Highlights about Housing Policy

The Durham City Council hears a call to action on human trafficking prevention, recognizes a long-running youth resilience coalition, and wrestles with annexation and zoning along Highway 98 before narrowly approving the Sagebrook townhouse project amid sharp debate over sprawl, the environment, and housing affordability.

The council addressed meeting disruptions with new enforcement and speaking limits, then dug into park lighting standards, costs, and timing for dark‑sky compliance. Later, members weighed preserving the Milton Small building, interim activation at 505 W. Chapel Hill Street, and how affordable housing, parking, and subsidies shape near‑term options.

The council links the downtown plan to UDO updates, weighing simpler zoning, incentives for taller buildings, and the new down‑zoning limits. Members back stronger flood and stormwater mandates while protecting affordability goals, revisit the 1,000‑unit affordable housing target, and hear a firm stance to allow data centers only with conditional rezoning and a community benefit agreement.

The council adopts a renters’ rights ordinance setting safety, maintenance, and dignity standards after debate over legal caveats and keeping a key list aligned with other cities. Members weigh tenant leverage against preemption concerns before a unanimous vote.