Rewriting our Rules: LUMO Update

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Background & Context

First adopted in 2003, the current Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) is more than twenty years old. Since then, the Town Council has made occasional amendments and adopted strategic plans about transportation, affordable housing, climate action, and more. The new draft LUMO reflects those plans, as well as modern best practices for smart growth and land use planning.

What’s happening now?

The official legislative process – which could end with a formal vote to adopt the updated LUMO – is now underway.

Upcoming meetings include:

  • Town Council: November 18, 2026 at 6:00PM (Chapel Hill Town Hall)
    • This will be the first meeting at which Town Council has the opportunity to adopt the updated LUMO. However, the Council may choose to hold additional meetings to continue deliberation and consider amendments to the draft LUMO. Additional meetings could be held on December 9th or early next year.

Public comment will be welcome at each of these meetings. You can also share your thoughts by emailing mayorandcouncil@chapelhillnc.gov.

Past meetings include:

What's in the draft LUMO?

The draft LUMO is based on several years of policy direction from Council, community engagement, stakeholder input, and staff collaboration with experts. This draft LUMO implements the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Complete Community strategy.

You can download the most recent draft LUMO in two parts: Articles 1 - 10 and Appendices A - C. This "Revision Guide" outlines the major changes that have been made to the draft LUMO since it was first published in July. A more comprehensive "Reference Guide" provides a detailed overview of the content of the draft LUMO.

You can download earlier drafts of the LUMO by following the links in the "Helpful Documents" section of this page. Although we're no longer taking comments on the draft, you can still view the online version of the July draft and read any comments that were left in it here.

How can I comment on the new draft LUMO?

Since official hearings have begun, we're no longer taking comments directly in the draft document. We encourage you to attend any of the upcoming public hearings to share your thoughts and email the Town Council at mayorandcouncil@chapelhillnc.gov.

Background & Context

First adopted in 2003, the current Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) is more than twenty years old. Since then, the Town Council has made occasional amendments and adopted strategic plans about transportation, affordable housing, climate action, and more. The new draft LUMO reflects those plans, as well as modern best practices for smart growth and land use planning.

What’s happening now?

The official legislative process – which could end with a formal vote to adopt the updated LUMO – is now underway.

Upcoming meetings include:

  • Town Council: November 18, 2026 at 6:00PM (Chapel Hill Town Hall)
    • This will be the first meeting at which Town Council has the opportunity to adopt the updated LUMO. However, the Council may choose to hold additional meetings to continue deliberation and consider amendments to the draft LUMO. Additional meetings could be held on December 9th or early next year.

Public comment will be welcome at each of these meetings. You can also share your thoughts by emailing mayorandcouncil@chapelhillnc.gov.

Past meetings include:

What's in the draft LUMO?

The draft LUMO is based on several years of policy direction from Council, community engagement, stakeholder input, and staff collaboration with experts. This draft LUMO implements the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Complete Community strategy.

You can download the most recent draft LUMO in two parts: Articles 1 - 10 and Appendices A - C. This "Revision Guide" outlines the major changes that have been made to the draft LUMO since it was first published in July. A more comprehensive "Reference Guide" provides a detailed overview of the content of the draft LUMO.

You can download earlier drafts of the LUMO by following the links in the "Helpful Documents" section of this page. Although we're no longer taking comments on the draft, you can still view the online version of the July draft and read any comments that were left in it here.

How can I comment on the new draft LUMO?

Since official hearings have begun, we're no longer taking comments directly in the draft document. We encourage you to attend any of the upcoming public hearings to share your thoughts and email the Town Council at mayorandcouncil@chapelhillnc.gov.

  • Council Continues Discussion on Text Amendments to the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) and Town Code

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    During their January 7, 2026, work session, the Town Council continued to discuss a package of text amendments to the Land Use Management Ordinance and Town Code. Work sessions are for discussion only. Council does not take public comment or make any official decisions during work sessions. The amendments were previously discussed at Town Council meetings on October 22, 2025, and November 19, 2025.

    Council will have the opportunity to continue their discussion and vote on the text amendments during their next regular meeting on January 21, 2026. A meeting agenda and other related materials will be posted here about one week before the meeting. Public comment is always welcome during regular meetings.

    During their January 7, 2026, work session, the Town Council continued to discuss a package of text amendments to the Land Use Management Ordinance and Town Code. Work sessions are for discussion only. Council does not take public comment or make any official decisions during work sessions. The amendments were previously discussed at Town Council meetings on October 22, 2025, and November 19, 2025.

