Zoning Map Amendments (Rezoning Requests)

Zoning Map Amendment Information

Every property in Sanford and Lee County currently has a zoning designation.  That zoning designation determines many development standards, including (but not limited to) the following:
     • what type of structure can be built on a property     
     • how that land--and any structures on that land--can be used           
     • if subdivided into multiple new lots, how small those lots can be
     • what landscaping and parking standards may apply to development on that property

A zoning map amendment--also known more commonly as a rezoning--is the process by which the zoning designation for a parcel (or several parcels) is changed, and the development standards (what is allowed to be built, how the land can be subdivided, etc.) change along with it.  A zoning map amendment may be initiated by a property owner, a property owner's representative/agent, a community member, the Planning Board, the City Council, or other board or department may initiate a zoning map amendment.  In accordance with NCGS §160D-601(d), third party applications for "down zonings" are prohibited.

Rezoning Request Evaluations by Community Development Staff

Community Development staff will evaluate an applicant's rezoning request based upon whether it's consistent with the Plan SanLee, our long-range land use plan.  Staff recommendations will be based upon how closely the applicant's zoning request aligns with the density, land uses, and characteristics recommended in the Plan SanLee for the subject property.  Applicants and design professionals representing developers are encouraged to verify the Plan SanLee's recommended Land Use Place Types for their subject property by using the Interactive GIS Land Use Map.

Rezoning Types

General rezonings are a request by a property owner or other applicant to change the zoning designation of a property from its current zoning to another standards zoning district as detailed in Article 4 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). 
More information on general rezonings and the application and review process can be found here.

Conditional rezonings are a request by a property owner or other applicant to change the zoning designation of a property from its current zoning to a unique zoning designation with site-specific conditions that apply only to the subject property. 
More information on conditional rezonings and the application and review process can be found here.

There are two different types of Conditional Zoning options available for applicants:
     • Type 1 Conditional Zoning is intended for unique, stand-alone zoning districts created with site-specific conditions, design standards, and permitted uses.
            ○ This type of zoning map amendment is ideal for a large, mixed-use planned development where the owner has a clear vision for how the property
               should be developed.

     • Type 2 Conditional Zoning is intended for property owners wishing to place additional conditions on an existing, equivalent general use zoning district.
            ○ This type of zoning map amendment is could be useful for a property owner who wished to reduce the number of permitted uses allowed on their land, or
                increased the amount of landscaping buffers required between their property and an adjoining parcel.