Charlotte City Council
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Summary Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2006
COMMITTEE AGENDA TOPICS
I. Neighborhood Symposium Update
II. Neighborhood Policy
III. Housing Charlotte 2007 Update
IV. Housing Code: Occupancy and Minor Amendments
V. Discuss 2007 Agenda-Calendar
COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Council members Present:
Michael D. Barnes, Susan Burgess, Anthony Foxx, Don Lochman
and Pat Mumford
Council members Absent:
None
Staff Resource:
Julie Burch
Staff:
Walter Abernathy, Neighborhood Development
Mike Jenkins, Neighborhood Development
Pamela Lopez, Neighborhood Development
Stephanie Small, Neighborhood Development
Richard Woodcock, Neighborhood Development
Cynthia Woods, Neighborhood Development
Katrina Young, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department
Others:
Bart Landess, Chair of the Housing Charlotte 2007 Planning
Committee
Meeting Duration:
3:10 P.M. – 5:15 PM
1.
ATTACHMENTS
Agenda Packet – December 11, 2006
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for December 11, 2006
Page 2
DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS
I.
Neighborhood Symposium Update
The 12th Annual Neighborhood Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2007 at the
Charlotte Convention Center. The theme this year is “Neighborhoods in Action: Mobilizing,
Organizing and Sustaining Success”. Cynthia Woods distributed the 2006 Proceedings Report
and provided an update of the planning, to date, for this year’s event. She noted that two
keynote speakers are under consideration. All workshops and speakers should be finalized by
January 10, 2007 and “Save the Date” postcards will be mailed the first week of January,
2007.
Currently, approximately 18 citizens have volunteered to work on subcommittees. Committee
member Burgess stated that the symposium would be a good opportunity to introduce the new
neighborhood liaisons to the public. Burgess further stated that Reno, Nevada has organized
some neighborhood leaders into neighborhood councils and suggested that the neighborhood
council concept would work well in Charlotte. Stanley Watkins suggested the full City Council
weigh in on the issue of establishing neighborhood councils, in order to determine the scope
and purpose. Julie Burch added that the Housing & Neighborhood Development Committee
could broach the issue with the full Council and, if interested, the full Council could direct
staff to explore the concept of neighborhood councils.
II.
Neighborhood Policy
Stanley Watkins provided an overview of the Neighborhood Policy and Strategy document,
and pointed out that City Council identified a review of the City's Neighborhood Policy as a
high priority. He reviewed the key City policies related to neighborhoods (planned
neighborhoods, safe neighborhoods, safe, decent and affordable housing, accessible
transportation, adequate infrastructure, clean and nuisance free environment, economic
development, healthy environment and well managed neighborhoods). Committee member
Lochman questioned a percentage listed as a policy objective under Accessible
Transportation, which states that a minimum of 65 percent of the population will have access
to transit. Committee member Mumford responded that the 65 percent figure, which came
from the 2006 Transportation Action Plan, represents a balance between the current built
environment and the future build out to be achieved. Committee member Burgess requested
the baseline figure, which staff was unsure of and will provide as follow up information.
Ms. Burgess noted that numerous complaints have been received concerning yard waste and
suggested that yard waste be added to the list of objectives, as well as to educate and
enable citizens to compost. Mr. Lochman stated that the goals appear ambitious and may
need to be broken down into more specific, accomplishable goals. Committee member Foxx
stated that Neighborhood Development is striving to integrate a range of issues that impact
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for December 11, 2006
Page 3
neighborhoods, which are currently being worked on by various departments. Julie Burch
noted that focus area plans will be worked on for four of the five focus areas, which will
generate more specific targets and goals.
The Committee was asked to identify gaps in regards to neighborhood issues that are being
addressed, or if there are needs and priorities that should be given attention. Mr. Foxx
expressed concern as to whether the scope of issues is too broad to implement. Committee
member Barnes identified as an issue the City’s ability to create “neighborhoods” that
provide a sense of place, rather than just build subdivisions.
Mr. Watkins asked whether the current Neighborhood Policy and Strategy document, with
the recommended adjustments, is ready to be taken to the full City Council? Mr. Lochman
questioned the means for measuring the success of the goals set forth in the document.
Stanley Watkins responded that the Quality of Life Study will measure social, physical and
economic aspects of neighborhoods.
Action: Upon a motion made by Lochman and seconded by Barnes, the Housing and
Neighborhood Development Committee voted unanimously to share the Neighborhood
Policy document with City Council as an overarching set of policies.
III. Housing Charlotte 2007 Update
Bart Landess provided an update on the status of Housing Charlotte 2007, noting that the
one day event scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2007, will be held at the Charlotte
Convention Center. The forum will focus on new ideas and solutions for providing affordable
housing. Tickets to the event are $75.00 and scholarships will be available to individuals
that need them. All invited speakers and moderators have committed to the plenary session,
workshops and closing programs. Fundraising for the event has reached 65 percent of the
$100,000 goal and should conclude by mid-December. Mr. Landess stated that the website
for the event will be launched and “Save the Date” cards would be sent out the week of
December 11, 2006 to the approximately 825 names in the database. The goal is to attract
300 people to the event. Invitations and brochures will be mailed out early January, 2007
Committee member Burgess sought feedback from the Committee as to the role of City
Council representatives at the Council initiated forum. Views were expressed that there was
no set role for Council members, that Council interaction should be limited to the welcome
and introduction of speakers and that there was a need for the Housing & Neighborhood
Development Committee to make a brief presentation at the opening to explain the rationale
and expected outcomes for the housing forum. Julie Burch suggested presenting the
intention of the Committee members to have an active role in the forum to the full City
Council and solicit feedback.
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for December 11, 2006
Page 4
The 300 person attendance goal was questioned. Mr. Landess explained that the event has
been planned to accommodate approximately 300 people due to space and cost constraints.
The Planning Committee is seeking to attract attendees from a variety of neighborhoods.
The Committee asked if there were attendance monitoring methods in place to ensure that
attendance is not dominated by any particular constituency and suggested City Council
representatives have a say in the number of spots held open for certain constituents. Mr.
Landess explained the difficulty in such a measure without specifying an exact number figure
of attendees in each district and providing specific names.
Julie Burch recommended that the Committee update the full City Council on the planning
status of the event.
IV.
Housing Code: Occupancy and Minor Amendments
Walter Abernathy provided background information on the stakeholder process that examined
and explored whether the Zoning Ordinance definition of “family” was adequate to protect the
public health and safety of occupants and residential units, as well as the overall character of
neighborhoods. A total of 24 stakeholders met for a total of six meetings to discuss
complaints about the number of people living in a house, in relation to health and safety,
maintenance of homes, trash and litter, parked cars, property values and noise. The
stakeholder group concluded that, in order to address the aforementioned issues, there was a
need for better code enforcement, a need to address occupancy limits, and the secondary
impacts of high occupancy households (noise, parking, trash, etc.). Amendments to the
Occupancy Standards of the Housing Code and the Minimum Housing Code Standards were
deemed the best methods of addressing the issues.
