Adoption Process

To officially replace the existing Comprehensive Plan from 2005, the new Comprehensive Plan had to go through a formal adoption process. In Durham, the formal adoption process first requires a public hearing and advisory vote by the Planning Commission. Then, after the Planning Commission vote, both the City Council and Board of County Commissioners are required to hold public hearings and then vote. The City Council and Board of County Commissioners held a joint public hearing, and then held final votes separately at their regular meetings.

How to Stay Involved in the Adoption Process

The plan is now adopted. Below you can find information from the adoption process from February to October 2023.

Planning Commission Public Hearing

The Planning Commission is an advisory group that holds public hearings on planning-related cases and makes recommendations to the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners.

On June 13, 2023, the Planning Commission voted 12-0 to recommend approval of the Place Type Map and 12-0 to recommend approval of the Growth Management Strategy, Policies and Actions, and Implementation, both with minor changes.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Public Hearing

The Planning Commission held its first public hearing on the new Comprehensive Plan at a meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

You may view the agenda here: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02282023-2371.
Watch the meeting recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Mr4cgmIAeok?feature=share&t=2367

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Public Hearing

The Planning Commission held its second public hearing on the new Comprehensive Plan at a meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

You may view the agenda here: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03282023-2397
Watch the meeting recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRYIStHPBUY

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Discussion

At the March 28 public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to continue this item to their regular meeting on April 11, 2023. The Planning Commission asked questions of staff and discussed the draft plan.

You may view the agenda here: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04112023-2412
Watch the meeting recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/bnIjoAeM_30?feature=share&t=11464

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Public Hearing

The Planning Commission was scheduled to hold its final public hearing on the new Comprehensive Plan at a meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. However, a quorum of members was not in attendance. The final Planning Commission public hearing was rescheduled for their regular meeting on June 13, 2023.

You may view the agenda here: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05232023-2441
Watch the meeting recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur15ycITMcg

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Public Hearing

The Planning Commission held its final public hearing on the new Comprehensive Plan at a meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

You may view the agenda here: https://www.durhamnc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132023-2455
Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/24_WgkKiMNg

Joint City Council / Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing

After the Planning Commission completed their public hearings and voted on a recommendation for the Comprehensive Plan, the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners held a joint public hearing on this project. This final public hearing was held at a special meeting on Thursday, August 31, 2023.