Consultant Services: Composition & Development Of a Land Development Code

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR
ROWAN COUNTY
Consultant Services: Composition & Development
Of a Land Development Code
# 2026-028
ROWAN COUNTY
130 West Innes Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-216-8178
jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov
Date Issued: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Administered By: Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director

Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Composition of a Land Development Code
Rowan County is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants or firms to assist in the composition of a land
development code that integrates and modernizes all current land use regulations in the County's planning jurisdiction.
All proposals submitted must meet or exceed the time frame and the product/service specifications as outlined in this
Request for Proposals (RFP).
Proposals for composition of the Rowan County Land Development Code will be accepted until Thursday, April 23,
2026, at 11:00 AM ET at the Rowan County Purchasing Department, 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31, Salisbury, North
Carolina 28144. Request documents may be obtained from the County website at:
https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing
Submission of any proposal signifies the Contractor's agreement that their proposal and the content thereof, are valid
for ninety (90) calendar days following the submission deadline and will become part of the contract that is negotiated
between Rowan County and the successful Contractor. All prices submitted with the proposal shall remain in effect for
the ninety (90) day period.
Insurance and Bond requirements are listed in the document; Insurance, Performance Bonds & Payment Bonds will be
required only from the awarded respondent before entering into contract with Rowan County.
Once the RFP is public all questions related to the RFP shall be directed to the Purchasing Director. Any contact related
to the RFP with County Staff and/or Board of Commissioners will be prohibited and cause for rejection.
Rowan County reserves the right to award and/or reject any and/or all proposals and waive any technicalities or
irregularities. For complete details, consult the RFP.
This is the 26th day of March 2026.
Rowan County
By: Jody Farrow-Bennett
Rowan County Director of Purchasing & Contract Administration
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
1. Section 1: Introduction & General Instructions .................................................................................................... 4
Contents 1.1. Intent of Request for Proposals .................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Additional Resources .................................................................................................................. 4
1.3. Important Dates ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.4. Pre-Bid Meeting ......................................................................................................................... 5
2. Section 2: Proposal Submission ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Submission of Proposals ............................................................................................................. 5
2.2. Request for Clarification ............................................................................................................. 5
2.3. Errors and Omissions .................................................................................................................. 6
2.4. Signed Proposal Considered an Offer .......................................................................................... 6
2.5. Insurance Coverage .................................................................................................................... 6
2.5. ADA Compliance ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.6. Conflict of Interest ...................................................................................................................... 7
3. Section 3: Evaluation of Proposals ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.1. Evaluation Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 7
3.2. Pricing ........................................................................................................................................ 7
3.3. Final Selection ............................................................................................................................ 8
4. Section 4: Agreement & General Conditions ........................................................................................................ 8
4.1. Timeline to Execute Contract ...................................................................................................... 8
4.2. Availability of Funds ................................................................................................................... 8
4.3. Non-Discrimination .................................................................................................................... 8
4.4. Collusive Bidding ........................................................................................................................ 8
4.3. General Indemnity ...................................................................................................................... 8
4.4. Assignment ................................................................................................................................ 9
4.5. References ................................................................................................................................. 9
4.6. Termination................................................................................................................................ 9
5. Section 5: Scope of Work ....................................................................................................................................10
5.1. Submittal Requirements ............................................................................................................10
5.2. Expectations ..............................................................................................................................11
5.3. Anticipated Process ...................................................................................................................11
5.4. Code Composition .....................................................................................................................11
5.5. Project Deliverables ...................................................................................................................11
6. Section 6: Respondent Information Sheet ...........................................................................................................12
7. Section 7: Proposal Response Form ....................................................................................................................13
7.1. Contractor Information .............................................................................................................13
7.2. Fixed Cost: .................................................................................................................................13
7.3. Signature ...................................................................................................................................13
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
1. Section 1: Introduction & General Instructions
1.1. Intent of Request for Proposals
The purpose and intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from qualified consultants or
firms to recommend and provide suggested updates that modernize the County's current zoning, subdivision,
historic landmarks, flood damage prevention, addressing, manufactured home storage, and minimum housing
ordinances into a consolidated Land Development Code. The resulting code document is expected to
incorporate best practices in land use planning; be consistent with current North Carolina General Statutes;
utilize graphics and images to effectively convey standards and regulations; and, be arranged in a user-friendly
manner that favors a streamlined process of administration, permitting, enforcement and board consideration
for legislative and quasi-judicial matters.
