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

March 2019

Hello Davidson Community Members,

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. Mobility Plan:  The Town of Davidson has completed the draft of the Davidson Mobility Plan, a community-driven effort to look at innovative solutions, projects, policies, and programs to help residents move in town by foot, wheelchair, bike, car, transit, and address congestion. Members of the community are invited to read the draft and comment by March 15 in the following ways:

• Email:  After reviewing the draft plan at www.davidsonmobilityplan.com, please submit any comments you have to DMP@townofdavidson.org. Please include the page number and section prior to your comment.
• Online:  Click this link to review the draft and comment online using Kauses.org.
• In-Person:  Visit Town Hall to review a draft in person. Comment sheets are available by request.

2. Comprehensive Plan:  Thanks to all that participated in the January Workshop, Conversation on What’s Next! Between attendees and those that later completed the survey online, we received 649 responses on a range of topics.

The plan’s public engagement process – called What’s Next Davidson? – continues to build momentum as we head towards our second public workshop of Phase 2. This workshop, Shaping What’s Next, will review draft General Planning Principles modifications, discuss community character, collect feedback, and share progress and plans with the Davidson community. Please mark your calendar for Monday - Wednesday, April 1-3, 2019:  On Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm a kickoff event for the multi-day workshop will be held at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, located at 218 Concord Rd. 

To learn more, please visit the What’s Next website, which 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. 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 proposes a 64 lot/68-unit development with a park, trails, and open space. After multiple Public Input Sessions and Planning Board review and comment, the project’s master plan has been approved. 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 developer for these parcels is interested in modifying the approved master plan to reduce the number of residential units and commercial square footage; these actions would require a master plan amendment. The Davidson Board of Commissioners discussed this proposal at their January 8 and March 12 work sessions, directing staff to work with the developer to determine an appropriate mix of commercial space and number of residential units for the site. For additional information concerning the proposal, including the updated plans, please see the project webpage.
• Davidson Commons East Lot 4D:  At their February 12 work session the Davidson Board of Commissioners discussed a potential rezoning by the developer Saussy Burbank to rezone 3.14 acres located on Davidson Gateway Dr. from Conditional Planning Area to Lakeshore Planning Area (Parcel ID #00323193). The aim would be to construct 38 single-family homes on the site. The board requested more information from the project team before moving forward.
• River Run Phase 6:  At their February 12 work session the Davidson Board of Commissioners discussed a potential project by the River Run Limited Partnership (work with EPCON Communities) – a 132-unit active adult community on +/- 75 acres east of Shearer Road (Parcel IDs #00749104, 00749196, and 00749106). If the project proceeds it would require a conditional rezoning of the land.
• Summers Walk Phase 6:  A master plan application was submitted and proposes to place 40 townhomes and one single-family detached house along or adjacent to Summers Walk Boulevard at its entrance near the intersection of Summers Walk Boulevard and NC 73. A Public Input Session will be held Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Summers Walk Clubhouse, located at 17240 Summers Walk Blvd, Davidson, NC 28036. For more information, please see the project website.

4. Text Amendments:  At the direction of the Davidson Board of Commissioners, 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 last year. At their March 12, 2018 work session commissioners will receive an update on sections completed, sections remaining, and the tree canopy study that’s underway. Currently, staff is working with Planning and Livability Board members to draft revised text.

5. 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.

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