Character Districts - Text Amendments for WSP and Downtown; Design Guide for Pinedene

After many months of work, Town Planners, consultants, and with input from throughout the community developed specific proposed text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance for West Southern Pines and Downtown Overlay. In addition, planners have decided to develop a design guide for Pinedene (the area south of Morganton, east of US1, and west of the railway line) as a design guide and amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

These efforts come directly from strong and consistent feedback from the community to preserve the character of our town and the unique areas within beginning with the development of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and continuing with specific engagements as plan elements are developed.

The West Southern Pines Overlay (Section 3.6.4 starting on page 119 of the UDO linked below) area will not change in this proposal - consistent with residents' desires. The text amendments focus on how commercial development will compliment the existing character of the area and includes materials, design elements, sidewalks and tree canopy preservation.

The Downtown Overlay (Section 3.6.3 starting on page 133 of the UDU linked below) will encompass the previous Downtown Transition Overlay District and will represent an expanded area. Like with WSP, text amendments focus on how commercial development will compliment the existing character of the area and includes materials, design elements, sidewalks and tree canopy preservation but goes further to include building height standards and articulation requirements for larger structures.

Pinedene is a reference to what the area was called in very early Southern Pines plot maps and conceptual drawings. This area is ripe for future redevelopment and town planners felt it better to create a design guide as part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to allow for flexibility while maintaining good future design and use.

These amendments are scheduled to go to the October Planning Board and November Town Council for input/approval.

UDO with proposed text amendments
Pinedene Design Guide