Greensboro City Council Advances Voluntary Central Business Zoning Initiative Near Downtown Greenway

The Greensboro City Council has approved a resolution allowing the City to begin a voluntary rezoning initiative for interested property owners adjacent to, within and near the Downtown Greenway.

The initiative creates a pathway for eligible property owners to consider rezoning their properties to Greensboro's Central Business (CB) zoning district, with the City initiating the rezoning process on behalf of owners who choose to participate.

Council's action does not automatically rezone any property. Participation is voluntary, and property owners must provide written consent before their property can move forward through the City's required zoning review and public hearing process.

The initiative builds on the City's investment in the Downtown Greenway and broader efforts to encourage thoughtful investment and redevelopment in and around downtown. It also advances the direction established through Vision36 and GSO35 to create a more vibrant, connected and economically strong community and position downtown for its next chapter.

CB zoning provides greater flexibility for a mix of uses and more compact urban development, including office, retail, service, institutional and higher-density residential uses.

Beginning September 16, City staff will contact property owners initially identified as potentially interested in the initiative and provide information about CB zoning and how to participate. An online form will also be available for other property owners in the area who may be interested in being considered.

After receiving owner consent, Planning staff will review participating properties, including existing uses and potential impacts of a zoning change. Required public notices will follow, with the first zoning hearings anticipated in October. Additional properties may move through subsequent hearing cycles as interest is received.

About the Central Business Zoning District

Greensboro's CB zoning district supports a mix of uses and more compact development appropriate for the city's central core. Property owners considering participation are encouraged to review how CB zoning may affect both current and potential future uses of their property.