Development Issues
In the last several years, the City of Durham has created new rules and codes for zoning and development. You may have heard of SCAD, UDO, small lot options, flag lots, among numerous acronyms and terms. The latest proposal is a revision to the UDO, called Land Development Code, or LDC. This is far from final and neighbors and neighborhood groups in Durham are reviewing this. See a post on the listserv about a community meeting on Feb 22 in advance of a public hearing on Feb 24 (probably will be postponed).
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How do these affect our neighborhoods? The short answer is that more density is allowed. A good example of what is now allowed is at the corner of Virginia Ave and Woodrow St. A house was torn down and replaced with four two-story houses with small footprints. See also the lot on Wagoner across from Westover Park. On other small lots that were previously vacant, small houses have been built. In the back of properties, you will see new accessory dwelling units which provide the possibility of additional residential space nearby the primary residence on the same property.
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The neighborhood board monitors changes in these rules, advocates on behalf of the neighborhood, and ensures construction adheres to the rules. Often, committees of neighbors meet with developers and builders to review plans and request changes before the plans are final.
Above is an image of what will be built at 1708 Hillandale. There will be nine of these dwellings lined up east-west.