PLANNING DEPARTMENT

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Welcome

Welcome to the Planning Department homepage. By clicking on the tabs at the top of this page you can find updates about the work underway, how to contact us, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions. On the left side of this page is a list of relevant and major topics related to the department’s work. This includes the tools needed to:  File a building permit (Submit a Permit); research a parcel or project (Maps & GIS, Planning Ordinance, Development Projects); or, understand our town’s approach to planning and development (Planning Principles).

Davidson’s traditional character is that of a small town, so land planning will reflect its historic patterns of village-centered growth, with connection of neighborhoods, preservation of rural areas, and provision of public spaces. Our quality of life is enhanced through the Town’s Planning Principles, the Davidson Planning Ordinance, and by assessing town needs through plans, reports, and studies.

Planning Department Updates

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 above under the contact tab. Check back from time to time for updates.

- Town of Davidson Planning Department

1. Historic Preservation Plan Implementation   

The Davidson Historic Preservation Plan was adopted by the Board of Commissioners at their January 24, 2023 regular meeting. This Historic Preservation Plan presents a multi-year action plan for incorporating historic preservation objectives into the town’s objectives. Since plan adoption, planning staff created an implementation guide to help track progress toward plan implementation. A list of action items to work toward in 2023 was presented to the Board of Commissioners at their March 14, 2023 work session.

 The Sloan House conditions assessment and use study is one project currently underway that works toward recommended actions in the Historic Preservation Plan. The Sloan House building study will be used to ascertain the current material health of the building at 230 South Main Street, form recommendations for ongoing maintenance, and brainstorm possible adaptive reuse strategies sensitive to the building’s historic character. This study will be especially useful in deciding the future of Sloan House now that town administrative offices have relocated to 251 South Street.

 The full implementation guide is available on the Historic Preservation Plan webpage at www.townofdavidson.org/historicpreservationplan. This guide will be updated over time as various actions are undertaken and completed.

2. Development Project Update

Summit Farms:  In January of 2023, the project team representing Summit Farms, LLC, filed an application for a proposed conditional master plan located at the southeastern corner of the intersection of East Rocky River and Shearer Roads. The project team proposes a mixed-use master plan integrating commercial service, a variety of residential building types, and a working agrarian landscape on +/- 57.64 acres. A Public Input Session sharing information and collecting feedback about the project will be held at Davidson Town Hall on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 5:15 – 7:00 P.M. on the lower level of the Davidson Town Hall & Community Center, 251 South Street, Davidson, North Carolina. The meeting room may be accessed from the rear parking lot, towards Cathey Street. Identical overview presentations by Town of Davidson staff and the project team will occur at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., with time allotted for questions and viewing the plans in an open house format after each event. For further information, including project documents and a timeline, see the project webpage.

3. Vision Zero

The Vision Zero Plan is underway! The Vision Zero Task Force and the contracted consultant, VHB, continue to meet regularly to discuss strategies and supporting actions for the upcoming draft plan. The plan is expected to go before the Board of Commissioners in the coming months following a review by the Vision Zero Task Force and Town Staff.  

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. For information and updates, please see the Vision Zero page on the town website.