Draft Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update_September 25, 2017

EXIST ING CONDITIONS

DRAFT

Zoning Morrisville adopted their Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in 2013. A Town-wide rezoning was completed in 2014 to make the Town’s zoning map consistent with the UDO. The UDO combines the Town’s zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance into one document to simplify communication and enforcement. Zoning west of NC 54 includes low, medium, and high density residential uses with a strong emphasis on neighborhood and community spaces. Zoning east of NC 54 includes the majority of Morrisville’s industrial, office, and commercial areas. The Town of Morrisville’s zoning includes two Airport Overlay Districts, a Floodplain Overlay District, and a Town Center Conservation Overlay District. The Airport Noise Overlay District restricts certain development types, resulting in the majority of residences and schools being located west of NC 54. Airport Overlay District A’s western border is NC 54, and Airport Overlay District B is located almost entirely west of NC 54. The Floodplain Overlay District encompasses the area within the 100-year floodplain, and the Town Center Conservation Overlay District includes the area surrounding Morrisville-Carpenter Road’s intersections with Town Hall Drive and NC 54, detailed in the 2007 Town Center Plan . Development Constraints There are a number of challenges that impact the Town’s planning and development. The Town is completely bordered by other jurisdictions, leaving limited options for annexation. Crabtree Creek, which passes through the southern portion of Morrisville, does not meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and is classified as a 303(d) impaired stream. This classification is supplemented with a unique management plan that may affect development near the creek. Additionally, Morrisville housed the Koppers Company, Inc. plant, a facility that processed and treated wood. The EPA found that the site was contaminated in 1980 and proceeded with cleanup efforts. While there is currently no environmental hazard on the site, it is still on the Superfund list and is being monitored by the EPA. Other environmental constraints in Morrisville include floodplains, wetlands, stream buffers, and steep slopes. The Town of Morrisville requires buffers on both intermittent and perennial streams. The Town is also a Phase II stormwater community and is in both the Jordan Lake and Neuse River watersheds. The railroad corridor running alongside NC 54, owned by North Carolina Railroad and operated by Norfolk Southern, requires that new roadway, sidewalk, and bicycle connections across the railroad must be constructed as grade-separated crossings, with some exceptions. While this requirement mitigates potential train collisions at at-grade railroad crossings, it also results in increased costs associated with new east-west connections.

2-7 | P A G E