CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City leaders in Charlotte are discussing their 2040 comprehensive plan. It will shape housing density, traffic and how neighborhoods look.

The first draft of the 320-page long plan would allow duplexes and triplexes on single family zoned lots.

We answered questions about what this means for homeowners with deed restrictions.

What You Need To Know

  • Charlotte city leaders are currently working on a second draft of the 2040 comprehensive plan

  • They are discussing whether it will include a section that would allow duplexes and triplexes on single-family zoned lots

  • City planners say this would not override deed restrictions

Grey Hamilton has lived in the Eastover neighborhood of Charlotte her entire life. She grew up in the house next door to her current one. Her father moved there in the 1940s. It was also when deed restrictions on her street were established.

“There were certain things that were set into place years ago. You weren’t allowed to have attached garages and that sort of thing,” Hamilton said.

Those restrictions are why her neighborhood looks the way it does. There are similarities among homes. Many are required to be a certain distance from the road and no more than two-stories. Hamilton's deed specifically says there can be "no more than one resident or dwelling on a lot.”

When city leaders announced their 2040 comprehensive plan to allow duplexes and triplexes on all single family zoned lots, she had questions and was wondering if they could do that right next to her home.

“Well, they can’t do that,” Charlotte land-use attorney Richard Vinroot said. “There are all kinds of deed restrictions that are an attempt to create a uniform neighborhood that will enhance the value of the homes, that is the purpose of deed restrictions.”

When Spectrum News reached out to Charlotte city planners they confirmed the 2040 comprehensive plan cannot override deed restrictions. During town hall meetings, they also said they would clarify this in the second draft of the 2040 plan since it wasn’t in the first.

Vinroot says the deed restrictions may present a challenge for developers.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are at least 100 neighborhood deed restrictions that are applicable in the City of Charlotte today, that would not surprise me,” Vinroot said.

When Hamilton learned the news, she was glad her historic neighborhood can keep its character. 

 “I think that preserves the neighborhood, and I think most people will be happy about it,” Hamiltons said. “I think they will be glad to hear it.”

2040 Comprehensive Plan QA Responses by Justin on Scribd