Enacts GS 160D-917 (Higher education and religious institutions residential use), which allows construction of residential development by right and to the same extent as areas zoned residential on land owned by independent higher education institutions and religious institutions in cities with 50,000 or more residents. Establishes requirements, including (1) the land was owned on or before January 1, 2026; (2) the development is not in a local historic district; (3) the development does not adjoin a site that is put to more than 1/3 light industrial use; (4) the housing units are not located within 1,200 feet of a heavy industrial use; (5) at least 80% of the units are reserved for low income residents, with an exception for 5% of the units being for managers or staff of the institution; and (6) the development otherwise complies with development standards and codes.
Allows ancillary uses in single-family residential areas of child care centers and facilities operated by community organizations, and in other zones, commercial uses permitted without a conditional use permit. Specifies that any development eligible under the statute also includes any use previously existing and permitted by a local government, if the nonresidential space doesn’t exceed the amount previously permitted and the parking and new uses follow the same requirements and conditions.
Provides for a density of 40 units per acre and a height of one story above the maximum height for the parcel if the development is in an area not zoned for residential use and specifies that if a city allows an adjoining parcel greater density or building height, that greater density or height will apply to the development.
Requires off-street parking of at least one space per unit unless a lower requirement from the city applies, or if the development is within ½ mile of a transit stop or in a transit-oriented development district.
Specifies that the definition of independent higher education institution is the same as an eligible private postsecondary institution in GS 116-280(3) and the definition of religious institution is the same as GS 131F-2(17).
Effective October 1, 2025.