    Council will have the opportunity to continue their discussion and vote on the text amendments during their next regular meeting on January 21, 2026. A meeting agenda and other related materials will be posted here about one week before the meeting. Public comment is always welcome during regular meetings.

  • Recent Discussions and Next Steps on Text Amendments to the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) and Town Code

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    During their November 19, 2025, meeting, the Chapel Hill Town Council continued their discussion and voted on a set of text amendments to the Chapel Hill Town Code and Land Use Management Ordinance. The Town Council’s vote on the text amendments resulted in a tie: four members voted to approve the full set of amendments and four voted to deny.

    Because of the tie vote, discussion of the text amendments will continue at the January 21, 2026, Town Council meeting. Details on the January 21 meeting will be available here approximately one week before the meeting.

    The full LUMO rewrite is also still underway. Staff are currently working with a team of consultants to draft the new LUMO and will share status updates with Town Council in early 2026.

    During their November 19, 2025, meeting, the Chapel Hill Town Council continued their discussion and voted on a set of text amendments to the Chapel Hill Town Code and Land Use Management Ordinance. The Town Council’s vote on the text amendments resulted in a tie: four members voted to approve the full set of amendments and four voted to deny.

    Because of the tie vote, discussion of the text amendments will continue at the January 21, 2026, Town Council meeting. Details on the January 21 meeting will be available here approximately one week before the meeting.

    The full LUMO rewrite is also still underway. Staff are currently working with a team of consultants to draft the new LUMO and will share status updates with Town Council in early 2026.

  • Upcoming Public Hearing on Text Amendments to the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) and Town Code

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    On October 22nd, the Chapel Hill Town Council will open the public hearing, receive public comment, and provide feedback on a set of text amendments to the Chapel Hill Town Code and Land Use Management Ordinance. Topics being discussed will include:

    • Improvements to the Town's development review processes
    • Opportunities to support housing production
    • Ending mandatory minimum parking requirements
    • Other technical improvements and corrections to the code

    Details on the October 22, 2025 Town Council agenda item can be found here.

    Council will continue the hearing on November 19, 2025.



    On October 22nd, the Chapel Hill Town Council will open the public hearing, receive public comment, and provide feedback on a set of text amendments to the Chapel Hill Town Code and Land Use Management Ordinance. Topics being discussed will include:

    • Improvements to the Town's development review processes
    • Opportunities to support housing production
    • Ending mandatory minimum parking requirements
    • Other technical improvements and corrections to the code

    Details on the October 22, 2025 Town Council agenda item can be found here.

    Council will continue the hearing on November 19, 2025.



  • Calling a Public Hearing for LUMO Text Amendments

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    At their September 24, 2025, meeting the Chapel Hill Town Council will have the opportunity to call a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the Town’s Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). If Town Council decides to call the hearing, their first public discussion on the proposed changes will be held during their October 22, 2025, meeting.

    The proposed changes are related to the broader “Rewriting Our Rules” project to comprehensively update the LUMO. However, the comprehensive LUMO update will be considered by Council separately at a later date.

    At least three public meetings must be held before the Town Council can adopt the proposed changes. Each of these three meetings will include opportunities for public comment on the proposed changes. All are welcome to share their thoughts on the proposed changes during these meetings:

    • Planning Commission – October 7 at 6:00 pm (Virtual)

    • Town Council – October 22 at 6:00 pm (Chapel Hill Town Hall)

    • Town Council – November 19 at 6:00 pm (Chapel Hill Town Hall)

    Meeting agendas, related materials, and links to the virtual Planning Commission meeting will all be available on the Town Calendar.

    At their September 24, 2025, meeting the Chapel Hill Town Council will have the opportunity to call a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the Town’s Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). If Town Council decides to call the hearing, their first public discussion on the proposed changes will be held during their October 22, 2025, meeting.

    The proposed changes are related to the broader “Rewriting Our Rules” project to comprehensively update the LUMO. However, the comprehensive LUMO update will be considered by Council separately at a later date.

    At least three public meetings must be held before the Town Council can adopt the proposed changes. Each of these three meetings will include opportunities for public comment on the proposed changes. All are welcome to share their thoughts on the proposed changes during these meetings:

    • Planning Commission – October 7 at 6:00 pm (Virtual)

    • Town Council – October 22 at 6:00 pm (Chapel Hill Town Hall)

    • Town Council – November 19 at 6:00 pm (Chapel Hill Town Hall)

    Meeting agendas, related materials, and links to the virtual Planning Commission meeting will all be available on the Town Calendar.

