New Drafted UDO

Wake Forest's New Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Drawing on best practices in zoning and land use regulations, the rewrite addresses the current conditions in Wake Forest, which are very different from what they were in 2013. Another objective of the rewrite is to ensure the UDO and MSSD comply with current state and federal law.The town has published a rewritten development ordinance, with Planning Board consideration scheduled for November 10, 2026 and a potential Board of Commissioners hearing and adoption in January 2027. A revised zoning map would follow.

Why buyers should care: Development rules and zoning boundaries help determine what types of construction may be permitted on neighboring land. Changes may affect density, lot requirements, building design and future development possibilities, depending on the final ordinance and map.

Capital Boulevard (US 1)

Capital Boulevard (US 1) — Project # U-5307

NCDOT plans to transform Capital Boulevard between I-540 and Purnell/Harris Road into a 6 lane, non-tolled, controlled-access highway, with interchanges and service roads replacing some existing direct access.

Design and right-of-way acquisition are already progressing. Acquisition for the northern sections is scheduled to begin in fall 2027. The project is funded through the state program, but schedules may change.

Why buyers should care: The eventual changes may improve through-travel and traffic operations, but they could also change how residents reach shops, side streets, neighborhoods and businesses. Properties close to planned interchanges deserve special attention.

Official sources for project information, including construction activities, traffic impacts, schedule updates, and project announcements are below:

Skate Park and Pump Track

Skate Park and Pump Track coming to Wake Forest

The site is 8.3 acres next to Devon Square and E. Carroll Joyner Park, off 701 Harris Road in Wake Forest. Plans include a skate park, pump track, basketball courts, fitness court, pavilion, restrooms, lighting and a road extension connecting with the Joyner Park Community Center.

The Town of Wake Forest is set to begin construction on the new skate park & pump track in Feb. 2027. The park will complement the nearby Joyner Park, neighborhoods and commericial areas.

A pump track is a continuous loop of rollers (bumps) and berms (banked turns) designed for wheeled sports. Riders generate momentum through up-and-down body movements (pumping) instead of pedaling, making it accessible for bikes, skateboards, and scooters.The skate park is being designed as a competition- and tournament-style facility with spectator seating, hook-ups for food trucks, and additional parking to accommodate larger events.

Why buyers should care: This is an additional recreational amenity that could appeal to many different types of buyers. For homes nearby, assess proposed parking access, lighting and potential activity levels without assuming adverse impacts.