I’ve heard that single-family neighborhoods will no longer exist if the development code is approved. Is that true?

No. The amount of single-family zoning in the city will increase with the new code. Currently, 33.6% of city zoning is single-family (this does not include parks and other City-owned properties that are zoned single-family). With the new code, 36.8% of city zoning will be single-family. 

All of the existing single-family neighborhoods in the city are preserved as single-family neighborhoods in the new code, meaning they are only permitted one primary single-family dwelling per lot. The only difference is that instead of two single-family zoning classifications, there will be four. The purpose is to account for both larger and smaller single-family lots that currently exist in the city. 

Current Single-family Zoning Classifications

R-6 - minimum lot size is 6,000 square feet
R-9 - minimum lot size is 9,000 square feet 

New Single-family Zoning Classifications

RH-A - minimum lot size is 18,000 SF (new)
RH-B - minimum lot size is 9,000 SF (equivalent to R-9)
RH-C - minimum lot size is 6,000 SF (equivalent to R-6)
RH-D - minimum lot size is 3,000 SF (new)

If conditions allow, the owner of a single-family home may construct a smaller accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at the rear of their property; however, there are size and occupancy requirements associated with ADUs that will limit their use and preserve the character of the surrounding neighborhood. ADUs are a way for a property owner to age in place or even provide housing for adult-age children who would like to move home but need additional space. ADUs may also be rented for 30 days or more, providing additional housing options in the city.

Show All Answers

1. Why is the City rezoning properties?
2. When was the draft code developed?
3. What will the new code do?
4. I’ve heard that the federal government is involved in rezoning property in Greenville – is that true?
5. I’ve heard that single-family neighborhoods will no longer exist if the development code is approved. Is that true?
6. How will the development code affect minority and low-income neighborhoods?
7. How will the new code protect existing neighborhoods?
8. How will the new code affect the neighborhoods where churches are located?
9. I heard that, with the new code, residents whose homes are nonconforming will not be able to rebuild their homes if they catch on fire – is that true?
10. What are some of the other benefits of the new code?
11. Have property owners’ concerns been considered during the process?