The Town of Aberdeen has approved a new zoning overlay along North Carolina Highway 5, a move designed to guide future growth, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety along one of the area’s busiest corridors.
The Aberdeen Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the NC-5 Priority Corridor Overlay during a recent work session, following months of planning discussions and input from developers and town staff.
What the NC-5 Overlay Means for Aberdeen
The overlay applies to properties within 300 feet on either side of NC-5, stretching from Dawkins Street near the Sandhills Bowling Alley shopping center to Keith Street by Aberdeen Lake. While existing zoning remains unchanged, the overlay adds additional development standards.
Those standards include building and parking setbacks, traffic entry and exit requirements, tree canopy preservation, and stormwater visibility guidelines. Town planners say the goal is to reduce congestion while encouraging higher-quality, more visually appealing development.
Planning Ahead for Growth
Town officials say several significant development proposals are expected along the corridor. By approving the overlay now, the town hopes to establish clear expectations before new projects reach the approval stage.
Developers and town staff are also discussing potential flexibility in setback requirements through a future amendment to the town’s Unified Development Ordinance.