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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
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significant open space areas, including an historic Civil War battlefield and a “village green”
or gathering place. In 2013, the Town developed a McCrimmon Transit small area plan that
proposes a future activity center focused on transit service, linked with pedestrian
walkways, concentrating on higher-density, mixed-use integrated with central public open
space and parks.
6.2.2
Open Space Preservation
The Town has several programs to preserve open space. These include setting priorities for
open space through the Town’s UDO as well as the Comprehensive Greenway Plan. These
initiatives are described in greater detail below. The land use plans discussed above also
serve to protect open space.
6.2.2.2 Unified Development Ordinance
In 2014, the Town adopted its UDO. Through the UDO, the Town’s Board of Adjustments
and Planning and Zoning Board are established to enforce the ordinance and direct future
community development and growth. Some of the purposes of the ordinance include:
Prevent the overcrowding of land (not exceed amount supported by infrastructure)
Avoid undue concentration of population
Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and
other public requirements
Article 3 of the UDO defines 20 districts, within 6 base zoning districts, and 3 overlay
districts for the Town. A zoning map was adopted as part of the UDO and is included in
Appendix D. The ordinance is enforceable in the incorporated boundaries of the Town and
in the ETJ of the Town. New construction, the continuation of existing conforming uses, and
the continuation of non-conforming uses are subject to the provisions of the ordinance.
Some of the residential use districts defined by the Town encourage infill development to
prevent sprawl and allow for innovation, such as cluster development, in the arrangement
of buildings. The use districts defined in the ordinance that are designed to aid in the
preservation and protection of the natural environment are as presented in Table 6-4.
TABLE 6-4
Town of Morrisville Use Districts Defined by UDO Article 3
Use District
Code
Purpose
Conservation/Buffer District
CB
To protect and preserve park lands, open spaces,
floodplains, scenic areas and historic sites, watersheds,
and water supplies; to conserve fish and wildlife; and to
promote forestry and grazing lands.
Very Low Density Residential
VLDR
To protect and preserve agricultural lands for the
performance of agricultural function.
Medium Density Residential
MDR
Suitable for medium-density development that could infill in
established areas; allows for innovation in the arrangement
of buildings. Developments cannot interfere with or damage
environmentally sensitive lands, and adequate open space
must be located in or near the district.
Neighborhood Activity Center &
Business Activity Center
NAC &
BAC
To allow for the development of retail operations for
residential neighborhoods to reduce travel for errands and
lessen air quality impacts.