Local Government Affairs

City of Charlotte Urban Forestry – Temporary Planting Flexibility Implemented 5/1/2026 Effective immediately, the City’s Urban Forestry Group will provide delayed planting options for all tree, shrub, and other planting requirements until further notice. This includes all plantings for land development regulations in Article 20 of the Charlotte UDO, the Charlotte Tree Ordinance, tree mitigation…

REBIC – Controversy on Faith In Housing Approvals Concerning From REBIC – 4/28/2026 The Faith in Housing Initiative was launched in 2024 with the intent to (according to the City of Charlotte’s website) “equip faith-based organizations with the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to bring affordable housing projects to life.” REBIC recently shared information about…

REBIC – Cornelius Will Hold Important Master Plan Community Meetings This Month From REBIC – 4/21/2026   Press Release April 15, 2026: CORNELIUS, NC – The Town of Cornelius will hold two separate Downtown Master Plan community meetings at the end of the month, April 29 and 30. The open house will be held over two…

REBIC – Updated Stormwater Design Manual, Comment Through 4/30 From REBIC – 4/7/26 The public comment period for the updated Stormwater Design Manual is now open through April 30. Staff and community members are invited to review the proposed updates and provide feedback. All comments will help Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services consider diverse perspectives and strengthen the…

Amendments to Charlotte UDO Adopted City Council approved the latest amendments to the UDO (Maintenance Text Amendment 2025-118) on Monday, March 23, 2026. The latest changes to the UDO: Provide greater clarity, Update definitions (both general term and land use), Adjust use permissions and prescribed conditions, Make some changes and additions to development standards, and Update administrative process language. VISIT CHARLOTTEUDO.ORG TO…

REBIC – Staff Briefs UDO Advisory Committee Members Regarding Proposed Floodplain and Stormwater Updates From REBIC – 3/31/26 Last Thursday Planning Staff convened a meeting of the UDO Advisory Committee, of which I serve as a member. Topics discussed included proposed floodplain changes, potential amendments to stormwater rules, an update on text amendments, information about…

REBIC – Charlotte Community Area Plans Slated for a Final Vote in April From REBIC – 3/31/26 Several years ago, the City of Charlotte engaged in the process of developing 14 Community Area Plans. Seven were adopted last fall with the remaining seven delayed for additional review. Last week council held a hearing on the…

REBIC – 2027 Citizens Revaluation Commission is Announced From REBIC – 3/24/26 The 2027 Citizens Revaluation Commission was just appointed last week by the Mecklenburg County Commission. This group will oversee the County’s property revaluation process which now takes place every four years. Here are the commission’s primary duties: Monitor Progress: Works directly with the County…