Mr. Abernathy defined occupancy as the number of people that is safe and healthy to have in
a house. He explained that numerous jurisdictions, both in and outside of North Carolina
were polled about the current codes used in their jurisdictions and the majority calculate
occupancy based on housing space and bedroom space and take the lesser of the two. The
proposed changes to the occupancy standards are more restrictive than the current code and
will result in consistency with other North Carolina jurisdictions. Said changes will allow only
seven individuals in a 1,000 square foot house, which is a decrease from the existing allowance
of eleven individuals. The current process for appeals would remain in place.
Specifically, the proposed occupancy standards would change from a minimum of 50 square
feet to 100 square feet for each additional occupant, would change from a minimum of 80
square feet of bedroom floor space to a minimum of 70 square feet, and would change from a
minimum of 20 square feet of bedroom floor space to a minimum of 50 square feet for each
additional occupant. Proposed life safety issues will be addressed by amending the Minimum
Housing Code Standards to be consistent with the North Carolina State Building Code.
Changes entail prohibiting bars on windows and specifying the height of porch railings.
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for December 11, 2006
Page 5
Committee member Mumford remarked that under the proposed changes, a family with six
children would not be able to reside in a 1,000 square foot home. Mr. Abernathy stated that
the Minimum Housing Code looks at the maximum possible number of residents and does not
address familial relationship. He noted that the current Zoning Ordinance definition of
family allows up to six unrelated persons and places no maximum number limit if the persons
are related.
Committee member Burgess expressed concern about the impacts on existing families that
will result from the proposed regulations, which were intended to address nuisance complaints
about too many people living in houses. Ms. Burgess asked about the compilation of the
stakeholder group. Katrina Young stated that the stakeholder group was comprised of a
diverse group of individuals, adding that representatives from Legal Services and the Police
and Fire Departments also provided input. Consensus building was done prior to advancing to
the next step and most issues achieved 100 percent agreement.
Committee member Barnes asked how many violations of the current allowance of eleven
individuals in a 1,000 square foot house have been enforced since August of 2004? Walter
Abernathy responded that there have been habitual problems with a few homes but it has not
been an overwhelming problem. There have been no convictions. He added that other
municipalities have found that occupancy standards are hard to enforce. Mr. Barnes stated
that he doesn't see the need to pass an unenforceable ordinance or create an undue
enforcement burden on staff.
Mr. Mumford pointed out that many of the secondary impacts are already being enforced and
questioned how the proposed changes to occupancy standards will help solve problems. Mr.
Abernathy added that the stakeholder group recognized the existing processes currently in
place to address the secondary impacts.
Action: Upon a motion made by Mumford and seconded by Foxx, the Committee voted
unanimously (Lochman not present) to recommend that the Life Safety issues proceed to
public hearing and to forward the proposed occupancy standards to full Council for a
recommendation.
V.
Discuss 2007 Agenda-Calendar
The Committee was notified that future meetings are proposed to be held on the second and
fourth Tuesdays of each month. Committee member Barnes noted conflicts with meeting on
Tuesday. It was discussed and resolved that Wednesday would be a better day of the week to
meet. Committee member Mumford requested that substantive items and issues be placed on
the agendas. He added that information, such as updates, can be distributed as a handout
instead of a presentation.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M.
City Council
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meeting
Monday, December 11, 2006 – 3:00 PM
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center – Room CH-14
Committee Members:
Susan Burgess, Chair
Anthony Foxx, Vice-Chair
Michael Barnes
Don Lochman
Pat Mumford
Staff Resource:
Julie Burch
_______________
AGENDA
I.
Neighborhood Symposium Update
(Attachments – A1, A2)
II.
Neighborhood Policy (2nd Meeting) – Council Priority
(Attachments – B1, B2)
III.
Housing Charlotte 2007 Update (Presentation at 4:00 P.M.)
(Attachment - C)
IV.
Housing Code: Occupancy and Minor Amendments
(Attachments – D1, D2)
V.
Discuss 2007 Agenda-Calendar
_______________
Distribution:
Mayor/Council
Pam Syfert, City Manager
City Leadership Team
Corporate Communications
Debra Campbell – Planning Department
Anna Schleunes- City Attorney’s Office
Saskia Thompson- Manager’s Office
CDC Executive Directors
Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board
Neighborhood Representatives
Budget Office
Ruffin Hall
Phyllis Heath
Lisa Schumacher
Charlotte Housing Authority
Charles Woodyard
Troy White
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership
Pat Garrett
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Chief Darrel Stephens
Gerald Sennett
Neighborhood Development
Stanley Watkins
Richard Woodcock
Stan Wilson
Stephanie Small
Walter Abernethy
Pat Mason
Attachment A1
2007 Neighborhood Symposium
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
December 11, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
Receive information on the 2007 Neighborhood Symposium.
Policy Framework:
The City Council’s Housing and Neighborhood Development strategy supports strengthening
neighborhoods through 1) City service delivery; 2) strategic investments; and 3)
neighborhood capacity building to improve and sustain Charlotte’s quality of life.
Program Description:
ƒ Since 1995, the City of Charlotte has sponsored the Neighborhood Symposium annually
as a forum to address important neighborhood issues and develop the capacity of
neighborhood organizations. It is designed to provide information, tools and resources
to effectively help residents address neighborhood issues.
ƒ The Neighborhood Symposium is a citywide conference of neighborhoods, which
provides opportunities for neighborhood leaders and others to learn about community
services and resources; participate in workshops and hear from community building
experts; and network with other neighborhoods who share similar interests and issues.
ƒ The major components of the Neighborhood Symposium are an opening session, adult
workshops, keynote speaker, information/feedback sessions, youth workshops and
exhibitor areas.
ƒ Over the years, the event has gained in popularity in both attendance and diversity of
neighborhoods participating. Attendance has increased to over 400 participants and it
has grown from primarily an inner-city neighborhood event to include neighborhoods all
over the city.
Neighborhood Symposium 2007 Overview:
The 12th Annual Neighborhood Symposium is scheduled for Saturday March 31, 2007 at the
Charlotte Convention Center. The proposed theme is “Neighborhoods in Action: Mobilizing,
Organizing and Sustaining Success.” Attached is a detailed schedule of activities planned
for the 2007 event.
An increased level of neighborhood involvement this year includes citizens as planning
committee members, workshop facilitators and hosts, exhibitors and guides on the day of
the event. Youth participants will experience a similar level of involvement in planning and
implementing the youth segment.
The 2007 Planning Committee is comprised of staff representatives from governmental
entities and non-profits, including Neighborhood Development, Charlotte Mecklenburg
Police, Solid Waste Services, Corporate Communications, YMCA of Greater Charlotte and
several neighborhood representatives (including youth). The committee is in the process of
soliciting corporate and other sponsorships to help support the event.
