Greenville Development Code

City ReFINEs Draft Code 

City Aims to Protect Neighborhoods and Define Development Zones

More than a year in the making, the City’s new Development Code puts the vision of the GVL2040 comprehensive plan into action - protecting neighborhoods while providing a consistent framework for growth and economic vitality in the city of Greenville. 

After a month-long comment period, the city team is working on a new draft document to present to Planning Commission this spring. 

The new code helps preserve existing neighborhoods and creates transitions where neighborhoods border commercial districts. Secondary residential dwelling units - like carriage houses and garage apartments - will be allowed and can improve housing affordability, while short-term rentals will be restricted to downtown or commercial districts.

Other benefits for residents include provisions to reduce front-yard parking, protect heritage trees, reduce stormwater runoff and lower light pollution from commercial areas.  

Existing businesses will not be required to make any adjustments and may continue to operate as is. New businesses will find fewer zoning barriers and an easy-to-understand regulatory document filled with examples and illustrations. Residential developers will be able to add height or density in exchange for affordability. 

The win for citizens AND developers is predictability. Residents will know exactly what is allowed on any property, reducing unexpected surprises. The new zoning map shows locations where mixed-use urban centers can grow outside of downtown and where residential neighborhoods will be preserved. Mobility, with an emphasis on improving walkability, will provide safe connections between urban centers.