PDO Update 2025

Print

Font Size: + -

Council adopted the PDO on Nov. 18, 2025
View the PDO

The Village of Pinehurst is updating its Development Ordinance for the first time since 2014. The new Draft Combined PDO (2025) is designed to modernize, simplify, and better align our local rules with North Carolina law, while keeping Pinehurst’s unique character at the forefront.

Why Update the PDO?

The current ordinance has served the Village well but has become long, technical, and difficult for residents, businesses, and staff to use. The 2025 Draft reorganizes everything into a more user-friendly format with tables, graphics, and flowcharts, making it easier to understand and apply.

Key Improvements

Legal Alignment: Fully integrates state law (NCGS 160D) into one clear document, especially around vested rights, permit choice, and public hearings
Growth & Vision: Retains Pinehurst’s preservation goals while adding stronger emphasis on sustainability, multimodal transportation, and fiscally responsible growth.
Zoning Framework: Consolidates zoning districts and expands form-based zoning to allow more flexibility and walkable, mixed-use areas.
Design Standards: Updates parking, landscaping, signage, and lighting rules, with stronger focus on tree preservation, stormwater management, and pedestrian connectivity.
Historic Preservation: Strengthens demolition delay rules and clarifies design criteria in the Historic District.
Permitting & Review: Introduces a “Consolidated Development Review” model to simplify and streamline approvals.
Usability: Replaces text-heavy chapters with organized articles, illustrations, and charts.

The Bottom Line

The new Draft PDO keeps what works from the current ordinance—protecting Pinehurst’s historic and residential character—while adding modern tools to manage growth, sustainability, and community design more effectively.

This update represents both continuity and evolution: preserving Pinehurst’s identity while positioning the Village to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

You are welcome to review the Draft PDO and provide comments at the contacts listed below.

Pinehurst PDO FAQ

Contact Information