Attachment A2
Preliminary Planning for 2007 Neighborhood Symposium Overview
Date:
The 12th Annual Neighborhood Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2007
Location:
The Charlotte Convention Center
Theme:
“Neighborhoods in Action: Mobilizing, Organizing and Sustaining Success”
Opening Session:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Keynote Speaker:
(Candidates)
Adult Workshop
Topics:
Information Stations
and Exhibits:
Youth Workshops:
Sponsors:
Welcome, Purpose
Opening Remarks
Neighborhoods in Action Forum – Selected neighborhoods share their efforts
(challenges and successes in the areas of mobilizing, organizing, and sustaining success)
Mike Green
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Organizing
Denver, Colorado
John Barros
Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative
Boston, Massachusetts
ƒ Asset Mapping
ƒ Maintaining Model Neighborhood Standards
ƒ Code Enforcement
ƒ Crime Prevention (including Gangs)
ƒ Good Neighbors
ƒ Housing Issues (Homeownership, Rental/Landlords & Section 8)
ƒ Building Inter-Generational Relationships in Neighborhoods
ƒ Diversity
ƒ Characteristics of Effective Neighborhood Organizations
ƒ Building Neighborhood Pride and Participation
ƒ Financial Literacy/Financial Management
ƒ Planning and Zoning
ƒ Neighborhood Beautification
ƒ National Night Out
ƒ Neighborhood Watch
ƒ Traffic Calming Strategies
ƒ Neighborhood Technology
ƒ Quality of Life Study
ƒ Non-Profit Status
ƒ Other city, county and agency focus areas
Youth workshops and activities will run concurrently with the adult sessions. This segment
will consist of workshop topics recommended by young people, which include:
ƒ Gang Awareness and Prevention
ƒ What Students Want Parents to Know
ƒ Job Readiness
ƒ How Youth Can Make a Difference in Neighborhoods
We are soliciting sponsorship from city, county and other partners. Past financial/in kind
services sponsors have included Neighborhood Development, Police, Solid Waste, Johnson C.
Smith University, Lowes Home Improvement, Leadership Charlotte, Workforce
Development Board, YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Junior League of Charlotte and Community
Building Initiative.
Attachment B1
Neighborhood Policy (Part 2) – Council Priority
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
December 11, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
Review and comment on the Neighborhood Policy & Strategy document.
Background:
ƒ At the February 2006 City Council Retreat, Council selected the Housing and Neighborhood
Development Focus Area as a priority.
ƒ City Council also identified some high priority subject areas to be addressed in the Housing and
Neighborhood Development Action Plan.
ƒ One of the high priority areas was a review of the City’s Neighborhood Policy.
ƒ The Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee proposed to address the following
issues areas:
Neighborhood Policy
Goal:
Decrease the number of Challenged neighborhoods.
Objectives:
A. Review the City’s strategy for addressing neighborhoods.
B. Define the City’s service delivery expectations for Stable, Transitioning and Challenged
neighborhoods.
C. Specify City strategic investments for neighborhoods, e.g., infrastructure, housing and
economic development.
D. Assess the City’s current targeted neighborhood revitalization and intervention efforts.
E. Discuss the City’s role in neighborhood outreach, education and capacity building to
strengthen neighborhood organizations.
1) Increase the number of Community Watch programs.
2) Provide education to citizens on the earned income tax credits.
F. Discuss neighborhood zoning standards (Will be discussed as a separate policy item).
G. Review neighborhood infill housing policies (Will be discussed as a separate policy item).
H. Review status report on gentrification (Will be discussed as a separate policy item).
I. Perform a “gap” analysis on the City’s neighborhood efforts.
J. Establish goals and priorities for City neighborhoods.
Project Description:
ƒ At the Committee’s April 21, 2006 meeting, City staff provided a background overview of the
City’s current neighborhood policies and strategies.
ƒ City staff has prepared a document, which is a compilation of the City’s neighborhood policies
and strategies that cross several City departments.
ƒ The Committee is being asked to reaffirm the City’s policies and strategies with regard to
neighborhoods.
Attachment:
Neighborhood Policy & Strategy Document
Attachment B2
DRAFT
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
NOVEMBER 2006
City of Charlotte
Neighborhood Policy
Prepared For: The Housing & Neighborhood Development Committee
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
Foreword
The City of Charlotte’s neighborhood
policy is an evolution of ideas and
learning over the past 15 years focused
on better serving Charlotte’s
neighborhoods. The policy begins with
the premise that neighborhoods are the
basic building blocks of the community.
The genesis of the City’s current
neighborhood policy is the 1991 City
Within A City (CWAC) Initiative. This
initiative focused public and private
attention on the City’s 73 inner-city
neighborhoods within four miles of the
downtown area. This 60 square mile
area contained some of the City’s most
affluent as well as poorest
neighborhoods. This geographic area
represents the inner core of Charlotte.
Without this area’s long term
achievement; the City of Charlotte
cannot be successful.
In 1993, the City’s Planning department
created a Neighborhood Assessment,
the precursor to the Neighborhood
Quality of Life Study. The purpose of
the assessment was to determine which
of the CWAC neighborhoods were
priorities for attention and establish a
baseline for neighborhood
measurement. Also, in 1993 as part of
a City-wide reorganization, the
Neighborhood Development department
was created from five other departments
– Community Development, Community
Relations, Economic Development,
Employment and Training and
Neighborhood Centers. The
department’s mission was to primarily
serve CWAC neighborhoods.
Also during this same time period, the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police
department began to redefine how it
works with neighborhoods. Reducing
crime involved more than just arresting
criminals after the fact. The department
adopted a community-oriented policing
strategy focused on neighborhood
engagement and collaborative problem
solving around neighborhood quality of
life issues. The department’s mission
was to prevent the next crime.
In 1995, the City Council established the
CWAC Initiative as one of its five focus
areas. A strategic plan was created to
guide the City’s geographically targeted
efforts around:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Community Safety;
Economic Development;
Human Development/Self Sufficiency;
Organization Development;
Physical Development (Housing and
Infrastructure); and
ƒ Organization Capacity Building
This policy caused other City
departments – Engineering, Fire
Department, Solid Waste,
Transportation, etc. - to assess how
they addressed neighborhoods and
developed initiatives to ameliorate
deficiencies in inner-city neighborhoods.
Some ideas implemented were
neighborhood bus service (EZ Rider),
targeted neighborhood clean-ups, innercity economic loans and special
infrastructure improvement grants.
Also in 1995, the Planning Department
begin completing the first of what would
become nine neighborhood action plans
that addressed policy and service
delivery issues in some of the City’s
most challenged neighborhoods. The
City formed staff implementation teams
to undertake the plan completions.
The first Neighborhood Symposium was
held bringing together neighborhood
leaders primarily from the CWAC
neighborhoods. Also, another
Neighborhood Assessment was
i
DRAFT
published identifying neighborhoods
outside of the CWAC area that were
showing signs of distress.
In 1996, the first major neighborhood
improvement bond was approved. It
provided the comprehensive
infrastructure improvements for existing
neighborhoods. The program goals
were to address health and safety
issues and increase existing
neighborhoods to standards. The bond
addressed 18 neighborhoods inside and
outside of the CWAC boundary.
In 1997, the 2015 Plan: Planning for Our
Future was adopted. The neighborhood
policy section of the document
addressed the following goals:
Goal I: Neighborhood Reinvestment
Goal II: Housing Preservation,
Affordability and Choices
Goal III: Neighborhood
Organizing/Empowerment
Goal IV: Neighborhood Design
Goal V: Community Safety
Also, the CWAC Neighborhood Quality
of Life Study was published. This study
was prepared by consultants from the
University of North Carolina - Charlotte.
The study was based on locally derived
variables instead of Census information.
