Unified Development Ordinances update

We are in the process of updating our Unified Development Ordinances (UDO), with an anticipated adoption Date of January 12, 2025.

From our planner, Doug Moore, “Our current UDO is outdated, confusing, and not tailored to the needs of Clemmons, as it was derived from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County's UDO. Over time, it has accumulated many irrelevant provisions from its origins, making it lengthy and difficult to navigate. This update aims to create a more user-friendly document. We plan to achieve this by comprehensively reorganizing the content, removing unnecessary provisions, utilizing clear and precise language, and adding descriptive illustrations.”

Our project website has a wealth of helpful resources available, click here to view.

The first module, which includes the new Zone Districts, General Standards, Use Regulations, Site Development Standards, and Definitions, is now available for public review under "Work Products." Module One of the updated UDO is available for review by clicking here.

The new draft will enhance transparency and usability. It will include transparent, well-defined processes and procedures that outline the necessary steps for development within the Village. The current code lacks this clarity, leaving both staff and residents to rely on guesswork.

The public draft of Module Two should be available soon. Additionally, an interactive zoning map can be found by clicking here.

According to Planner Doug Moore as part of this update we will need to redistribute the existing zoning map and replace it with a new one. This change is necessary because all districts are being updated, partly due to S382. Residents can search by either address or property PIN by clicking here.

When you enter your information, the map will display the property and reveal the new zone district along with its corresponding designation. This information is now live online.

How do we stop something like the storage facility from happening again?

The Village of Clemmons Council was going to put in place an overlay district, which would prohibit things like the storage facility happening again. Previous overlay districts, such as Village Point, were intended to enforce specific standards. Unfortunately, at the time of their adoption, these standards were weakened and became merely guidelines that were not enforceable. This update aims to correct that issue by reinstating enforceable standards. Additionally, we have introduced a new overlay district along Clemmons/Stratford Road (Hwy 158), which includes specific standards and prohibits the construction of storage facilities within that corridor.

We may not be able to accomplish this because of SL 382.

What is North Carolina SL 382?

Its real impact remains a big question for the entire state. Village staff is continuing to meet with consultants, and the Village attorney is figuring out what we can and can’t do under this new law, which among other things significantly restricted the ability of local governments to initiate "down-zoning" without the written consent of affected property owners. This issue will be presented to council in November. Learn more about SL 382, by clicking here.