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By 2050, Chapel Hill neighborhoods could offer residents a variety of housing options, with home-based and small businesses, and greenways for off-road access to other areas of town.
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That’s the vision spelled out in the new 700-page draft Land-Use Management Ordinance, or LUMO, released last week. Rather than make sweeping changes, many of the proposed rules solidify the town’s Complete Community strategy adopted in 2023.
The town will hold several public meetings this year to refine the document, which will guide how and where the town grows over the next 20 to 30 years.
It’s the first update to Chapel Hill’s LUMO since 2003, although small changes were made over time to meet community needs, such as affordable housing. Earlier this year, the council made a key update to housing types, lot sizes, and how the town approves development projects.
The latest overhaul will incorporate the best smart-growth and land-use planning practices, staff said.
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The biggest change may lie in six focus areas along major transportation corridors, where taller buildings, residential and commercial projects, and walkable neighborhoods are possible.
“Generally, denser development helps people live closer to where they work, shop, and play, which can reduce carbon emissions by shortening commutes and making it easier to bus, bike, and walk within their community,” staff said. “Specifically, here in Chapel Hill, denser development allows us to grow while maintaining the ‘rural buffer’ that limits growth just outside of our town limits.”
The draft LUMO was written with five goals in mind, including that it make it easier for everyone to understand what’s possible:
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This story was originally published July 27, 2026 at 5:30 AM.