A neighborhood conservation overlay (NCO) is a tool that helps residents recognize and preserve distinctive elements of their neighborhoods. An NCO lets neighborhoods tailor zoning standards to reflect the special character of the area. With development standards that are specific to a neighborhood, an NCO’s regulatory framework may be detailed or broad, based on collective neighborhood input. 

An NCO protects the broad characteristics that help to define each of Greensboro’s unique neighborhoods. Residents work with City staff to determine the boundaries of an NCO, as well as draft the guidelines that promote compatible infill in a neighborhood. Residents in an NCO will submit a work plan for exterior changes to their property that are addressed in the development guidelines. All work plans are reviewed by City staff with the applicant to ensure that new development is compatible with the neighborhood’s adopted standards.

What neighborhoods can have a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay?
As neighborhoods age, their original characteristics help set them apart from other areas of the city. Often this unique community identity is viewed as an incentive for investment. In becoming an NCO, a district may ensure that new development is compatible with existing characteristics of the area.

Criteria for interested areas include:

• The area must be large enough to include at least all of the lots on one side of a block, but there is no limit as to how large an area may be
• Seventy-five percent of the area must have been developed at least 25 years prior to applying as an NCO
• The area must have distinctive features that create a cohesive, identifiable setting, character or association.

If your neighborhood is interested in the NCO planning process, contact Mike Kirkman.

                      

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