In 2000, a Neighborhood Quality of Life
Study was produced covering the entire
City and future annexation areas.
Internally, the City created the
Neighborhood Cabinet made up of
major City, County and other agency
department heads to better coordinate
neighborhood policy and service
delivery.
2006 Neighborhood Policy
standards for service delivery to
neighborhoods and neighborhood
organizations’ accountabilities in the
process. The model neighborhood
standards focused on:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Safe neighborhoods
Nuisance Free environments
Appropriate land uses
Adequate transportation
Safe, decent and affordable housing
Organized neighborhoods
The standards were endorsed by City
Council in 2002.
Since 2002, the City has continued to
implement neighborhood policies and
seek ways to better serve
neighborhoods. Milestones have
included defining when neighborhoods
graduated from the neighborhood action
plan program; passage of major bonds
for affordable housing and additional
neighborhood improvement bonds; and
major expansion to Community
University, which provides leadership
and organization training to
neighborhoods The City established
criteria for graduating revitalization
neighborhoods. Finally, this past year,
the City established the Neighborhood
Liaison Program providing outreach to
declining neighborhoods.
This document continues the
evolutionary process of how the City
thinks about and works with
neighborhoods. The neighborhood
policy defines how the City can better
address neighborhoods and how we can
make those improvements sustainable
over the long term. This is important
work because neighborhoods constitute
the soul of this city.
In 2001, the City sponsored a model
neighborhood conference. The purpose
of the conference was to define city
ii
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
Table of Contents
Foreword......................................................................................................................... i
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
II Defining Neighborhoods ............................................................................................ 1
III. Neighborhood Policy ................................................................................................. 2
A. Policy Statement ................................................................................................... 2
B. Key City Policies.................................................................................................... 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Planned Neighborhoods .................................................................................. 3
Safe Neighborhoods........................................................................................ 3
Safe, Decent & Affordable Housing................................................................. 4
Accessible Transportation ............................................................................... 4
Adequate Infrastructure................................................................................... 5
Clean and Nuisance Free Environments......................................................... 5
Economic Development .................................................................................. 6
Healthy Environments ..................................................................................... 6
Well Managed Neighborhoods ........................................................................ 7
IV. Policy Implementation............................................................................................... 8
A. Neighborhood Strategy ......................................................................................... 8
B. Neighborhood Service Delivery........................................................................... 11
V. Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 12
VI. Appendix .................................................................................................................. 14
Definition of Neighborhoods – Explanation of Terms................................................. 15
iii
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
I. Introduction
This Neighborhood Policy document defines how the City thinks about and works
with neighborhoods. Neighborhoods are important because they are the basic
building blocks of this City. The health, character and uniqueness of the City’s
residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods determine the City’s overall
quality of life.
The neighborhood policy and key objectives expressed in this document are not
new. They are a compilation of policies and actions of City Council over the past 15
years. They represent the evolution in the City’s thinking regarding how we work
with neighborhoods. They are embedded in the work performed by different parts of
the City organization. What is new is that it has been sometime since the City has
attempted to bring together neighborhood specific policies and objectives into a
single place.
This document has three key sections. First, it starts by defining a neighborhood.
People define neighborhoods, especially boundaries, differently depending on their
view of their surroundings. Second, the City’s neighborhood policy is presented
highlighting the key policy objectives. Finally, an overview of the neighborhood
policy implementation strategy is provided. It explains the City’s approach to working
with neighborhoods. This strategy highlights the key processes, tools and resources
used to improve the quality of life in Charlotte’s neighborhoods.
II. Defining Neighborhoods
What is a neighborhood? A place where people live. A place where kids play. A
place where everybody knows and cares for one another. A place where a group of
people have a common experience. A place where the residents are defined by
economic status. An area delineated by a specific name and/or event. A defined
geographical area with specific boundaries. An area where people invest in terms of
time, money, etc.
People define neighborhoods in different ways. Some common threads in defining
neighborhoods are places, boundaries, people, commonalities, environments,
economics, history and uniqueness. Pulling these threads together a working
definition of a neighborhood is:
“A recognized geographic area defined by its natural, physical, social, economic,
historical and cultural environments.”
1
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
III. Neighborhood Policy
A. Policy Statement
“Creating great neighborhoods in which to live, work, and play.”
The City of Charlotte’s long-term health, vitality, and distinction as a leading city
is predicated upon its ability to develop and sustain its neighborhoods. Social
changes, crime and disorder, physical deterioration, and economic
disinvestments create challenges for the City’s residential, commercial and
industrial neighborhoods.
The City’s neighborhood policy focuses on creating and supporting
neighborhoods that are planned, safe; housing which is safe, decent and
affordable, accessible transportation, adequate infrastructure, nuisance free
environment, economic opportunity, healthy environment and well managed
neighborhood organizations. The City will be responsive to addressing the
needs of all neighborhoods, but will develop unique approaches and solutions to
address each of the City’s Challenged, Transitioning and Stable neighborhoods.
Safe
Neighborhoods
Well
Managed
Organizations
Healthy
Environment
Planned
Neighborhoods
Neighborhood
Policy
Safe, Decent &
Affordable
Housing
Accessible
Transportation
Economic
Development
Nuisance
Free
Environment
Adequate
Infrastructure
2
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
B. Key City Policies
This section highlights the key City policies for serving neighborhoods, but by no
means does it represent all of the neighborhood policies. For example, a number
of neighborhood related policies, such as parks and recreation and
environmental health, are the responsibility of Mecklenburg County. The goal of
this section is to highlight key City of Charlotte policies related to neighborhoods.
1. Planned Neighborhoods
Planning provides the framework for neighborhood development.
Establishing land use, design and regulatory policies defines how our
neighborhoods are developed and sustained over time. Other neighborhood
related policies and objectives are derived from the planning framework. The
key policy objectives are as follows:
a. Enhance the character, viability and integrity, and meet the changing
needs of neighborhoods throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg;
b. Address the changing needs of housing by building a variety of types of
housing at different densities and maintaining and rehabilitating the
existing housing stock;
c. Encourage, train and educate residents to become effective
neighborhood advocates who participate in actively advancing
neighborhoods for the betterment of the entire community;
d. Encourage innovation and design of neighborhoods to meet the needs of
our population; and
e. Decrease the rate of crime and increase the perception of safety of
community service through the provision of neighborhood-based services.
Source: 2015 Plan: Planning For Our Future, 1997
2. Safe Neighborhoods
The Safe Neighborhoods policies relate to the City’s Community Safety
policies. Creating and sustaining a safe environment is paramount for
healthy neighborhoods. Key policies are:
a. Decrease crime throughout the City with community-oriented problem
solving policing and other strategies;
b. Reduce crime by targeting chronic hot spots;
c. Reduce incidence of property crime;
3
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
d. Build problem-solving partnerships in the community that result in positive
perception of police services and citizen perception of safety in their
neighborhoods; and
e. Promote Neighborhood Watch Programs.
Source: Community Safety Plan, 2006
3. Safe, Decent and Affordable Housing
The quality and availability of housing defines a successful neighborhood.