The following documents constitute this Request for Proposals:
a. This Document
b. Section 5: Scope of Work
c. Section 6: Respondent Information Sheet
d. Section 7: Proposal Response Form (Signed)
e. All Backup Documentation requested in Section 5.1
1.2. Additional Resources
All applicable ordinances proposed for integration into the Land Development Code may be obtained at
https://library.municode.com/nc/rowan_county/codes/code_of_ordinances. The County's 2025 Land Use Plan
is available at https://www.rowancountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/55055/Rowan-County-Land-Use-Plan-
Adopted-1212025-PDF .For reference, a generalized "status" of each ordinances is provided below:
Chapter Ordinance Status
7 Article V Minimum Housing Standards No updates since 1994 adoption
9 Flood Damage Prevention Deemed statutorily compliant; last amendment of
6.21.21
9.5 Historic Landmarks Ordinance Deemed statutorily compliant; last amendment of
6.21.21
14.5 Manufactured Home Storage No substantive revisions or updates since 2006
19.5 Road Name, Road Sign and Address Amended March 2022
Display
21 Zoning Ordinance Piecemeal amendments since adoption in 1998
Deemed statutorily compliant w/ NCGS 160D
Suggested 2025 Land Use Plan policies have not been
incorporated
22 Subdivision Ordinance Piecemeal amendments since adoption in 1994
Deemed statutorily compliant w/ NCGS 160D
Suggested 2025 Land Use Plan policies have not been
incorporated
1.3. Important Dates
Issue Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET
1.3.1.
Deadline for written questions: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
1.3.2.
Deadline for Submitting Proposals: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET
1.3.3.
1.3.5. Anticipated Award Date: BOC Meeting in May
1.3.4.
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
1.4. Pre-Bid Meeting
There will be an optional pre-bid meeting for this project. Respondents interested in submitting a proposal are
strongly encouraged to visit the sites and attend the pre-bid meeting at the date and time listed above. The
meeting will be held at the Rowan County Planning Department, 402 N. Main Street, Room 204, Salisbury, NC
28144.
Questions regarding the specifications or bid documents should be directed to Jody Farrow-Bennett, Rowan
County Purchasing Director. A company representative is encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting in order to
submit a responsive proposal.
2. Section 2: Proposal Submission
2.1. Submission of Proposals
Proposals must be submitted using the Proposal Response Form included with the specifications and enclosed
in a sealed envelope. Each respondent must provide BOTH:
* Three (3) signed hard copies of the complete proposal
&
* One (1) electronic copy in PDF format, created using software such as Adobe, CutePDF, or PDF Writer, to
ensure compliance with ADA public information standards.
Delivery Instructions:
* Paper submissions (mail or hand-delivery):
Rowan County Purchasing Department
Attn: Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director
130 West Innes Street, Suite 31
Salisbury, NC 28144
* Electronic submissions:
jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov
The package shall be sealed and plainly marked "RFP 2026-028 Consultant Services for Composition of a Land
Development Code."
Respondents MUST submit one original sealed proposal.
No responsibility shall be attached to Rowan County (the County) for the premature opening of any proposal not
properly addressed or identified.
This will be a public proposal opening. Once proposal is awarded all respondents will receive notification.
Sealed Proposals are due on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00:00 AM ET, to the exact second; all submissions
must be received and in the hands of the officiating County employee by that moment. Late submissions will be
disqualified. The opening will be held immediately thereafter in the J. Newton Cohen, Sr. Administration Building
at 130 West Innes Street, Conference Room 101, Salisbury, North Carolina. Failure to submit a Proposal by the
exact deadline will disqualify the respondent from consideration for this project.
2.2. Request for Clarification
The County will not be bound by or be responsible for any interpretations or conclusions drawn from this RFP.
All questions or requests for clarification or additional information must be submitted in writing no later than
5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. These written questions or requests must be submitted to Jody Farrow-
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
Bennett, Purchasing Director, by mail or e-mail. Any questions the County feels are pertinent to all interested
respondents will be delivered to all participants as an addendum to this RFP. All addendums will be posted on
the County website https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing and it is the responsibility of the
participants to check for any addendums. Any addenda for clarification will be posted by 5pm Friday, April 17,
2026.
