The Town of Carrboro is seeking consulting services to complete a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The Town intends to build upon work completed through a prior new UDO effort and establish a clear framework for completing the recommended remaining work.  The 2022 Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans serve as the foundation and policy framework for the project.  

The Town wishes to modernize its development regulations and address major issues, content problems, and/or weaknesses including but not limited to the following:  

• Increase the ease of developing and availability of affordable housing stock in Carrboro; 

• Increase by-right approaches to desired uses/permits with increased administrative decision-making; 

• Implement best practices of planning and development tools for community benefits, particularly for affordable housing and stormwater; 

• Incorporate and encourage smart growth practices for long term sustainability; 

• Address unclear, contradictory language, including standards or requirements which simply cannot be met;  

• Simplify development review and permitting processes by eliminating unnecessary complexity and cumbersome procedures;  

• Improve visual accessibility through the incorporation of graphics, illustrations, and other tools that clarify ordinance requirements; 

• Establish clear, comprehensive, and consistent definitions to improve interpretation and application of ordinance provisions; 

• Improve usability by residents, applicants, elected officials, boards/commissions and Town staff. 

Submission and Administrative Information  

Submission Deadline: 5:00pm ET, December 4, 2026  

Submission Method: Consultants should submit a fully completed statement of qualifications providing all the requested information in this RFQ in a digital, PDF format via this Microsoft One Drive File Request Link.   

Pre-Submittal Conference: The Town will hold a voluntary pre-submittal conference. Attendance is encouraged. The conference will provide an opportunity to discuss the project history, available work products, and the RFQ. Formal questions and Town responses will be incorporated by addendum when appropriate. The meeting will be held virtually on Zoom: https://townofcarrboro.zoom.us/j/87870888618  

Questions/Clarifications: Consultants may submit written questions by 5:00pm ET on November 16, 2026. Responses will be shared via addenda with all prospective firms.