Residential Infill Ordinance Summary

Redevelopment of residential property in the older urban neighborhoods surrounding downtown Winston-Salem (GMA 2) has increased in recent years. Legacy recommends encouraging new infill development to make efficient use of existing infrastructure, promote a viable, growing central city, and reduce development pressures in suburban areas. While infill development frequently complements existing neighborhood character, some infill does not reflect sensitivity to the surrounding neighborhood character. Infill standards provide a mechanism for promoting new residential development that does not negatively affect the integrity of older neighborhoods.

The proposed infill ordinance establishes standards for front-and street-facing building setbacks, garage placement, orientation of buildings on narrow lots, and subdivision of property. The ordinance includes provisions for new single-family and multifamily development as well as additions to existing single-family structures. While no ordinance can completely prevent inappropriate infill development, this ordinance should address the worst effects of incompatible infill development with the least amount of regulation while allowing neighborhoods to develop and provide opportunities for new urban housing. To learn more about the proposed ordinance currently going through the public hearing process, please go the planning web site, under the "Whats New" category.

Maintenance of front yard setbacks helps preserve established neighborhood character.

 updated 6/18/08