In addition, the County assumes no responsibility for conclusions or interpretations derived from technical and
background information presented in this RFP or otherwise distributed or made available during this
procurement process. The County will not be bound by or be responsible for any explanation, interpretation, or
conclusions of this RFP or any documents provided by the County, other than those given in writing by the
County, through the issuance of an addenda. It is the full responsibility of the participants to thoroughly
investigate the needs/requirements of the County not necessarily assumed in this RFP.
2.3. Errors and Omissions
The respondents shall not take advantage of any errors or omissions in this RFP and shall promptly notify the
County of any omissions or errors found in this document.
2.4. Signed Proposal Considered an Offer
Receipt of a signed proposal shall be considered an offer on the part of the respondent. The terms, conditions,
and specifications of this RFP will become part of the contract if the proposal shall be deemed approved and
accepted by the County. In the event of a default on the part of the respondent after acceptance by the County,
the County may take such action as it deems appropriate, including legal action for damages or specific
performance.
2.5. Insurance Coverage
The respondent shall not commence work under this contract until all insurance required under this section has
been obtained. The respondent shall not allow any subcontractor to commence on work that has been
subcontracted until similar insurance has been obtained by the subcontractor. Also, the respondent agrees that
once awarded and during the term of this contract, the respondent, at their sole cost and expense, shall provide
commercial insurance of such type and with such terms and limits as may be reasonably associated with the
contract. At a minimum, the respondent shall provide and maintain the following coverage and limits:
2.5.1. Worker's Compensation
Worker's compensation insurance as required by North Carolina law to cover all the Provider's employees
engaged in any work under the Agreement. Workers' Compensation in the minimum amount of $500,000
employer's liability. A Certificate of Insurance shall be issued confirming the above coverage. The
Certificate must include a clause obligating the Insurer to give thirty (30) days prior notice in the event of
cancellation of or major change in the insurance.
2.5.2. Comprehensive General Liability
The Contractor shall maintain Comprehensive General Liability coverage in amounts not less than $500,000
per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate. This Certificate must also include a clause obligating the insurer to
give thirty (30) days prior notice in the event of cancellation of or major change in the insurance and name the
County as an additional insured.
This coverage must include:
1. Blanket contractual coverage for the liability assumed by the Contractor under the indemnity provision of
the contract involved. Such Certificate must specifically state that the contractor is insured, and it must be
signed by the insurance company, not the agent or broker.
2. Contractor's protective coverage for his subcontractors.
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
Any exceptions must be agreed upon by the County.
This insurance shall have been issued by a Company rated "A+" as reported in the current edition of Best's Key
Rating Guide, published by Alfred M. Best Company, Inc.
2.5. ADA Compliance
All vendors of Rowan County must ensure their products and services are available to individuals with
disabilities, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by April 2026. For digital accessibility, vendors
should comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which include making digital content perceivable, operable,
understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. Digital offerings must be compatible with assistive
technologies like screen readers, braille displays, and voice recognition software. Vendors must provide
reasonable modifications to their products and services to accommodate individuals with disabilities unless
doing so would cause undue hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of the service. Vendors must ensure
effective communication with individuals with disabilities, which may include providing auxiliary aids and
services such as accessible electronic documents, captions for videos, and alternative text for images. Failure to
meet these requirements may result in termination of the contract.
2.6. Conflict of Interest
All respondents must disclose in writing with their proposal the name of any owner, officer, director, or agent
who is also an employee of the County. All respondents must also disclose in writing with their proposal the
name of any employee of the County who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in
the respondent's firm or any of its branches or subsidiaries. By submitting a proposal, the respondent certifies
that there is no relationship between the respondent and any person or entity which is, or gives the appearance
of, a conflict of interest related to this RFP or project.
3. Section 3: Evaluation of Proposals
3.1. Evaluation Criteria
Price will be a consideration in the County's evaluation criteria, but it will not be the only determining factor in
our evaluation. The proposals will be evaluated on a "best overall value" basis including, but not limited to,
pricing, experience, references, quality, performance, and the Contractor's ability to adhere to all conditions and
requirements of the specifications outlined in this RFP. The Contractor's ability to provide a team of skilled,
trained employees, and the Contractor's experience with similar projects will also be considered in the County's
evaluation of the proposals submitted. The county request experience with counties and municipalities within
North Carolina, but this is not a requirement.
