PLANNING DEPARTMENT
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: 251 South 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:
- 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.
- American Planning Association North Carolina Chapter
- American Planning Association
- Centralina Council of Governments
- Charlotte Area Transit System
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities
- Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO)
- Small Commercial Plan Review
- Continuum
- Davidson Housing Coalition
- Davidson Lands Conservancy
- Duke Energy
- Energy United
- Historic Landmarks Commission
- Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement
- Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services (LUESA)
- Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
- New Urbanism
- North Carolina Department of Transportation
- PSNC Energy
- Polaris for Mecklenburg County
- Code Info & Resource Center (CIRC)-Residential
- Scenic Byways
- U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder
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
November 2023
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. Development Project update
Summit Farms Conditional Master Plan: Since the Davidson Board of Commissioners approval of the proposed Conditional Master Plan in August, the project received two additional approvals: 1. Approval of the project’s affordable housing plan by the Board of Commissioners in September; 2. Approval of the Conditional Master Plan by Town of Davidson and Mecklenburg County staff in October, following further technical reviews. Next steps for the project include review and approval of the plan by Charlotte Water as well as review and approval of the project’s buildings by the Design Review Board. To view the plan and further information please see the project webpage.
River Run Ph. 6 Master Plan: In October, Town of Davidson and Mecklenburg County staff approved the proposed Master Plan. The approval includes the construction of 89 residential units, including 16 Attached House units and eight Detached House – Duplex units. Additionally, the plan proposes vehicular and pedestrian improvements to Shearer Road; multi-use path and trail connectivity throughout the site; the preservation of views, rock outcroppings, and trees as identified on the plan; and a neighborhood park. To view the plan and further information please see the project webpage.
River Run Swim & Racket Club: Site changes at the River Run Swim & Racquet Club located at 18801 Greyton Ln were approved by Mecklenburg County and the Town in October. Construction is underway on new pickleball courts, additional parking, and changes within the existing parking lot at the River Run Swim and Racquet Clubhouse. To view the plan and further information please see the project webpage.
2. Historic Preservation
Local Historic District Design Standards Update: The Davidson Historic Preservation Plan, adopted by the Board of Commissioners in January 2023, recommends that the town update the Davidson Local Historic District Design Standards. These standards provide guidance for alteration, restoration, new construction, additions, relocation, or demolition affecting properties in the local historic district. The current Davidson Historic District Design Standards were drafted in 2009. With new development practices and the potential expansion of existing local historic districts, amendments to the existing standards are needed. The goal of the project is to create an updated, user-friendly document that is rich in content and illustrations. The town is excited to announce that architecture & planning firm Frazier Associates out of Staunton, Virginia was selected to complete our design standards update. Frazier Associates' team visited Davidson on October 18-19 to tour our historic districts and meet with stakeholders including the Historic Preservation Commission. Be on the lookout for updates in the coming months. To see if your property is located within a historic district, check out the interactive map available at www.townofdavidson.org/historicpreservation.