The Unified Development Ordinance grants extra height, floor area, or reduced parking when projects deliver income-restricted affordable units, certified green-building features, or qualifying public realm contributions.
Effective 2023, Charlotte's UDO replaced the legacy zoning code with form-based and place-type districts. Many districts include voluntary density-bonus tables: developers who provide a defined percentage of units affordable at 60-80% AMI for at least 30 years, or who certify under LEED, NGBS, or Living Building Challenge, can earn additional dwelling units, height, or floor area. Some bonuses also reward open space dedications or transit-supportive features. Bonus eligibility is verified by Planning, Design and Development through a deed-restricted covenant for affordability and certification documents for sustainability paths.
Failure to deliver promised affordable units or certifications after receiving the bonus can trigger covenant enforcement, withholding of certificates of occupancy, or civil action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Article 17 caps residential fences at 5 feet in front setbacks, 6 feet in side setbacks, and 8 feet in rear s...
Charlotte, NC
The Mecklenburg County Animal Care and Control Ordinance, applied countywide including Charlotte, requires every dog off the owner's property to be under suf...
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. UDO Article 12 (Signs) exe...
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. UDO Article 12 (Signs) exempts seasonal ...
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Charlotte UDO Article 12 (Si...
Charlotte, NC
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Charlotte require permits for gas lines, electrical, plumbing, and any roofed structure under NC General Statute 160D-1110, with...
See how Charlotte's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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