Evaluation criteria (1-5 scale)
a. 40% Cost
b. 20% Experience
c. 20% Qualification
d. 10% Response to Scope or Work
e. 10% References (Local/NC)
Any contract resulting from this RFP shall have an initial term of two (2) years and may be renewed for one (1)
additional year at the option of the County and upon mutual agreement of both parties, for a total possible term
of three (3) years.
3.2. Pricing
Submission of any proposal signifies the respondent's agreement that its proposal and the contents thereof are
valid for ninety (90) calendar days following the submission deadline and will become part of the contract that is
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
negotiated between the County and the successful respondent. All prices submitted with the proposal shall
remain in effect for the ninety (90) day period.
3.3. Final Selection
Proposals are due no later than Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. The County will review all submissions
and notify finalists. A preliminary recommendation date is set for April 20, 2026. If deemed necessary, oral
interviews will be scheduled prior to that date, at which time the date may be adjusted as needed. The County
plans to contract on or shortly after the award/approval BOC meeting. All dates are subject to change without
prior notice.
The right is reserved to accept the response that the County determines to be in the best interest of the County
and the employees. The County reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals.
4. Section 4: Agreement & General Conditions
4.1. Timeline to Execute Contract
The respondent is required to begin and/or commence the work to be performed under this contract within the
time specified on the Proposal Form. Failure by the respondent to begin and/or complete the work within the
contract time shall be assessed as a penalty for each day of overrun. The respondent hereby agrees to execute
this contract and that said charges are considered a just and reasonable compensation to the County and said
charges shall be deducted from payment.
4.2. Availability of Funds
A contract for this project will be awarded and deemed binding only to the extent of appropriated funds for the
purpose set forth in this RFP.
4.3. Non-Discrimination
The respondent shall not discriminate against any individuals and will take proactive measures to assure
compliance with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment, employment of people with
disabilities, and concerning the treatment of all employees without regard to discrimination based upon age,
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.
4.4. Collusive Bidding
The respondent's signature on the Proposal Form is a guarantee the prices quoted have been arrived at without
collusion with other eligible respondent(s) and without effort to preclude the County from obtaining the lowest
possible competitive price.
4.3. General Indemnity
The respondent shall save and hold harmless, protect, defend and indemnify the County (including the County
Manager, the Board of Commissioners, as well as Rowan County officers, agents and employees) from and
against any demand, claim, suit, loss, expense or damage which may be asserted against any of them in their
official or individual capacities by reason of any alleged damage to property, or injury to, or death of, any person
arising out of, or in any way related to, any action or inaction of the Respondent (including its officers, agents
and employees) in the performance or intended performance of this contract, or the maintenance of any facility,
or the operation of any program, which is the subject of, or is related to, the performance of this contract. The
obligations of the Respondent pursuant to this paragraph shall not be limited in any way by any limitation in the
amount or type of proceeds, damages, compensation or benefits payable under any policy of insurance or self-
insurance maintained by, or for the use and benefit of, the Respondent. As an integral part of this contract, the
Respondent agrees to purchase and maintain, during the life of this contract, contractual liability insurance in
the amount required in the general liability insurance requirements and to furnish proper evidence thereof with
the County named as an additional insured.
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
4.4. Assignment
The successful respondent shall be the prime Contractor and shall be solely responsible for all contractual
performance. The respondent shall not assign, transfer, convey, sublet, or otherwise dispose of its agreements
with the County, or its rights, title or interests herein, or its power to execute such agreement, to any other
person, company or corporation without the previous written consent and approval of the County.
4.5. References
The respondent shall provide references of "like" customers the date, product(s) and services provided each
business reference. The respondent shall include in the reference information name, address, contact person(s),
telephone number(s), e-mail address and any other information that may be deemed important and that will
assist the County personnel in contacting the Respondent's references. The County may request additional
evidence of the respondent's experience, qualifications, ability, products, service facilities and financial standing
for which the respondent shall be prepared to provide to the County, if required.
