Leland Planning Board discusses several sections of proposed development ordinance

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The town of Leland’s Planning Board was presented with the drafts of several sections of a proposed Unified Development Ordinance during their meeting on Tuesday night.

It’s part of a comprehensive effort to consolidate the town’s development regulations into a single code as the community continues to grow.

Several draft sections related to zoning maps and districts, as well as violations and enforcement procedures, were presented. The ordinance would consolidate regulations governing zoning districts, permitted land uses, subdivisions, and other development standards into a single, unified document.

Town officials said the drafts discussed by the board are still under development. They will take feedback from the planning board, revise them, and present them to the Leland Town Council for review the following month.

Leland Planning and Inspections Director Ben Andrea said the Unified Development Ordinance, commonly referred to as a UDO, is intended to provide greater clarity and consistency for residents, developers, and town staff while helping guide future growth.

“What we want to do is make sure that we’re addressing things that can help establish housing choices in the community, meaning different housing types for folks that may need different price points or different sizes of homes in the community,” Andrea said. “So offering more flexibility in that regard, but also more predictability as far as where developments should happen.”

Andrea said the town’s goal is to complete the draft ordinance by early next year. A final version would then be presented to both the Planning Board and Town Council for consideration and approval in the spring.