents, and developers. Engagement events held are listed below.

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Code Audit Report

Below is the link to view the Code Audit Summary Report.

Task 1: Discovery

The first step of the County Ordinances Update focused on gathering information about what topics will be essential to include, focus on, and prioritize during the drafting of the Ordinances. During this phase we conducted community outreach and engagement, talking with a variety of County residents and stakeholders to hear what topics are most important to them. During this phase we also conducted research and analysis about recent development trends, conducted an audit of the County’s current Ordinances, and identified areas for improvement and updates.

Past Engagement Events

  • Realtors Roundtable

  • Wednesday, June 4th

    Project Goals Discussed

    • Improved organization and clarity

    • Clearer guidance and standards on second dwellings (e.g. RV hookups), tiny home communities, campgrounds, and short term rentals (e.g. Airbnbs/VRBOs), and

    • Introduction of Mixed-Use zoning

    Challenges Discussed

    • Infrastructure (e.g. well and septic systems),

    • Design Standards,

    • Screening related to solar farms,

    • Development surrounding the Lake Gaston Area, and

    • Commercial zoning

  • Builders Roundtable

    Wednesday, June 4th

    Key Issues Discussed

    • Infrastructure Costs & VDOT Regulations,

    • Lack of Affordable Housing,

    • Limited Development Incentive,

    • Microsoft’s Impact, and

    • Post-Construction Responsibility

    Proposed Solutions Discussed

    • Online Permitting/Application Process,

    • Revised VDOT Regulations/Bonding for Roads,

    • Private Roads,

    • County/Town Collaboration on Infrastructure,

    • Mecklenburg County as VSMP Authority,

    • Regular Builder/Developer Roundtables, and

    • Consideration towards provisions for temporary recreational housing

  • Community Workshop

    Tuesday, June 17th

    Community Feedback Summary

    (Input from both the Community Workshop and Community Survey, linked below)

    • Desire to preserve Rural Character & Environment,

    • Concerns for Managed & Sustainable Growth,

    • Interest in Introduction of Mixed-Use Development,

    • Preference for Community-Oriented Development,

    • Call for Transparency & Community Involvement,

    • Concerns regarding Standardization & Clear Design Standards,

    • Mixed preferences around Data Centers & Utility Scale Solar,

    • Mixed preferences around Residential Requirements/Lot Sizes,

    • Desire for Maintaining Affordability & Accessibility,

    • Want Modernization with Common Sense, and

    • Some Support for Status Quo