The Chapel Hill Town Council unanimously approved a change to the Ephesus-Fordham form based code that would make blocks in the district smaller and increase connectivity.

“I think this is a really important thing that we’re moving forward with,” said Travis Crayton from the town’s Planning Commission. “It could really set Ephesus-Fordham up to be a really great urban center for our town.”

The town originally planned on creating blocks that were a maximum of 500 feet, but after the council expressed a desire for small blocks, town staff recommended changing to a maximum of 400 feet.

Developers who desire larger blocks can receive approval for up to 600 feet from the Community Design Commission. A building pass-through will be required every 200 feet.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be a street division,” mayor Pam Hemminger said. “That’s part of this discussion that’s evolving is that it doesn’t have to a road with two lanes a sidewalk.”

Some residents raised objections to the change, saying that it did not take into account issues such as topography, which could prevent a development from abiding by the law.

Councilman Michael Parker said the plan was still a work-in-progress.

“There is a commitment from the manager and the staff over the summer to engage with a consultant,” he said. “To really work through all of these issues through conversations with whomever needs to be conversed with.”

Town staff will review the plan, as well as addition changes to the Ephesus-Fordham zoning district over the summer.

The council will examine these issues when they return from break in the fall.

Related Stories
‹
No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget
Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.
Impassioned Public Comment Leads Chapel Hill Town Council to Drop Discussion of Downsizing
A discussion by the Chapel Hill Town Council about trimming its seats and extending the length of mayoral term was met with swift, vocal opposition during a public hearing last week.
Orange County Clerk of Court Mark Kleinschmidt Wins State, National Honors
Orange County Clerk of Superior Court Mark Kleinschmidt has been recognized with two awards – one statewide and one national – in recognition of his service. Kleinschmidt received the North Carolina Guardianship Association’s Trailblazer Award last week in Asheville, recognizing his two terms as Clerk of Superior Court and Probate Judge. In legal terms, guardianship […]
Climate Action, A New Hotel and Downsizing Council? Highlights from Chapel Hill Town Council's Apr. 15 Meeting
The Chapel Hill Town Council held its first official business meeting of the month on Wednesday, Apr. 15 to cover a full agenda — which included discussing affordable housing funding, ongoing climate action efforts, parking incentives for a hotel project, and more.
Chapel Hill to Resume Conversations for West Rosemary Street Hotel With Public Hearing
This week, Chapel Hill is resuming talks for a proposed hotel development in its downtown along West Rosemary Street.
Local Government Meetings: March 23-27, 2026
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners and Orange County school board are set to meet after seeing their prior meetings postponed.
UNC-Founded Eats2Seats to Create Entrepreneurial 'Third Space' with New Franklin Street Headquarters
Growing from a class project to a nationwide business, Eats2Seats recently celebrated the decision to keep its headquarters local.
Our Town: The Story of Ted Voorhees, Chapel Hill Town Manager
The Town of Chapel Hill in collaboration with 97.9 The Hill WCHL & Chapelboro.com present “Our Town: Stories of Chapel Hill.” Each month you’ll hear from the people at the heart of your local government who are learning, serving, and working together to build a community where people thrive. This month, Ted Voorhees reflects on his first six months serving as town manager; and tells the story of why he chose to come to Chapel Hill. 
Top Stories of 2025: In Orange County, An Anticlimactic Election
The municipal election was always going to be one of the top stories of 2025 in Chapel Hill - though this year's race was unusually quiet.
Chapel Hill, Carrboro Town Councils Swear In New and Returning Members to Close 2025
The Chapel Hill and Carrboro town councils held their final meetings of the calendar year and swore in November's election winners.
›