How We Work
A Clear, Four-Step Process
Code reform can feel overwhelming. Our process breaks it into manageable phases with clear deliverables at each step—so you always know where you are and what comes next.
Diagnose
Understand before you act.
Every engagement begins with a structured discovery process. We review your community context, housing goals, existing code documents, and recent development history. We conduct interviews with planning staff, administrators, and—where appropriate—elected officials and applicants.
Key Activities
- Stakeholder interviews (staff, administration, applicants)
- Review of existing code documents and amendments
- Analysis of recent development applications and outcomes
- Community context and housing needs assessment
- Identification of known pain points and priorities
Phase Outcome
A shared understanding of your regulatory landscape and the specific questions the audit should answer.
Audit
Read the code. Find the barriers.
We conduct a systematic, section-by-section review of your development regulations against a structured framework of best practices, state law requirements, and housing-friendly standards. Every finding is documented with the specific code citation, the problem it creates, and the magnitude of its impact.
Key Activities
- Section-by-section ordinance review
- Comparison to peer community standards
- State law compliance check (NCGS Chapter 160D)
- Process mapping and timeline analysis
- Staff workflow and capacity assessment
Phase Outcome
A comprehensive audit report with prioritized findings, specific code citations, and clear explanations of impact.
Recommend
Clear direction, not just diagnosis.
Findings without recommendations aren't useful. For every barrier identified, we provide a specific, actionable recommendation—including draft amendment language where appropriate. Recommendations are prioritized by impact and feasibility so your team knows where to start.
Key Activities
- Prioritized recommendation matrix
- Draft redline amendment language
- Process redesign recommendations
- Staff training and capacity recommendations
- Stakeholder engagement strategy
Phase Outcome
A recommendations report with ready-to-use amendment drafts, a priority matrix, and an engagement strategy.
Implement
From report to reality.
The hardest part of code reform isn't identifying problems—it's getting changes adopted. We support your team through the implementation process: refining amendment language, preparing staff reports, supporting public hearings, and training boards and staff on new provisions.
Key Activities
- Amendment refinement and legal coordination support
- Staff report preparation assistance
- Planning board and elected official training
- Public hearing support and materials
- Post-adoption implementation guidance
Phase Outcome
Adopted code amendments, trained staff, and a community positioned to deliver better development outcomes.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical engagement take?
A focused code audit typically takes 8–12 weeks from kickoff to final report. A full engagement including implementation support can range from 6 to 18 months depending on scope and your community's adoption timeline.
Do we need to complete all four steps?
No. Many communities engage us for specific phases—a standalone audit, a process review, or implementation support for changes already identified. We scope every engagement to your needs.
What do you need from our staff?
We try to minimize staff burden. Typically we need access to your code documents, a few hours of staff interviews, and a point of contact for questions. We do the heavy lifting.
Can you work with our town attorney?
Yes. We coordinate closely with local government attorneys throughout the process, particularly on amendment drafting and adoption procedures.
Ready to Start the Process?
The first step is a conversation. Tell us about your community and we'll help you determine the right scope and starting point.