Zoning

When Mallard Lakes was designed and built decades ago, the lots were established to take advantage of the lake shores. Many residents enjoy lots that are larger than average compared to new city streets. When the city of Winston Salem annexed our neighborhood, the default zoning for the surrounding area allowed higher density construction with smaller lots.

But:

The Mallard Lakes neighborhood is protected by a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO), a zoning restriction that overrides the default. Lots that are part of the Mallard Lakes Association have larger minimum sizes based on the  original neighborhood design.

A Neighborhood Conservation Overlay district (NCO) is a district where certain development standards override basic zoning regulations. The purpose of the NCO is to preserve neighborhood integrity and character by ensuring that new development is compatible with existing development in the neighborhood.

Note that our Neighborhood Conservation Overlay differs from an Historic Overlay District. Historic Overlays often restrict how buildings look and how buildings may be modified. The Neighborhood Conservation Overlay does not regulate the appearance of homes. Its standards apply only to how lots may be developed.

The standards of an NCO must be consistent with the existing development in the neighborhood. Because the average lot size differs in some parts of Mallard Lakes, the NCO is divided into three districts: District 1, District 2 and District 3. District 1 applies to all of Mallard Lakes except Walker Road and the three undeveloped lots on Foxhunter Court. District 2 applies to Walker Road only.  District 3 applies to the undeveloped lots on Foxhunter Court.

Within all districts, any dwelling must be oriented so that its front entrance faces the street on which the lot fronts.

This table lists the minimum allowed dimensions of lots in each district:

District 1
applies to all of Mallard Lakes except
Walker Road and the undeveloped lots on Foxhunter Court
Minimum Lot Size: .5 acre
Minimum Lot Width: 100 feet
Minimum Front Setback: 50 feet
 
District 2
applies to lots on Walker Road
Minimum Lot Size: 1.25 acre
Minimum Lot Width: 130 feet
Minimum Front Setback: 125 feet
 
District 3
applies to undeveloped lots on Foxhunter Court
Minimum Lot Size: .5 acre
Minimum Lot Width: 100 feet
Minimum Front Setback: 20 feet