12.0 Housing Policies & Action Items

Policy H-1: Development Pattern

Continue to follow existing residential development pattern as reflected in “Map of Zoning Districts,” focusing higher intensity development generally within two miles of the I-77/NC-115 corridor and lower intensity development east and west of this corridor extending to the Town boundaries.

Policy H-2: Node Development

Continue to encourage mixed-use village development pattern at key intersections as identified in Small Area Plans adopted by the Town.

Action H-2.1: Small Area Plans

Prepare small area plans if one does not exist in areas of the community that are or will be experiencing development pressure.

Policy H-3: Mixed-Use Development

Support and encourage self-sustained developments where commercial and employment uses are in close proximity to residential uses (see Commercial Development Policy CD-1 and CD-3).

Policy H-4: Development Principles

For proposed developments, either in the core or within identified nodes, adhere to the principles set forth in the Zoning Ordinance and adopted small area plans to ensure an appropriate mix of residential, commercial and employment uses to maximize land use and transportation efficiencies while minimizing environmental impacts.

Policy H-5: Senior Housing

Encourage housing options which accommodate senior citizens (e.g. age restricted/retirement communities, congregate care/assisted living facilities,) allowing seniors to remain in the community.

Action H-5.1: Review Ordinances to Identify Barriers to Senior Housing

Review Town Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to identify any barriers to the provision of housing for senior citizens.

Policy H-6: Energy Efficient Design

Encourage energy efficient design through the use of “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) principles and practices for residential construction, including alternative energy usage (solar, wind etc.).

Policy H-7: Housing Affordability

Support appropriate mix of housing for all income levels.

Action H-7.1: Review of Ordinances

Review Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to identify any barriers to energy efficient design in residential construction and encourage builders to employ LEED principles.

Policy H-8: Development in the Transitional & Rural Areas

Maintain the development standards in the Transitional and Rural zones and consider adjustments if warranted by changes in the housing market.

Action H-8.1: Analysis of Rural & Transitional Development Standards

Within five years, analyze the development standards within the Rural and Transitional District zones to determine if adjustments are necessary.

Policy H-9: Future Residential Development

Higher intensity residential development will be focused generally within two miles of the I-77/NC-115 corridor and future mixed use nodes in the eastern and western areas of Huntersville’s zoning jurisdiction (See Commercial Development Policy CD-2).

Policy H-10: Redevelopment Areas

Support redevelopment of older established residential areas, consistent with adopted plans, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision regulations.