Commissioners adopt UDO changes that alter common open-space rules

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 28 to adopt a text amendment to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that changes how common open space is defined and calculated in subdivisions.

Planning and zoning director Jamie Kemberlou told the board the amendment would remove a redundant “common open space improved” definition, clarify that open space may be passive or active, add a rounding rule for fractional calculations, and require that a portion of dedicated open space be usable for active recreation (a 0.667 fraction was cited as the standard used). The amendment also allows reductions in required open space for developments that propose lot sizes greater than one acre and clarifies ownership and maintenance expectations.

The planning board recommended approval 10–0 at its July 6 meeting. Staff said the changes aim to make the ordinance less duplicative, reduce applicant burden around payments-in-lieu proposals, and better align open-space requirements with local greenway and trail plans. The board approved the amendment by a voice vote after a brief presentation and no substantive public opposition was recorded.

The amendment will replace section 11.7 in the UDO and modify chapter 2 language as described; staff said proposed language will be published and implemented through the standard ordinance adoption process.