Triangle Land Use Alert
January 7, 2009
Authors:
Eric M. Braun
eric.braun@klgates.com
919.743.7315
Mack A. Paul, IV
mack.paul@klgates.com
919.743.7326
Jason L. Barron
jason.barron@klgates.com
919.743.7343
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Public Comment Period for Draft Raleigh
Comprehensive Plan
After significant time and effort by the City and its consultants, the much anticipated
draft of the Raleigh Comprehensive Plan was released in early December 2008. The
Comprehensive Plan, which is the first rewrite of its kind in over two decades, sets
forth development related policies for the next twenty years for the City. While
undertaking to assess what components of the prior plan remain relevant, the draft
Comprehensive Plan represents a new methodology in land planning for Raleigh.
The draft plan addresses more than just land use. For the first time the
Comprehensive Plan contains elements devoted exclusively to environmental
protection, economic development, housing, arts and culture, and many other aspects
of modern day life in our City. In fact, of the 300+ pages of the draft, the very first
page pronounces Raleigh's "Commitment to Sustainable Development." Certainly a
new age of thinking for our bright and vibrant community.
In addition to embodying these new elements, the planning scheme for the
Comprehensive Plan is now parcel based. Thus, each parcel within Raleigh will be
designated with specific use classifications. With recent changes in North Carolina
statutory law appearing to elevate the importance of the Comprehensive Plan in the
rezoning process, these parcel specific designations will likely have a dramatic
impact on future development. For an electronic link to the plan, please click on the
following:
http://www.raleighnc.gov/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_306_200_0_4
3/http;/pt03/DIG_Web_Content/category/Business/Comprehensive_Plan/Cat1C-20081126-092702-2030_Comprehensive_Plan.html
The link for Draft Future Land Use Map contains the parcel specific use
designations. The next few months will give everyone the opportunity to provide
input on this draft plan. Because of the dramatic impact this plan could have, we at
K&L Gates are advising all of our friends to take a close look at their real estate
holdings to determine how the draft Comprehensive Plan could impact future
development. If you are concerned with the planned use classification, we encourage
you to get involved and have your voice heard. Once the Comprehensive Plan is
approved by the City Council, revisions will be more difficult to achieve. Now is the
time to act!
Comments and requests for changes in land use classification on the Draft Future
Land Use map can be made electronically through the link above, or by letter
addressed to Ken Bowers, Department of City Planning, One Exchange Plaza, Suite
304, Raleigh, NC 27601. In order for the comments to be considered prior to the
revision of the Draft Future Land Use Map, they must be received by the City on or
before January 31, 2009. The City anticipates delivering a finalized draft of the
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map to the City Council and Planning
Commission at a joint public hearing in March 2009.
Triangle Land Use Alert
Of course, please do not hesitate to contact us
directly should you have any questions or
comments.
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This publication is for informational purposes and does not contain or convey legal advice. The information herein should not be used or relied upon
in regard to any particular facts or circumstances without first consulting a lawyer.
©2009 K&L Gates LLP. All Rights Reserved.
January 7, 2009
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