4.6. Termination
4.8.1. Termination For Cause
The County reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time for cause. The violation of any
provision or condition contained in this contract, or the refusal, failure, or inability to carry out any
provisions of this contract shall constitute sufficient cause to terminate this contract for cause. Should
the County elect to terminate this contract for cause, the County will notify the Contractor in writing and
shall specify the cause for termination and the date that such termination shall be effective. Immediate
dismissals may be executed if deemed necessary by the County.
If the Contractor:
1. Fails to begin the work under the contract within the time specified.
2. Fails to perform the work with sufficient workers and equipment, or with sufficient materials
to ensure the prompt completion of the work.
3. Performs the work unsuitably.
4. Discontinues the prosecution of the work.
5. Becomes insolvent, declares bankruptcy, commits any act of bankruptcy, allows any final
judgment to stand against him unsatisfied for a period of forty-eight (48) hours, or shall make an
assignment for the benefit of creditors.
6. Shall not carry on the work in an acceptable manner from any other cause whatsoever.
The County shall give notice in writing to the Contractor of such delay, neglect, or default, specifying the
same.
If the Contractor, within a period of ten (10) days after such notice, shall not proceed in accordance
therewith, then the County shall, upon written certification of the fact of such delay, neglect or default,
and the Contractor's failure to comply with such notice, have full power and authority, without violating
the contract, to take the prosecution of the work out of the hands of the Contractor, to appropriate or
use any or all materials and equipment on the grounds as may be suitable and acceptable, and may
enter into an agreement for the completion of the contract according to the terms and provisions
thereof, or use such other methods as, in its opinion, shall be required for the completion of this
contract in an acceptable manner.
All costs and charges incurred by the County, together with the costs of completing the work under the
contract, shall be deducted from any monies due or which may become due to the Contractor. In case
the expense so incurred by the County shall be less than the sum which would have been payable under
the contract, if the contract had been completed by the Contractor, then the Contractor shall be entitled
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Rowan County#2026-028 Request for Proposals
Date Due: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM Land Development Ordinance
to receive the difference, and in case such expense shall exceed the sum which would have been
payable under the contract, then the Contractor shall be liable and shall pay to the County the amount
of said excess.
4.8.2. Termination for Convenience
If the County shall determine that it is in the County's best interest, the County shall notify the
Contractor to terminate the work within seven (7) days. In such event, the Contractor shall be entitled to
compensation for all work properly executed and any expenses incurred in terminating the contract and
vacating the County work site.
No claim shall be made by the Contractor for any loss of anticipated profits because of any alteration,
change or termination, or by reason of any variation between the approximate quantities and the
quantity of work as done.
5. Section 5: Scope of Work
Rowan County requests proposals from consultants or firms that can demonstrate the experience, qualifications, and
resources necessary to assist in the composition of a Land Development Code. Rowan County currently utilizes a
combination of general police power ordinances (addressing and manufactured home storage) and land planning and
development regulation ordinances (zoning, subdivision, flood damage prevention, and minimum housing) to manage

land development and related nuisance based issues.


Land use policies and recommendations from Rowan County's recently adopted Land Use Plan should also be
incorporated into the code development process. The expectation is that this effort will consolidate the aforementioned

ordinances, related processes, and policy recommendations into a single, comprehensive Land Development Code that
will guide and facilitate development in Rowan County.
5.1. Submittal Requirements
* Cover Letter
The cover letter should include:
A brief overview of the consultant or firm
o
An expression of interest in providing services to Rowan County
o
A statement describing what differentiates the respondent's proposal from others
o
* Project Team
Provide the following information:
Resumes for all personnel assigned to the project, including the Project Manager, detailing years
o
of experience, professional qualifications, education, and roles on similar projects
A description of the proposed approach and methodology
o
A detailed plan for completing the scope of work
o
Any expectations of Rowan County, including materials, data, or services to be provided
o
* Schedule
A proposed timeline for completing the project
o
* Budget
An itemized cost proposal, including travel and materials
o
All costs should be presented as a not-to-exceed amount
o
* References
Contact information for three (3) local governments, preferably North Carolina counties, for
o
whom similar work-such as initial land development code consolidation-has been performed
* Proposed Cost & Fee Schedule
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