The City has established minimum housing codes to ensure that every house
is safe and decent. Also, housing affordability is a challenge for many
residents in our city. The City has established policies aimed at preserving,
developing and providing support services for affordable housing. Some key
polices are:
a. Maintain safe and decent housing through enforcement of the minimum
housing code;
b. Provide funding for affordable housing through establishment of a
Housing Trust Fund;
c. Encourage mixed-income housing through the utilization of City funds;
d. Disperse affordable housing throughout the community using the Housing
Locational Policy;
e. Provide affordable multi-family and ownership housing at transit station
areas;
f.
Work jointly with Mecklenburg County to preserve and expand
opportunities for affordable housing;
g. Promote homeownership in declining neighborhoods; and
h. Support information clearinghouse on affordable housing availability and
assistance in making housing choices.
Sources: City Code and Affordable Housing Policy, 2001 & 2003
4. Accessible Transportation
Mobility choices are important when traveling within a neighborhood and
around the City. Transportation related neighborhood policies fit
neighborhood needs into the larger framework of the City. Highlights of key
transportation policies related to neighborhoods are:
4
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
a. The City will provide a multi-modal transportation system (roads, transit,
pedestrian, etc.);
b. Minimum of 65% of population will have access to transit;
c. The City will require bike lanes … on all new and reconstructed
roadways, where feasible;
d. The City will provide sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals and
lighting;
e. The City will preserve existing and future connected street system; and
f.
City will implement neighborhood calming, when requested.
Sources: Transportation Action Plan, 2006
5. Adequate Infrastructure
Neighborhood infrastructure – streets, curb & gutter, sidewalks, etc. – is often
installed through the development process. Since the City neighborhoods
have been built at different points in time and infrastructure standards have
changed over time, some neighborhoods have less than adequate
infrastructure. In the early 1990’s the City began to retrofit existing
neighborhoods to bring them up to standard.
The City’s policy is to provide comprehensive infrastructure improvements to
existing neighborhoods – roads, sidewalks, curb & gutter and other
amenities.
Source: Neighborhood Improvement Policy, 1996
6. Clean and Nuisance Free Environment
Keeping neighborhoods clean and nuisance free is an ongoing challenge.
However, maintaining community standards are essential for neighborhood
success. The City delivers a number of services and engages in a wide
variety of activities to maintain neighborhoods. Some key policies include:
a. Weekly garbage collection, recycling program and bulky items pick-up;
b. Special collection programs to address specific neighborhood needs, i.e.,
Call & Send;
c. Code enforcement for nuisances – weeds & grass, junk automobiles,
graffiti, etc.; and
d. Code enforcement for zoning – land use and other regulatory
requirements.
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DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
Source: City Codes
7. Economic Development
Access to goods, services and employment are keys to maintaining a
neighborhood’s vitality. However, some neighborhoods do not have ready
access to goods and services to maintain their households. Also, in some
neighborhoods high unemployment diminishes opportunities for selfsufficiency. Some key City policies to address this area are:
a. Promote infill/redevelopment in … distressed business corridors and
neighborhoods; and
b. Promote workforce development opportunities.
Source: Economic Development Strategy, 2006
8. Healthy Environment
The City of Charlotte recognizes that environmental stewardship is
fundamentally important to the quality of life and a strong economy, both now
and in the future. Protecting and improving the environment is a necessary
element of the City’s mission to enhance the quality of life for all citizens. Key
elements of the policy related to neighborhoods include:
a. Recognize the importance of improve air quality, water resources, land
preservation, and energy and resource conservation;
b. Incorporate environmental goals in planning and decision-making;
c. Conserve energy and other resources;
d. Protect natural ecosystems and habitats, including tree canopy;
e. Make wise land use decisions regarding growth and development;
f.
Adopt sound practices for City operations; and
g. Support sustainability, which is defined as meeting the needs of our
residents today without compromising the opportunity of future
generations to meet their own needs.
Source: Environmental Strategy, 2006
6
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
9. Well Managed Neighborhoods
Well managed neighborhoods are the key to sustaining the community. A
well managed neighborhood is about the residents taking charge of their
environment and making sure it is successful. The City government can help,
but it is important that local residents have the information, tools and
resources to improve their areas. Some key polices used to ensure well
managed neighborhoods are:
a. Providing education and capacity building services to neighborhood
organizations to help develop leadership and organization development
skills, i.e. Community University;
b. Providing resource programs to help neighborhoods build capacity, i.e.
Neighborhood Matching Grants;
c. Coordinating the implementation of revitalization plans in targeted
neighborhoods; and
d. Providing outreach services to declining neighborhoods, i.e.
Neighborhood Liaison.
Sources: 2015 Plan: Planning For Our Future, 1997; Neighborhood
Matching Grants, 1993; Neighborhood Action Plans, 1995 – 2003 &
Neighborhood Liaison Function, 2006.
7
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
IV. Policy Implementation
A. Neighborhood Strategy
Since the early 1990s, the City of Charlotte has pursued a strategy for
developing and improving its neighborhoods. Overall, the strategy focuses City
and other community resources to help create successful neighborhoods.
Charlotte’s Neighborhood Strategy
City Council Strategy
Focus
Area
Plans
Identify Needs &
Measure Results
Quality
Of Life
Study
Neighborhood
Cabinet
Planning
Strategies & Tactics
Service
Delivery /
Resources
Implementation
The strategy has five components. First, it begins with the City’s strategic focus
areas, which identify key neighborhood objectives and priorities. Second, it
involves development of policy and/or service delivery plans for neighborhoods.
Third, the delivery of services and resources is done through the work of the City
Key Business Units. Fourth, the Quality of Life Study is used to measure results
and identify other neighborhoods to be addressed. Fifth, a group of top City and
other officials coordinates neighborhood policy and addresses service delivery
issues. These components provide a focus on the City efforts on maintaining
neighborhoods and improving the quality of life. The components are further
detailed below.
1. Focus Areas Plans – City Council Strategy
In 1990, the City embarked on creating strategic focus areas to help identify
key areas for attention and investment in order to maintain and improve the
8
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
overall quality of life. The five focus areas are – Community Safety,
Economic Development, Transportation, Environment, and Housing and
Neighborhood Development. Each plan lays out a strategy for how the City
would address a particular focus area. They are reviewed and updated
annually by the City Council. For neighborhood policy, the Housing and
Neighborhood Development focus area primarily drives the effort but
contributions are made by other focus plans, especially Community Safety
and Economic Development.
2. Planning – Strategy & Tactics
Since the 1970s, the City’s planning program has focused on smaller
geographic areas. These include District Plans- covering a geographic
quadrant of the City containing many neighborhoods; Neighborhood Planscovering a smaller contiguous area considered neighborhoods; and Service
Delivery Plans- addressing a few critical services issues in smaller
geographic areas. Planning is essential for addressing policy, physical,
social, economic and service delivery issues. These plans guide the City’s
engagement with neighborhoods.
3. Service Delivery/Resources - Implementation
The City is responsible for implementing neighborhood plans. After plans are
adopted, each Key Business Unit incorporates plan implementation activities
into their annual business plans; which identify City service delivery and
capital investments to be provided to these geographies. Plan
implementation occurs over a number of years as resources become
available.
