CLT Development Center

About Us

Located on the first floor of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, the CLT Development Center is a space for developers and design teams to access to city staff in a single location for city development permitting services. Development service teams from the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT), Engineering, Urban Forestry, Construction Inspection, Charlotte Water, Erosion Control, Subdivision, Residential & Commercial Zoning, Fire, and Plan Review Coordination are in the CLT Development Center. The Center is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, or by appointment.

CLT Development Center News:

Explore the Expedited Plan Review Program

The Expedited Plan Review Program is available for eligible Land Development Construction Plans (LDCPs) and Revisions to Approved Plans (RTAPs) that are seeking an accelerated review timeline. Eligibility for the program is determined by City staff at the conclusion of the first 15-business day review cycle.

Expedited options also available for As-Builts and Plats. Visit the Expedited Plan Review Program page to learn more!

Effective June 2, 2025, the Individual Residential Lot (LDIRL) application will now require one address per application

Effective from Monday, June 2nd, the Individual Residential Lot (LDIRL) application process will now require one address per application. Initially, the LDIRL included stormwater and urban forestry reviews, and the approval of multiple addresses for a single subdivision was permissible.

To streamline the review process, reduce confusion related to multiple lots in a single application, and enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction, we are implementing a policy requiring one address per LDIRL application. If you attempt to associate multiple lots with a single LDIRL application, Accela will prevent this action and prompt you to create separate applications for each lot.

For questions, please contact Nan Peterson, nan.peterson@charlottenc.gov

The City of Charlotte expands Wizard to include Zoning Use Permits, Sign Permits and Zoning Verification Letters. Watch the How To Video to Learn More!

The City of Charlotte has expanded our Wizard to include Zoning Use Permits, Sign Permits and Zoning Verification Letters.

The Wizard simplifies the complex world of applications and regulations. This tool is designed to show requirements and streamline project assessment before applications are submitted. The AI search or decision trees act as the navigation tool that guides users effortlessly through applications.

In addition to the Zoning Use Permits, Sign Permits and the Zoning Verification Letter, remember you can also use the Wizard to apply for Individual Residential Lot and Land Development Construction Plan applications.

Video Transcript:

The City of Charlotte has made the permitting process easier than ever with our new innovative tool 'The Wizard'. This tool uses simple questions and answers to guide you to the correct application for your project. To get started, simply log into the City of Charlotte Accela Citizen Access portal. If you don't already have an account, you should register for one. It's quick and easy. You can even select your preferred language for the process. Once you are signed in click 'I want to apply for a permit' and select 'the wizard'. Start by entering the location of your project using an address or parcel number and click 'continue'. Next, navigate the wizard tree by answering a few questions about your project. These questions help to ensure you're directed to the right application for your project. Once you've answered the questions, the wizard will redirect you to the Accela Citizen Access application that matches your project's needs. Your answers are automatically transferred to the application saving you time and reducing data entry. All that's left to do is complete the application and upload your project plans. We hope that you find that this streamline process reduces confusion and provides a seamless experience from start to finish. The wizard is here to make your permit journey as smooth as possible.

[Music]

Effective February 2, 2025: Fire Marshal suspends enforcement of all Fire Code Appendices as recognized in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

As of 02/21/2025, the Fire Marshal has suspended enforcement of all fire code appendices, (B, C and D) as recognized in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Projects in Process Before July 1, 2025

Please note that any project with a submittal application date up until June 20, 2025, will be required to design their sites based solely on the body of the 2018 Fire Code, and not the appendices.

There are a couple of exceptions to this rule:

1. If the Code Administrator approves, an architect or engineer can use Alternate Materials and Methods (AMM) under the 2024 NC Building Code for specific components or elements.

2. S382 lists Mecklenburg County among the jurisdictions with permits and approval extensions valid until December 31, 2027.

CLT Development Center Welcomes the Residential Zoning Administration Team

The City of Charlotte's Residential Zoning Administration Team is moving to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center (CMGC). This team will be housed within the CLT Development Center and located on the lobby level of CMGC.
Office hours for in-person Zoning Administration services: 9 AM to 4 PM (Monday - Friday).
Beginning October 1, this team will be incorporated into the City’s Individual Residential Lot Application (LDIRL). Currently, this application is reviewed by the City’s Stormwater and Urban Forestry Teams.
LDIRL applications and reviews include: Single-Family Home, Duplex, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), Deck, Detached Structure, Pool, Addition, Manufactured Home, Retaining Wall, Shed and Solar Panels. ($70)
All applications will be submitted through the City of Charlotte's Accela Citizen Access portal.
Applications and reviews for all other Zoning Use Permits will also be submitted through Accela Citizen Access.

Complete User Fee Schedule can be found at User Fee Schedules - City of Charlotte.

UDO Reviews Required by Storm Water, Residential Zoning, Commercial Zoning and Urban Forestry on Individual Residential Lot Projects

The City of Charlotte Council-adopted Unified Development Ordinance is effective, as of June 1, 2023. Per the UDO, all development including individual lot residential projects must comply with drainage and urban forestry requirements as well as zoning. City of Charlotte Storm Water Services and Urban Forestry, Residential Zoning and Commercial Zoning staff will now review residential projects concurrently with the Mecklenburg County LUESA Residential Plan reviews and building permits. However, customers must separately apply and submit supporting information for projects into the City of Charlotte’s on-line permit system, Accela Citizen Access.

Please view this special web page for information, requirements, and process for these new reviews - UDO Residential Reviews – Individual Residential Lot Projects

For help with log-in and creation of this review application on Accela – please consult these step-by-step instructions(PDF, 288KB).

UDO Implementation Questions

Please be advised we are currently undergoing a transition in points of contact for UDO Implementation inquiries. To streamline communication, we have designated specific contacts based on the nature of your inquiry: