CHARLOTTE — Language in the city of Charlotte’s 2040 comprehensive plan around building height in uptown has drawn the ire of real estate executives and some council members.
Today, most of uptown Charlotte — inside of the Interstate 277 loop but some parcels outside of it, too — is zoned UMUD, or uptown mixed-use district. That’s the most flexible zoning district in the city today, and does not have a maximum building height.
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In the 2040 plan, released in October and the subject of many lengthy Charlotte City Council meetings recently, it says “buildings may be as tall as 20 stories in uptown or when developed with community benefits such as public space and amenities or affordable housing.”
That language has some questioning whether height restrictions will be placed on new development in uptown — and what constitutes a community benefit.
Many of center city’s towers are well above 20 stories. Duke Energy Plaza, underway now on Tryon Street, is twice that — at 40 stories — as an example.
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The issue was brought up during Monday’s council meeting, when elected officials took straw votes on multiple items relating to language, provisions and revisions to the 2040 plan.
While most of the recent attention has been on allowing duplex and triplex development across Charlotte, other items have been more contentious with real estate developers — including building height in uptown.
(Watch Below: City Council holds special meeting to vote on parts of controversial 2040 plan)
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