For targeted revitalization neighborhoods, a more aggressive approach is
employed. Neighborhood Development is the keeper of these plans and
responsible for ensuring plan implementation. The KBU’s role in
implementation is to assemble a team of residents and service providers,
facilitate team dialogue and decisions, track progress on plan implementation
and conduct problem-solving exercises on post plan development issues.
Both residents and service providers are responsible for plan implementation
with each having assigned tasks to complete on an annual basis. An annual
implementation work plan is created, and progress on achieving the work
plan is tracked.
In declining neighborhoods, the City has implemented a Neighborhood
Liaison program. Staffs from Neighborhood Development and CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department work with residents in identified declining
neighborhoods to address problems and strengthen neighborhood
organizations. This initiative is designed to use existing City services to halt
or reverse the decline of these neighborhoods.
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DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
4. Quality of Life Study
In 1993, the City felt it was important to know whether its efforts at
neighborhood change were successful. First, the Planning Department
developed an analysis utilizing 1990 Census data related to
social/demographic factors to measure for 73 inner-city neighborhoods.
In 1997, the City, working with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte,
updated the study based on Quality of Life models around the nation. The
goal was to measure neighborhood change every two years. The team
identified 20 local variables, which could be divided into social, crime,
physical and economic dimensions. Local variables included measures of
students passing competency exams, number of teenage pregnancies,
violent crimes, housing quality and changes in household income at the
neighborhood level.
Through the Quality of Life Study, the City has been able to track changes at
a citywide level and at a neighborhood level, over time. The Quality of Life
Study is a valuable tool for gauging the City is success in neighborhoods.
5. Neighborhood Cabinet
The City’s work in neighborhoods, especially revitalization neighborhoods,
requires collaborative planning, problem solving and coordinated actions.
This created the need for a coordinating mechanism at the policy level and
sometimes at the operating level. In 2000, the Neighborhood Cabinet was
created to serve as the coordinating mechanism.
The Neighborhood Cabinet is composed of key department heads and other
agency leaders. The role of cabinet members is to coordinate neighborhood
policy and service delivery initiatives. Members of the Neighborhood Cabinet
include an Assistant City Manager, Planning Director, Police Chief, Fire
Chief, Solid Waste Director, Deputy Director of Engineering and Property
Management, the County’s Director of Social Services, an Assistant
Superintendent of Schools and the Director of the Housing Authority.
The Neighborhood Cabinet plays a critical role in ensuring that the City’s
neighborhood policy is addressing critical neighborhood issues. Also, it is
responsible for making sure that the City is effectively executing its
neighborhood policy.
The Charlotte Neighborhood Strategy is dependent on the linkages between the
City Council’s Focus Area Strategy Plans, the preparation of Neighborhood
Plans, the City’s Key Business Plans for implementation, identification of results
as well as areas for future attention by the Quality of Life Study and the
coordinating efforts of the Neighborhood Cabinet. This strategy focuses the City
both on planning and implementation. It enables the City to monitor the health of
its neighborhoods and take concrete actions to ensure their future quality of life.
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DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
B. Neighborhood Service Delivery
The City of Charlotte provides a host of services and investments for neighborhoods
but responds to neighborhoods according their needs. Using the Neighborhood
Quality of Life topology as a reference, Stable neighborhoods can be sustained with
normal city service delivery – Police, Fire, Solid Waste, etc. A Transitioning
neighborhood may need a higher level of service delivery and some additional
investment – more concentrated code enforcement and infrastructure investment. A
Challenged neighborhood is a revitalization candidate, requiring still higher service
responses and major investments in housing, infrastructure and economic
development. Based on the neighborhood needs, the intensity, level of city support
and time line may vary. Below is a chart reviewing varying levels of service.
Model
Key
Process Steps
Neigh. Service Level
Request
Service
•Close Service Request
Success
Timeframe
Normal
•Service
Service Rendered
(Basic Services to all
neighborhoods)
•Deliver
Days to Weeks
Problem-Solving
•Public
Officials Request
Ad-Hoc Team
•Issue Identification
•Implement Solutions
Problem-Solved
(Special Services to
Challenged, Transitioning
& Stable neighborhoods)
•Form
Weeks to Months
Revitalization
(High Level of Service to
•Select
% Plan Completion
Quality of Life Study
Effective Neigh. Org.
Challenged and
Transitioning
neighborhoods)
Challenged
Transitioning
Neighborhood
Plan
•Form Team
•Team Service Delivery
•Graduation Strategy
•Develop
3 to 10+ years
Stable
The City services to neighborhoods are built around a three pronged approached –
Focus Service Delivery, Strategic Investments and Organization Capacity Building.
Examples of the approaches are follows:
•
Focus Service Delivery – Police, Fire, Solid Waste, Code Enforcement, etc.
•
Strategic Investments – Affordable Housing, Infrastructure and Economic
Investments
Organization Capacity Building – providing, and maybe increased based on
neighborhood need. For example, a Stable neighborhood can be successful with the
normal delivery of City services such as bulky item pick-up. However, a Challenged
neighborhood may require a higher level of services temporarily until it gets to a point
where it could be sustained with normal City delivery. Each KBU monitors
neighborhood conditions and responds as needed to address needs.
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DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
Strategic Investments are normally made in neighborhoods in response to a planning
proposal or where investments are needed to help turn a neighborhood around. The
amount of capital investment relates often times to the level of neighborhood need.
Organization Capacity Building is an important part of helping neighborhoods sustain
service delivery and strategic investments. In successful neighborhoods, residents
monitor their environment, know how to access government and teach their
neighbors how to maintain their property. Providing the know-how, effective
strategies and techniques, as well as capabilities to improve neighborhoods are the
key to long term sustainability.
Overall, the City’s Neighborhood Service Delivery strategy can be described as a
triangle. This triangle approach focuses on delivering appropriate services, making
strategic investments where needed and sustaining those services and investments
through a strong neighborhood.
V. Conclusion
Neighborhoods are complex environments. Their boundaries are determined by
those that reside in the neighborhood. They are further defined by the natural,
physical, social, economic, historic and cultural dimensions which describe the
neighborhood environment. To successfully address neighborhoods requires
awareness and knowledge of their boundaries, environments and how the various
environments interact to define the neighborhood.
The City’s neighborhood policy is a set of objectives and strategies that define the
City’s approach to neighborhoods. First, neighborhoods must be well planned.
Good planning determines land uses and establishes design standards. Second,
neighborhoods must be safe. Residents in those environments must feel secure in
their homes and businesses. Third, housing must be decent, safe and affordable
and meet the minimum standards and provide opportunities for a range of incomes.
Fourth, transportation has to be accessible. There is access to roads, transit and
sidewalks. Fifth, neighborhoods must have adequate infrastructure. This includes
curb & gutter, storm water drainage, etc., in accordance with City standards. Sixth,
neighborhoods must be clean and nuisance free. They should be devoid of trash,
junk and overgrown vegetation. Seventh, neighborhoods should have access to
economic opportunities. This includes jobs and access to goods and services with
special attention to neighborhoods that lack access to these opportunities. Eighth,
neighborhoods should be environmentally healthy. They should have clean air,
water, land and devoid of detrimental environmental concerns. Ninth, neighborhoods
must be well organized. The key to long term neighborhood sustainability is an
effective neighborhood organization. These policies work together to create and
maintain stable neighborhoods.
