Frequently Asked Questions

A preliminary review of Town-owned properties was conducted in 2015 by staff and members of the Affordable Housing Task Force.  Parcels were excluded if they were designated for another use, or if they met any of the following criteria: 

1. Within a conservation easement 
2. Inside a Long-Term Interest Areas for future utility development 
3.  No water or sewer nearby 
4. Within 100-year floodplain 
5. Within dedicated right-of-way 
6. Parcel completely developed 
7. Inside Rural Buffer zoning

You can view the related Town Council agenda item here. 

A map of Town-owned properties can be found here.   

The site analysis must be conducted first to determine what is (and isn’t) possible on the parcels, including the number of units.  Any numbers that have been noted to date are theoretical and based on current zoning. The actual design/plans, and number of units, will be developed/determined in partnership with the community. 

A preliminary site analysis is an evaluation of the site's physical characteristics and a review of local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, both of which will identify issues that could affect development. For example, this analysis will test soil samples to provide information on soil erosion and soil-bearing strengths; define buildable area based on wetlands/setback requirements; and evaluate the topography.  

More details about what’s involved in a preliminary site assessment can be found here.  

The first step in the process is to conduct a site analysis to determine what is (and isn’t) possible on the properties.  Once the analysis is complete, the next step is to reach out to the neighborhood and Carrboro community to schedule community engagement opportunities.   

Working with a design consultant, the community will be very involved in creating the goals for and design of future development based on information from the site analysis, the comprehensive plan, ongoing community engagement, property factors such as location, unit potential, and other Town priorities such as racial equity and climate action.  There will be multiple opportunities for the public to engage in this process and affect the final design of the development.  Additionally, a public hearing(s) will be held before the Town Council considers final approval. 

We encourage residents to sign up to receive news and information that is sent directly to your email inbox. Visit www.carrboronc.gov/SIGNUP for Carrboro This Week (a weekly digest) and Carrboro Town News (more frequent updates). Included in the email newsletters are Town Council meeting agendas. The Town also publishes these same updates on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Additionally, Carrboro Town Council meetings are conveniently available on YouTube/CarrboroNC -- as well as the Town’s legislative portal at https://carrboro.legistar.com/

The length of the process depends on a variety of factors such as site analysis results, community engagement, site work, the RFQ process, etc.  The Town Council did approve exploring the use of an expedited review process that would prioritize affordable housing projects in the Planning, Zoning and Inspections (PZI) Department while maintaining compliance.  This review is technical in nature and is one of the last steps in the process, occurring after multiple community discussions and design workshops.

The initial site analysis will include an environmental assessment which evaluates many features and issues, including stormwater and a catalog of trees and their location.  

You can learn more about what’s involved in a preliminary site assessment here.