Bill > H914

This bill allows municipalities with over 50,000 residents and designated as urban areas to permit residential development by right on land owned by higher education or religious institutions, with specific conditions designed to encourage affordable housing. The development must reserve at least 80% of units for low-income residents (defined as households earning 80% or less of the median family income), with up to 5% of units reserved for institutional staff. Eligible properties cannot be in historic districts, cannot be near heavy industrial sites, and must not be adjacent to areas predominantly used for light industrial purposes. The bill provides additional flexibility by allowing ancillary uses on the ground floor, such as child care centers and community facilities, and permits developments to achieve up to 40 units per acre with increased height allowances. Parking requirements are reduced, especially for sites near transit stops, and existing non-residential uses can be maintained. The provisions are designed to streamline the development process and increase affordable housing options by removing traditional zoning barriers for institutional landowners. The bill will become effective on October 1, 2025, giving municipalities and institutions time to prepare for implementation.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H914