1. Model Neighborhood Indicator: Tree lined streets are valued.
Standard Service Delivery
- Recommended standard for street trees is minimum-planting strip of six feet to allow for expansion of the root system. Canopy trees are appropriate if there are no overhead power lines.
- Small maturing trees should be planted approximately 25 feet apart, and larger, maturing trees may be planted 35 feet to 40 feet apart.
- The City Arborist maintains new and existing trees on the public right-of-way and will work with neighborhood groups on specific projects to guide them on the types of trees to purchase, as well as when and where to plant them.
Responsible / Accountable:
- Neighborhood Development 704.336.2646
- City Arborist 704.336.4262
- City/County Customer Service 704.336.7600
- Neighborhood Associations
What Neighborhoods Can Do:
- The City's Neighborhood Matching Grant funds can be used to purchase plantings for such projects.
- Work with other community stakeholders for assistance.
2. Model Neighborhood Indicator: Parks, neighborhood centers and neighborhood institutions are maintained.
Standard Service Delivery
- Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation conducts daily on-site checks for safety hazards and general park clean-up.
- Park Watch conducts weekly playground inspections to check for safety hazards.
- The department contracts mowing services for 26 cuts per year.
- Residents can partner with Parks and Recreation to assist in the clean-up of neighborhood parks.
- City-managed neighborhood centers are contractually maintained daily.
Responsible / Accountable:
- Neighborhood Development 704.336.2061
- Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation 704.336.3854
- Neighborhood Associations
What Neighborhoods Can Do:
- Work with the Parks and Recreation District Commission to ensure clean parks.
- Neighborhood associations should partner with public entities to report unlawful activities and dumping on or around parks and neighborhood centers.
3. Model Neighborhood Indicator: Land uses are complementary and reflect smart growth policies.
Standard Service Delivery
- A 2005 Land Use Plan and 2015 Long-Range Plan have been developed with specific Smart Growth recommendations.
- Zoning enforcement requires building permits for all new construction, and notices of violation are issued for illegal land uses.
Responsible /Accountable:
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission 704.336.2205
- Mecklenburg County Zoning Department 704.336.3569
What Neighborhoods Can Do:
- Participate in long-range planning and zoning processes that support land use planning and the protection of established neighborhoods.
4. Model Neighborhood Indicator: Housing styles and values vary.
Standard Service Delivery
- Neighborhood Development and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission work with neighborhoods undergoing major revitalization efforts to maintain neighborhood character and housing styles that should be emulated throughout the process.
- Housing strategies for purchase/rental property are addressed in a revitalization process.
- Neighborhood Development also may choose to partner with a non-profit entity to subsidize homeownership opportunities.
Responsible / Accountable:
- Neighborhood Development 704.336.3380
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission 704.336.2205
- Private and Non-Profit Developers and Neighborhood Associations
What Neighborhoods Can Do:
- Organize neighborhood association to petition for land use and zoning changes to preserve the character of neighborhoods.
5. Model Neighborhood Indicator: Signage, facades and merchandise sold in neighborhood businesses are appropriate.
Standard Service Delivery
- Mecklenburg County Zoning Department inspects signage or any other zoning violation for compliance.
- A notice of violation is issued with 30 days to correct/appeal. If no action is taken, owner is fined and may be taken to environmental court.
- Upkeep of facades is managed through the building code for commercial buildings.
- Police monitor ABC permits and sale of illegal merchandise.
Responsible / Accountable:
- Mecklenburg County Zoning Department 704.336.3569
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department 704.353.1000
What Neighborhoods Can Do:
- Alert zoning inspectors or police where neighborhood businesses' signage, facades and merchandise sold may be inappropriate.
6. Model Neighborhood Indicator: Infrastructure that supports neighborhood health and safety needs.
Standard Service Delivery
- The City's Neighborhood Improvement Program maintains, stabilizes and revitalizes targeted neighborhoods through comprehensive infrastructure investments.
Responsible / Accountable:
- Engineering and Property Management 704.336.7277
- Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) 704.336.2261
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities 704.399.2221
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission 704.336.2205
- Neighborhood Associations
What Neighborhoods Can Do:
- Contact Neighborhood Improvement Coordinator with the City's Engineering and Property Management Department to assess neighborhood infrastructure needs and become familiar with the process and criteria for a neighborhood to be placed on the program list.
