Overview

Our department's webpages contain an array of resources and are one of the best ways to learn about the work underway. For example, if you received a letter about a proposal or saw a sign announcing a hearing or project, see the Development Projects or Map & Text Amendments sections for more information. These webpages can be accessed on the left-hand side of this page. 

Recent Updates

12/6/2018

Hello Davidson Residents,

Below you’ll find a list and short description of things that we’re working on, along with how to find additional information about each topic. We hope you find this information useful. If you want to follow up with us about any questions you may have, please do so – our contact information is available on our department’s homepage. Check back from time to time for updates.

- Town of Davidson Planning Department

1.  Development Proposals:

• Mayes Hall:  This project is located on 24 acres at 13297 and 13415 Mayes Road, about one-half mile west of its intersection with NC 73. The project team for the proposed 62 lot/66-unit development will host a public input session on December 13, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to review the master plan and solicit feedback. An overview presentation by the project team will occur at 5:15 and 6:15 pm, with time allotted for questions and viewing the plans in an open house format after each event. For additional information concerning the proposal, including the updated plans, please see the project webpage.
• Davidson Bay:  This project is currently under development and is located on various parcels to the north and west of the Beaty St. – Armour St. intersection. The landowner for these parcels is interested in modifying the approved master plan to reduce the amount of residential units and commercial square footage; these actions would require a master plan amendment. The Board of Commissioners will receive information on this request at their January work session.

2.  Comprehensive Plan:  The plan’s public engagement process – called What’s Next Davidson? – has been in full swing since late October, with staff and resident volunteers attending various events around town to spread the word about the plan and solicit feedback on the town’s planning principles. This initial engagement period will wind down in mid-December, but the emphasis on dedicated public engagement will continue with research and preparation for community-wide meetings to be held in the Winter/Spring 2019. Please mark your calendar for January 17, 2019 for our first community meeting – “Conversation on What’s Next.” At this meeting, the consultant will facilitate a conversation based on the initial public engagement findings and present a Community Snapshot report. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to provide feedback by completing an online survey on our recently-launched website, www.WhatsNextDavidson.com; paper copies of the survey are also available for completion at town hall. The deadline for survey completion is Friday, December 14 – so please participate! The What’s Next website also contains a host of information about the process underway, including FAQs, news, and background documents; you may also sign up for eCrier notifications specific to What’s Next on this website. We look forward to your participation!

3.  Text Amendments:  At the direction of the Davidson Board of Commissioners, several proposed text amendments are currently under development by the board of commissioners, staff, and the planning board/livability board:

• Davidson Planning Ordinance Section 9, Tree Preservation, Landscaping, & Screening:  This section of the ordinance deals with the preservation and cultivation of a mature, healthy tree canopy and natural landscape throughout town. The board of commissioners included revisions of this ordinance as part of their 2018-2019 Strategic Plan passed earlier this year. The board of commissioners received an update and provided feedback on policy implications of various issues related to the updates at their November 13, 2018 meeting. Additionally, commissioners recommended the pursuit of a town-wide tree canopy study. Currently, staff is working with Planning and Livability Board members to draft revised text.

4. Local Historic District Expansion:  Per the 2018-2019 Strategic Plan adopted by the Davidson Board of Commissioners, the Town of Davidson is exploring the expansion of its local historic district, which currently includes the two to three blocks that comprise downtown. The goal of district expansion is to preserve and protect historically significant structures in Davidson. Historic preservation helps retain our sense of place, our small-town character, and links to our community’s past. As part of this process, on November 28 the town hosted an information session with Historic Preservation Consultant Mary Ruffin Hanbury, who explained the benefits of designation, discussed the historic district designation process, and answered questions. Soon, the consultant will provide a report on her November “windshield survey” (Phase 1). The board of commissioners will then review a scope of work/budget for Phase 2, which will include surveying and documenting proposed local historic district expansion areas. For more information, please see the Planning Department’s Historic Preservation webpage.

5. Mobility Plan:  The draft plan is currently under review with the project consultant. Once review of the draft plan is complete, the plan will be made available for public review and comment. The public comment period is expected to occur in early 2019. For more information about the Mobility Plan, please see the project webpage.

Contact Information

Welcome to our contact page, where you can find information about reaching the department or individual staff members. Please note:  The quickest way to schedule an appointment is by email or phone. If you leave a voicemail, we'll be sure to return your call within 24 hours.

• Email:  planning@townofdavidson.org. For general inquiries this is the quickest way to get an answer to your question. Questions received are routed to the staff member best equipped to respond with the information you need.
• Phone: 704-892-7592. Please be sure to leave a voicemail - this is the quickest way to get an answer to a question via phone. 
• Mailing Address:  216 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 579, Davidson, NC 28036.
• Staff Directory:  For contact information for each individual please see the Staff Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions, responses, and links to resources.

1. Do I need an appointment to meet with a planner?  Yes, appointments are preferred. Please call (704 892-7592) or email (planning@townofdavidson.org) the Planning Department to schedule an appointment.

2. What is the zoning (planning area) of my property?  The Town of Davidson planning ordinance categorizes properties into planning areas. You may locate your property on the Davidson Planning Ordinance map and use the legend to determine the planning area for your property.

3. What types of permits are required? There are several types of permits required by the Town of Davidson. They are:

• Building Permit
• Sign Permit
• Zoning Use Permit
• Tree Permit
• Home Occupation Agreement

4. How do I get a permit reviewed?  Permit applications may be picked up at Davidson Town Hall, 216 South Main Street, or downloaded from the permit webpage. You may submit a permit either by bringing it to town hall or using the online permit submittal form. Town planners will review the permit application for compliance with the Town of Davidson Planning Ordinance. Upon approval and payment of the fee, the applicant must submit the permit to Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency for their review.

5. How much does a building/sign permit cost?  Fees associated with building and sign permits vary depending on the nature of the project. For more information on planning fees, please see our Fee Schedule.

6. How can I develop my property?  The Town of Davidson does not generally use density limits or standard setback requirements. Instead, we encourage designers and developers to consider the surrounding context and creatively address the constraints and opportunities on a site by site basis. Sections two and four of the Davidson Planning Ordinance provide a list of permitted uses and site design regulations per planning area. Refer to these sections first, and then contact a planner to set up an appointment to discuss your property further.

7. How do I determine the permitted uses for my property?  The description of each planning area and its permitted uses is outlined in section two of the Davidson planning ordinance. You may view section two and associated amendments in the Planning Ordinance. Refer to this section first, and then contact a planner to set up an appointment to discuss your property further.

8. What are the minimum required setbacks from my property line?  Design regulations, including building types, minimum required setbacks, and height restrictions are outlined in section two of the planning ordinance. Additional uses and regulations, including accessory structures, are described in section four of the planning ordinance. You may view sections four and two and their associated amendments at Planning Ordinance. If you have additional questions, please make an appointment to meet with a member of the planning department staff.

Quick Links

Below is a list of links to various websites that may be useful in understanding the town's approach to planning and its requirements. The list also includes various resources and organizations related to planning and development. 

1. Davidson Mobility Plan
2. American Planning Association North Carolina Chapter
3. American Planning Association
4. Centralina Council of Governments
5. Charlotte Area Transit System
6. Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Services
7. Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
8. Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities
9. Charlotte Mecklenburg Water & Land Resources
10. Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization
11. Commercial Technical Assistance Center (CTAC)
12. Davidson Housing Coalition
13. Davidson Lands Conservancy
14. Duke Energy
15. Energy United
16. Historic Landmarks Commission
17. Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement
18. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
19. Mi-Connection Mecklenburg - Iredell
20. New Urbanism
21. North Carolina Department of Transportation
22. PSNC Energy
23. Polaris for Mecklenburg County
24. Residential Technical Assistance Center (RTAC)
25. Scenic Byways
26. U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder