Environmental Review of New Development Projects

Development applications that require a land use permit must meet the requirements of the Town's Land Use Ordinance. The ordinance includes provisions for stormwater management (quantity and quality), stream buffers, open space and tree protection. Review recommendations (but not requirements) may also be offered to the applicant that further support Town policies and interests in Low Impact Development, watershed protection and restoration, treatment of existing development under the Jordan Lake Rules, and climate protection/sustainability/green building/renewable energy. Analyses from these tools may be requested/reviewed: the Falls/Jordan Nutrient Loading Tool; the Rainwater Harvester model; and the NC Wildlife Commission Green Growth Toolbox. In addition, advisory boards including theEnvironmental Advisory Board review applications requiring Special and Conditional Use permits and rezonings and develop environmental review recommendations.

Selections From Carrboro Vision 2020

2.12 The Town should limit development in sensitive areas such as the watershed, wetlands, and other areas the development of which could adversely affect water supplies and habitat. The Town’s restrictions on development within the University Lake Watershed should be retained and enforced.
2.21 The Town should continue to require the preservation and maintenance of open space when land is developed, to enforce restraints on clear-cutting, and to require adequate buffers.
2.22 Where development is deemed acceptable, there should be well defined dense development with areas of well preserved open space.
3.1 In the interest of environmental preservation, new commercial development must minimize negative environmental impact, it must emphasize appropriate buffers, and it must not compromise the integrity of established neighborhoods.