Frequently Asked Questions
What is performance residential?
Currently, developers in New Hanover County are using a loophole known as Performance Residential in order increase subdivision density by factoring in unbuildable wetland acreage to increase the number of buildable homes while avoiding the rezoning process. Our main issue with Performance Residential Zoning is that it completely bypasses resident input and approval from elected county officials and shifts everything to unelected officials. Residents are cut out of the approval process and do not have a say in how their communities look, essentially allowing developers (often from out of state) to alter the look and feel of our communities. It relies on a development meeting a series of "goals" which often end up creating neighborhoods that do not reflect the open, wooded feel of Residential Agricultural zoning. Instead, houses are "clustered" together, at a high density while relying on retention ponds or unbuildable acreage as the preserved open space.
What is "by right"?
Performance Residential projects are approved as "by-right", meaning that the developer's private property rights allow for all aspects of the project to continue and do not require county input. We believe in private property rights, but also that "no man is an island" and that higher density developments have the ability to decimate ecosystems, increase traffic flow, flood neighboring developments, contribute to school crowding, and fundamentally alter the overall way of life for everyone.
What is Save the Hayne doing?
It is our goal to petition the county to pause Performance Residential Zoning, re-evaluate the process and work to create a process where the voice of community members and their elected officials carry weight in the approval process through hearings and public testimony. We believe a community grows best when that growth is supported by all its members.
What can you do?
Contact us at savethehayne@gmail.com
