By-Right vs. Approvals: When You'll See a Public Hearing (and When You Won't)
Why some projects move ahead with staff review - and others require public notice and a hearing.
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Public Hearing Quick Check:
1. Rezoning? Yes — hearing path.
2. Special Use Permit (m/M)? Yes — hearing path.
3. Variance/appeal? Yes — hearing path.
4. Administrative site plan? Usually no hearing (staff approval).
1. Rezoning? Yes — hearing path.
2. Special Use Permit (m/M)? Yes — hearing path.
3. Variance/appeal? Yes — hearing path.
4. Administrative site plan? Usually no hearing (staff approval).
If you’ve ever watched a project move forward and thought, “How did this happen without a vote?” - you’re not alone.
In Durham's Unified Development Ordinance, the difference usually comes down to one question:
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![[WordroW] Postponement - Feb. 22, 2026](/content/images/size/w600/2025/12/wordrow1.png)