  • Council Discussion Items 5/28/25

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    At the May 28th Work Session, Town Council received a report on the progress of the LUMO updates as well as the Natural Features Model. Here’s the link to read the materials and/or watch the Council meeting video.

    At the May 28th Work Session, Town Council received a report on the progress of the LUMO updates as well as the Natural Features Model. Here’s the link to read the materials and/or watch the Council meeting video.

  • Past Public Meetings

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    Between January and May 2024, Town Planning staff hosted 31 engagements with 327 participants

    • 11 Public Information Meetings, 50 participants
    • 11 pop-up events, 140 participants
    • 7 stakeholder meetings, 137 participants
    • 2 sessions of a Planning Ambassador pilot cohort

    Between January and May 2024, Town Planning staff hosted 31 engagements with 327 participants

    • 11 Public Information Meetings, 50 participants
    • 11 pop-up events, 140 participants
    • 7 stakeholder meetings, 137 participants
    • 2 sessions of a Planning Ambassador pilot cohort

  • Past Council Meetings

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    June 17, 2024 – Council Regular Meeting

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Neighborhood Conservation Districts
    2. Missing Middle Housing
    3. Design and Dimension Standards
    1. Staff Memo

    May 15, 2024 – Council Regular Meeting

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Administrative Approvals
    2. Conditional Zoning Process Improvements
    3. Update on WASMPBA Planning Process
    1. Staff Memo

    April 24, 2024 – Council Regular Meeting

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Racial Equity Analysis
    2. Affordable Housing Economic Analysis
    1. Staff Memo

    March 13, 2024 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Community Benefits
    2. Economic Constraints
    1. Staff Memo
    2. Typology Resource Guide

    February 21, 2024 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Local Zoning Authority
    2. Student Housing
    3. Drive-Throughs and Shelters
    4. Environmental Policy
    1. Staff Memo

    January 17, 2024 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Missing Middle Housing
    2. Subdivision Standards
    3. Flag Lots
    1. Staff Memo

    November 13, 2023 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Proposed Zoning Districts
    2. Building and Site Design Standards
    3. Affordable Housing Incentives
    1. Staff Memo
    2. Draft Zoning District Proposal
    3. Briefing Book: Feasibility of Density Bonuses to Support Community Benefits

    October 18, 2023 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. By-Right Development
    2. Development Intensity in FLUM Focus Areas
    3. Mixed-Use Districts
    4. Parking Minimums
    5. Regulations for Single-Family Homes
    1. Staff Memo

    June 21, 2023 – Information Item

    • Recommended documents to review:
    1. Summary Report
    2. Plan Alignment Memo
    3. LUMO Audit Report

    June 17, 2024 – Council Regular Meeting

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Neighborhood Conservation Districts
    2. Missing Middle Housing
    3. Design and Dimension Standards
    1. Staff Memo

    May 15, 2024 – Council Regular Meeting

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Administrative Approvals
    2. Conditional Zoning Process Improvements
    3. Update on WASMPBA Planning Process
    1. Staff Memo

    April 24, 2024 – Council Regular Meeting

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Racial Equity Analysis
    2. Affordable Housing Economic Analysis
    1. Staff Memo

    March 13, 2024 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Community Benefits
    2. Economic Constraints
    1. Staff Memo
    2. Typology Resource Guide

    February 21, 2024 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Local Zoning Authority
    2. Student Housing
    3. Drive-Throughs and Shelters
    4. Environmental Policy
    1. Staff Memo

    January 17, 2024 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Missing Middle Housing
    2. Subdivision Standards
    3. Flag Lots
    1. Staff Memo

    November 13, 2023 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. Proposed Zoning Districts
    2. Building and Site Design Standards
    3. Affordable Housing Incentives
    1. Staff Memo
    2. Draft Zoning District Proposal
    3. Briefing Book: Feasibility of Density Bonuses to Support Community Benefits

    October 18, 2023 – Work Session

    • Meeting Topics
    1. By-Right Development
    2. Development Intensity in FLUM Focus Areas
    3. Mixed-Use Districts
    4. Parking Minimums
    5. Regulations for Single-Family Homes
    1. Staff Memo

    June 21, 2023 – Information Item

    • Recommended documents to review:
    1. Summary Report
    2. Plan Alignment Memo
    3. LUMO Audit Report
Page last updated: 02 Nov 2026, 01:39 PM