In order to implement the above policies, the City has created a strategic approach
will define service delivery expectations. First, the City strategic approach starts with
the City Council’s focus areas – Community Safety, Housing and Neighborhood
Development, Economic Development, Transportation, and Environment - which
annually establish priorities for the City. Second, the City creates neighborhood
12
DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
plans that focus on land use/design policy and/or service delivery expectations.
Third, the Key Business Units implement the neighborhood plans through their
annual business plans. The City takes special approaches to revitalization
neighborhoods and declining neighborhoods through coordinated KBU service
delivery. Fourth, the City uses the bi-annual Quality of Life Study to identify
neighborhoods for attention and measure the results of past intervention efforts.
Fifth, the City utilizes the Neighborhood Cabinet, an integrated city, county, schools
and housing authority leadership group, to work on neighborhood policy and
implantation coordination issues.
The City’s service expectations revolve around service delivery, strategic
investments and capacity building. The various Key Business Units provide City
service delivery and the level of service is based upon neighborhood needs.
Strategic investments are capital investments of infrastructure, housing and
economic development made by the city, especially in areas lacking these facilities.
Capacity building is providing neighborhoods organizations with information, tools
and resources to manage their environment. This triangle describes the City’s
service delivery.
Overall, the City of Charlotte’s Neighborhood Policy is an integrated set of policies
and strategies that are implemented through service delivery across City Key
Business Units. The goal of the City’s Neighborhood Policy is to sustain and
enhance neighborhoods.
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DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
VI. APPENDIX
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DRAFT
2006 Neighborhood Policy
Definition of Neighborhoods – Explanation of Terms
“A recognized geographic area defined by its natural, physical, social, economic,
historical and cultural environments.”
The key elements of the definition are:
Recognized Geographic Area – a place where a plurality of the residents agrees on the
boundaries;
Natural Environment – The form of the land, water features, vegetation and other natural
environmental features that describes the area.
Physical Environment – The man-made features in the environment that includes the
buildings, streets, land use and other physical structures.
Social Environment – The behaviors and interaction between people in the area and the
various institutions such as schools, churches and other gathering places that describes
the social network.
Economic Environment - Employment opportunities and ability to access goods and
services.
Historical Environment – The history of the place as defined by those that have lived
there.
Cultural Environment – The diversity of people and cultures represented by the
environment including racial, ethnic and social norms.
15
Housing Charlotte 2007
Status Report – December 11, 2006
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
The Planning Committee for the Housing Charlotte 2007 Forum continues to make
progress. Mr. Bart Landess, chair of the Forum Planning Committee last updated
the Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee on the status of the forum
on November 14, 2006.
The housing forum is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2007, at the Charlotte
Convention Center. This is a day-long event that will focus on new ideas and
solutions for providing affordable housing.
An Honorary Committee chaired by Hugh L. McColl, Jr. and Shirley L. Fulton has
been formed for the event. The committee consists of members from the
business, faith, non-profit and neighborhood communities.
Fundraising for the event has begun and has reached 65% percent of its $100,000
goal. Some of the major sponsors that have committed to the event are Bank of
America, Social Venture Capital and Wachovia. The goal is to conclude the
fundraising campaign by mid- December.
The Planning Committee will send out “Save The Date” cards the week of
December 11, 2006. There are approximately 825 names in the database. The goal
is to attract 300 people to the event. The web site for the event will be launched
on that week as well.
Relative to the program, all invited speakers and moderators have committed to the
plenary session, workshops and closing programs. The workshops are on Affordable
Housing + Finance, Affordable Housing + Building, Zoning and Land Use Regulations,
and Affordable Housing + Community.
Invitations and brochures will be mailed out early January, 2007. Tickets for the
event are $75.00. Due the generosity of our sponsors and contributors,
scholarships will be available to individuals that need them.
Over the next few weeks, the Planning Committee will be closing out its fundraising
campaign, soliciting attendees and finalizing brochures and resource materials.
Attachment C1
Amendments to the Housing Code: Occupancy Requirements & Minor Amendments
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
December 11, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
Make recommendations for changes to the Housing Code and forward to City Council for a
public hearing.
Background:
The City Council requested that the Planning Commission review the definition of for Single
Family in the City Zoning Ordinance in response to concerns of over crowding in housing
units. A stakeholders group was convened in December, 2005 to review the issue. After
extensive group discussions and research of other cities at the national and state level, it
was recommended the most appropriate way to address this issue to amend Chapter 11 of
the City Code (Housing). The findings and recommendations from the stakeholders group
were presented as information to the Economic Development & Planning Committee on
September 7, 2006. The City Manager has decided to refer this matter to the Housing and
Neighborhood Development Committee along with other minor amendments to bring the
local ordinance into conformance with the State Building Code. [Note: The Community
Safety Committee is also reviewing regulations for the Motel/Hotel Ordinance, which may
include additional changes to the Housing Code.]
Program Description:
Occupancy Standards and Enforcement
Most cities surveyed have some standards of occupancy of houses and apartments.
Requirements ranged from a finite number of persons allowed to occupy a given dwelling to
occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms or total space. Enforcement is usually
done through application of local ordinances, most commonly the Housing Ordinance. All of
the cities surveyed made reference to the difficulty in enforcing this portion of their
ordinances.
Charlotte’s ordinance determines the number of people allowed to occupy a unit based upon
either the square footage of habitable space or the amount of bedroom space, with the
most restrictive provision applying. Charlotte’s ordinance was found to be more liberal than
most other cities in North Carolina, with respect to occupancy.
The proposed changes establish a minimum habitable square footage of 150 square feet for
the first occupant and increase the square footage for each additional occupant, from 50
square feet to 100 square feet. For bedroom space, it also decreases the square footage
for the first bedroom from 80 square feet to 70 square feet and increases the square
footage requirement for each additional occupant from 20 square feet to 50 square feet of
bedroom space.
1
Attachment C1
For example:
Housing Unit
1,000 Square Foot House:
Assumptions:
Habitable Space: 823 Sq. Ft.
Bedroom Space: 373 Sq. Ft.
Old Ordinance
Habitable Space:
Bedroom Space:
11 people
11 people
New Ordinance
Habitable Space: 7 people
Bedroom Space: 7 people
Only 7 persons permitted
The new standards for occupancy would bring the ordinance more in line with the rest of
the State, and better address the overcrowding issue.
Other Amendments
The other recommended amendments to Chapter 11 of the City Code (Housing) include:
1.) Window bars at bedroom windows shall be consistent with the state building
code.
2.) Porch, and entrance platform guards shall be consistent with the state building
code.
Other Minor changes (to better clarify the ordinance) in other parts of the code. (See
Attached Text Amendment)
Legal Perspective:
The City Attorney’s Office has determined that the changes recommended to the Housing
Code are within the bounds allowed by law.
Attachment
Proposed Chapter 11 of City Code (Housing) Text Amendments.
