High Point, NC Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Core City bonus
- +2 units/acre
- Outside Core City bonus
- +1 unit/acre
- Program type
- Voluntary, application-based
- Governing table
- Table 5.15.3.E
Summary
High Point, North Carolina grants developers up to 2 extra dwelling units per acre in the Core City, or 1 outside it, when a project earns enough points under the city's Sustainable Development Incentives table.
A density bonus of up to 2 additional dwelling units per acre beyond the maximum allowed in the base zoning district in the Core City or 1 additional dwelling unit per acre outside the Core City 3 4 An increase in the maximum allowable height by up to 30 feet beyond the maximum allowed in the zoning district in the Core City 2 3 An increase in the maximum allowable height by up to 15 feet beyond the maximum allowed in the zoning district outside the Core City 2 3 A reduction from the minimum parking space requirements by 10 percent 2 2 An increase in the maximum allowable sign area or maximum height for wall or freestanding signs by 10 percent 1 3
(Ord. No. 7266/17-08, § 25, 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 7365/17-108, § 1, 11-20-2017; Ord. No. 7622/20-38, § 22, 8-5-2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9 | Development Ordinance: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
The Development Ordinance's Sustainability Incentives program lets any new development request a density bonus above the base zoning district's maximum: up to 2 additional dwelling units per acre inside the Core City, or 1 additional unit per acre outside it. To earn the bonus, an applicant must include a minimum number of sustainable development features drawn from both Schedule A and Schedule B of Table 5.15.4, such as solar generation, rainwater capture, or LEED-certified construction, submitted with the development application.
Violations & Fines
There's no penalty for skipping the incentive: it's optional. A project that later fails to install or maintain promised features becomes nonconforming and can lose the density bonus or permit approval under § 5.15.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the density bonus automatic?
Where in the city is the larger bonus available?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in High Point
Compare High Point to another location·View the North Carolina zoning overlays & bonuses overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.