The Planning Department handles inquiries on existing zoning, potential new development, regulations for signs, neighborhood nuisance property, whether a storage building can be added to a lot, how to divide and sell land and many other issues. The Planning Department prepares background data on proposed zoning changes, looks at site plans to see that buildings and parking lots are properly placed and landscape plantings are adequate, follows up on complaints about possible Town code violations and writes information on land usage concerns for the public and elected officials.
The Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency handles building and permanent sign permits, zoning permits and inspections. Contact the local office via telephone at (704) 814-0435 or
visit their website.
Outdoor Illumination - draft section
The Town's existing lighting standards are under revision. The new outdoor illumination regulations will preserve and protect the nighttime environment while ensuring the comfort and safety of our residents and businesses.
If you wish to comment on this draft section please email us.
Crestdale Rising: What Unites Us Is Greater Than What Divides Us
In July 2011, the American Planning Association (APA) organized a Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) project in the Crestdale neighborhood of Matthews.
Through a series of site visits, public meetings, and scheduled interviews, the team - comprised of expert planners and urban designers with expertise matched to the specific challenges that Crestdale faces - conducted an intensive study of the community. Team members gained valuable insights from Crestdale residents, stakeholders, and people with a genuine interest in the community's past, present, and future.
This report presents the team’s vision and recommendations for the neighborhood and the Town of Matthews to consider as they decide how to move forward as a community.
If you wish to comment on this report please email us.
Unified Development Ordinance
The purpose of a Unified Development ordinance is to rewrite the Zoning Ordinance consistent with Matthew's "Our Town, Our Vision" and other community expectations and then fold in all of the other land use regulations into one straightforward document.
The consulting firm Land Vision, Inc. is working with the Town's Planning Department staff to obtain their perspective on regulation and code administration issues and opportunities as well as with the Planning Commission and Town Council for the same purpose. A series of public workshops were held to expose interested residents to different ideas about land development and to gauge community acceptance for change. A stakeholder committee is also involved to act as the reality check for the process as we prepare and circulate draft regulations and chapters.
Chapter revisions are in progress. For more information please click on the following draft chapters:
If you wish to comment on the UDO please email us.
Downtown Master Plan
The Downtown Master Plan is currently being revised. This plan sets forth the Town's vision for the future of the downtown area and identifies a range of development and redevelopment opportunities that, once implemented, will enhance the quality of life of all citizens.
A public input session was held on January 28, 2010 to garner input from citizens regarding their vision for downtown Matthews. Planning staff will continue working on these revisions throughout the next few months.
If you wish to comment on the Downtown Master Plan, please email us.
Land Use Plan
The Matthews Land Use Plan is also being revised. This document sets land development policies for the entire town. The Plan includes general goals, objectives and recommendations for each land use
category and for each corridor or transition area. It also suggests tools for achieving and enforcing
land use patterns to reach the identified goals and objectives.
Draft section 1
Draft section 2
If you wish to comment on the Land Use Plan, please email us.