2
Attachment C2
Amendment to the Chapter 11 of the City Code (Housing)
Sec. 11-33. Reserved
Sec. 11-45 Violations; penalty
(d) It shall be unlawful for the owner of a dwelling that is imminently dangerous
to health or safety to collect rent from another person who occupied the dwelling
at the time it became imminently dangerous to health or safety or to permit any
other person to begin occupancy of such dwelling. A dwelling is imminently
dangerous to health or safety if it is in violation of any one of the following
minimum standards of fitness established by article III of this chapter:
(1) Rotted, fire damaged, or insect damaged steps, flooring, or structural
supports, as provided in subsections 11-79(b) and 11-83(b)(1).
(2) Fire hazard in a chimney that is in use, as provided in section 11-81.
(3) Unsafe wiring, as provided in subsection 11-82(e).
(4) Unsafe ceiling or roof, as provided in subsections 11-83(e)(1), (e)(7),
(f)(1), (f)(5).
(5) No potable water supply, as provided in subsection 11-80(h).
(6) No operable heating equipment, as required by subsection 11-81(b),
during November, December, January, February, or March.
(7) No operable sanitary facilities, as provided in subsections 11-80(i)
and (j).
(8) Severe rat infestation where the dwelling is not impervious to pests,
as provided in subsection 11-84(c).
(9) No safe, continuous, and unobstructed exit from the interior of the
building to the exterior at street or grade level, as provided in subsection
11-79(c).
(10) No access provided to all rooms within a dwelling unit without
passing through a public space, as provided in subsection 11-77(1).
(11) Any window or door providing access to any dwelling unit lacking an
operable lock or the owner failing to provide a change of locks or keys to
a new tenant, as provided in subsections 11-77(n) and 11-78(g).
(12) No operable smoke detector or alarm, as provided in subsection 1177(p).
(13) Every dwelling shall comply with the current county health
regulations governing carbon monoxide alarms.
attract persons intent on criminal activities, would cause or contribute to blight
and the deterioration of property values in the area, and would render
unavailable property and a dwelling which might otherwise have been made
available to ease the persistent shortage of decent and affordable housing in this
1
Deleted: Rehabilitation and
housing inspections division.¶
There is hereby created and
established a division within the
neighborhood development
department, under the direction of the
code enforcement official, which shall
be composed of a chief housing code
inspector and such other employees
as shall be authorized by the city
council and appointed by the city
manager.¶
(Code 1985, § 11-23)
Attachment C2
state, the city council may, after the expiration of such one-year period, enact an
ordinance and serve such ordinance on the owner, setting forth the following:
Sec. 11-77. Space and use.
(a) At least one room in the dwelling shall contain not less than 150 square feet.
(b) A kitchen-dining room combination, if any, shall be not less than 100 square
feet.
(c) A first bedroom, if any, shall be not less than 100 square feet.
(d) A second bedroom, if any, shall be not less than 70 square feet.
(e) There shall be at least 70 square feet in each habitable room.
(f) There shall be at least 150 square feet of floor space in habitable rooms for
the first occupant in each dwelling unit; at least 100 square feet for each
additional occupant (Children one year of age and under shall not be counted).
(g) There shall be at least 70 square feet of bedroom floor space for the first
occupant; at least 50 square feet for each additional (Children one year of age
and under shall not be counted).
Deleted: each of the next three
occupants; and at least 50 square
feet for each additional occupant over
the number of four.
Deleted: 80
Deleted: 20
Deleted: the second occupant; and
at least 30 square feet for
Sec. 11-78. Light and ventilation.
(a) The window-glazed area in each habitable room of a dwelling or dwelling
unit shall not be less than eight percent of the floor area or eight square feet,
whichever is greater.
(b) The openable window area in each habitable room shall be equal to at least
one-half of the minimum allowance window area and facing directly to the outside
for ventilation unless the room is served by an approved ventilating system.
(c) All windows and doors opening to the outside shall be adequately screened
unless the room is served by an approved ventilating system. Screens shall fit
openings snugly, and the screen mesh shall not be torn or otherwise defective.
(d) Screens shall not be permanently fixed to the window frame or sash.
(e) In bathrooms containing more than one water closet, the window area shall
be at least three square feet of glazed area. Where adequate windows cannot be
provided, metal ducts with at least 72 square inches in open area and extending
from the ceiling through the roof, or mechanical ventilation to the outside, shall be
provided.
(f) Every public hall and inside stairway in every multifamily dwelling shall be
adequately lighted at all times with an illumination of at least three footcandles
per square foot in the darkest portion of the normally traveled stairs and
passageways.
(g) All windows opening to the outside shall be reasonably weathertight and
shall have operable locks.
2
Deleted: occupant over the number
of two.
Attachment C2
(h) Window bars grills, or other impediments to escape in case of fire shall not
be permitted at habitable room windows, except as permitted by the state
building code.
(Code 1985, § 11-53)
Sec. 11-83 Structural standards
(b) Floors. Floors shall conform to the following:
(1) There shall be no decayed, termite-damaged, fire-damaged, broken,
overloaded or sagging sills.
(2) Sills shall be properly supported and reasonably level.
(3) Joists and beams shall not be overloaded, sagging or broken and
shall be structurally sound and not likely to cause structural weakness in
the future.
(4) Maximum spans for floor joists, beams and sills, providing they show
signs of being weak or overloaded, shall comply with the requirements of
the state building code.
(c) Exterior walls. Exterior walls shall conform to the following:
(1) There shall be no wall in which the plumbline from the top center of
studs falls outside the base plate at any point along the wall.
(2) Maximum spacing for studding, providing they show signs of being
weak or overloaded, shall comply with the requirements of the state
building code.
(3) Studs shall be structurally sound and not likely to cause structural
weakness in the future.
(4) There shall be no broken or cracked structural members.
(5) All siding shall be weathertight, with no holes or excessive cracks or
decayed boards, or siding material which permit air to penetrate rooms.
(e) Ceilings. Ceilings shall conform to the following:
(1) There shall be no joists, or beams which are decayed, broken,
sagging, or improperly supported at the ends.
(2) Maximum spacing for ceiling joists, providing they show signs of
sagging and being weak, shall comply with the requirements of the state
building code.
(3) Maximum spans for ceiling joists, providing they show signs of being
weak or overloaded, shall comply with the requirements of the state
building code.
3
Attachment C2
(4) There shall be no holes or excessive cracks which permit air and
dust to penetrate rooms.
(5) There shall be no loose plaster, boards, gypsum wallboard, or other
ceiling finish.
(6) There shall be no cardboard, newspaper, highly combustible or
improper ceiling finish; all ceiling materials shall be of the same or similar
quality and material.
(7) Ceiling joists, and beams shall be structurally sound and not likely to
cause structural weakness in the future.
(g) Porches. Porches shall conform to the following:
(1) The floor, ceiling, and roof shall be equal to requirements set forth in
this section, except sills, joists, and floors need not be level if providing
drainage of floors; floors need not be weathertight; the ceiling height may
be seven feet; and the attic need not be vented.
(2) Every porch, terrace or entrance platform 30 inches or more above
the adjacent finished grade shall be equipped with railings or guards not
less than 36 inches high, unless other effective barriers provide adequate
safety. Guard opening limitations shall conform to the requirements of the
state building code
(3) If post and railings are provided, they shall be structurally sound and
not likely to cause structural weakness in the future.
4
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Deleted: 0