Zoning/Rezoning

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The Planning Department provides services related to City zoning regulations. This includes investigating possible zoning violations, interpreting the Land Development Ordinance, and processing zoning-related requests and applications.

Zoning is an official designation that specifies how a piece of property can be used within the City. Typically, zoning districts are created to attract and regulate certain types of development, such as single family homes, offices, neighborhood businesses, general industry, or a mix of related uses.

FAQs

What are zoning districts and conditional zoning districts?

Zoning districts regulate specific uses, building size, setbacks and parking requirements. Zoning districts are more descriptive planning classifications that must be consistent with the adopted policies outlined in the GSO20040 Comprehensive Plan. The Land Development Ordinance’s Use Tables show examples of what uses are permissible in specific zoning districts.

Conditional zoning districts include specific conditions that are more restrictive than the requirements outlined in the Land Development Ordinance.
What factors are zoning decisions based on?
The Planning and Zoning Commission can only consider the uses of property allowed by:
- A proposed zoning district
- Proposed conditions associated with rezoning
- Impacts on public infrastructure such as these if demand on services may increase due to a new development:
  - Water/sewer capacity
  - Stormwater infrastructure
  - Adjacent roadways and bicycle and pedestrian facilities
- Whether a zoning request supports the goals of the GSO2040 Comprehensive Plan.
What are the limits on zoning decision considerations?
When considering zoning requests, the Planning and Zoning Commission cannot consider:
- Who may live on or own the property to be rezoned
- Estimated sales price of property or amount of rent that may be charged for new uses
- Who the developer or operator of the new use(s) may be
- Crime rates in the area
- Current or anticipated capacity of area schools.
Does zoning determine all details of a potential development?

No. The Planning and Zoning Commission only evaluates land use changes and cannot approve the full development of a site.

City staff, through its Technical Review Committee, is responsible for evaluating specific site development features, such as location of driveways or other points of access, location of buildings, landscaping, parking and other site features, location and size of stormwater management devices, location and size of sidewalks, water/sewer lines or other infrastructure, building heights, materials, and other features.
What can I do if I do not like a decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission?

Anyone may file an appeal to City Council for final action on a case. To start the process, submit a written request for an appeal and a check for $235 payable to the City of Greensboro within 10 days of the commission's decision. Include in your request the case number or address of the property involved.

Email your appeal request and then mail your check to:
Planner of the Day, Development Services
Upper Ground Level (UG), Melvin Municipal Office Building
300 W. Washington St.
Greensboro, NC 27401

Or, mail your written request and the check to the address above or bring both in person to the same address and ask for the Planner of the Day.
Where can I find out more information about annexation?

Check out our annexation resources.

More FAQs

Learn more about the City's zoning/rezoning process?

Watch our "Zoning Man" videos below.

Zoning Man Episode 1
The adventures of Zoning Man, an education superhero, explains what zoning and rezoning are and the reasons not to be afraid after receiving a zoning or rezoning notice from the City.

Zoning Man Episode 2
The adventures of Zoning Man continue as he explains to Jane Q., a resident interested in participating in the zoning and rezoning process, how to prepare for a Zoning Commission meeting while settling Jane's fear that she and the public may have no input about zoning and rezoning property near them.

Zoning Man Episode 3
The adventures of Zoning Man pick up after the conclusion of Episode 2. In this episode, Zoning Man guides Jane Q. through the rezoning hearing, including speaking to the Zoning Commission as it considers whether or not to approve the request for the rezoning on her street. It's great news as the rezoning request is approved, thanks to the information provided by Jane Q. and the heroic educational efforts of Zoning Man.

Questions or comments about zoning or rezoning?
Contact us. And, check out these services commonly associated with City zoning ordinances:

Board of Adjustment - The Greensboro Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body responsible for hearing and deciding appeals, variance requests, special exceptions, special use permits, and interpretations of the zoning regulations.

Comprehensive Planning - GSO2040 was adopted in June 2020 as the City's overarching guide to growth and development. The plan is a guide to a shared vision of the future and provides a common touch-point to align projects, programs, and policies with that vision. GSO2040 will help residents, employers, and community institutions understand how they each play a role in Greensboro's road map to success.

Land Development Ordinance - Adopted in 2010, these zoning rules and regulations are part of the City Code and include provisions related to subdivisions, building setbacks, permitted uses, parking, signage, landscaping, and environmental regulations.

Planning and Zoning Commission - The Planning and Zoning Commission hears and decides requests for amendments to the City's official Zoning Map. The duties of the commission include rezoning properties, approving Conditional Zoning Districts, and recommending overlay districts.

Zoning Staff Reports - Staff Reports are prepared by City staff in conjunction with amendments to the official Zoning Map (rezoning). For each rezoning proposal, a Staff Report is prepared that includes an analysis of the case and a staff recommendation. These reports are made available the Thursday prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing.