Statement and Call to Action on the New UDO

The health and well-being of all citizens, no matter where they live, depend on a healthy environment. A healthy environment in turn protects populations of birds and wildlife that are declining in a time of accelerated climate change.

The New Hope Bird Alliance (NHBA) has therefore drafted a comprehensive letter critiquing and amending Durham’s proposed UDO language to make sure the public health aspects of clean air, clean water, tree coverage, and access to nature are not lost in the rush to develop more housing, most of which is not affordable to the lower-income citizens of Durham. A number of community organizations and non-profits have joined NHBA in this effort and co-signed the letter (.pdf file). Now we are calling for individuals to add their support.

We encourage you to show your support for our initiative by emailing, calling or visiting City Council members; and/or writing to NewUDO@DurhamNC.gov; and/or submitting comments on the proposed zoning map. You are welcome to use or adapt language found in NHBA’s proposed regulations for the new UDO (.pdf file).

If possible, please attend the in-person community engagement scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Durham County Administration Building II (201 E. Main Street), Room 126. Registration is requested. We hope to show broad support for protecting clean air, clean water, tree coverage, and open space.

Another option is to attend a virtual meeting: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 6-7:30 pm. Registration is requested.

The ENGAGE Durham webpage highlights other engagement opportunities to meet and share feedback on the new UDO.

Information on the status of development ordinances in other municipalities or counties in our area:

Chatham County has adopted its new UDO with input from NHBA but has delayed enforcing it. Citizens of Chatham County should require the environmental protections of the new UDO be used to critique rezoning proposals in the interim.

Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough will write separate UDOs (in Chapel Hill called the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO)), but these communities are less transparent in their process. Please monitor your government for updates.