Development Opportunity Study - Phase I & II

Commercial Development Opportunities Study Cover

Commercial Development Opportunities Study (PDF)

Industrial Development Opportunities Study Cover

Industrial Development Opportunities Study (PDF)

Multi-Family Development Opportunities Study Cover

Multi-Family Development Opportunities Study (PDF)

Phase I

In January 2014, the City-County Planning and Development Services Department conducted Phase I of the Development Opportunity Areas study, a countywide mapping analysis of properties in Forsyth County that are recommended and zoned for different types of development. A series of maps identifying land that could potentially be developed has been compiled by its suitability for multifamily, commercial, or industrial development. Additionally, the properties highlighted:

  • Are determined to be vacant or have a building-to-land value low enough that might make it suitable for redevelopment
  • Meet varying parcel size qualification that might make them attractive for development
    • Commercial - 0.25-acre minimum lot size
    • Industrial - 5-acre minimum lot size
    • Multifamily Residential - 2-acre minimum lot size

Phase II

In 2015, Phase II of the Development Opportunity Areas study was completed. This phase expanded the study by using the same qualifying factors as Phase I and identifying sites that needed to be rezoned but are recommended in area plans for the proposed land use.

Initial data was derived using tax data provided by the Forsyth County Tax Department, Legacy’s proposed land use data, 2014 orthophotography, and current Forsyth County zoning data. Additional site validation and recommendations were made by the City-County Planning and Development Services staff, the Forsyth County Tax Administration staff, and staff representatives from surrounding municipal areas. 

This is a limited study that does not take into account other variables such as topography, slope, access, utilities, soils, ownership, availability, etc. The sites identified in this study also may not be owned by the City of Winston Salem or Forsyth County, nor does the City or County know whether the owners of these properties have the properties available for sale. This study is strictly an assessment of primarily vacant or underdeveloped parcels that have proposed land uses consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan, Legacy, and applicable consistent zoning, while meeting various size thresholds.

Contact

If you have comments, questions, or suggestions for further product enhancements, email Karen Kesler, or call Karen at 336-747-7046.