As of November 12, 2025, the Chapel Hill Town Council will only accept petitions that fall under two specific categories authorized by North Carolina General Statutes:

1. Annexation Petitions

Under G.S. 160A-31, property owners may request that land contiguous to the Town’s boundaries be annexed into the Town. A valid annexation petition must be signed by all property owners within the area proposed for annexation and must include a legal description of the property boundaries. The Town Clerk is responsible for verifying the petition’s sufficiency before it is considered by the Council.
Read the full statute (G.S. 160A-31)

2. Charter Amendment Petitions

Under G.S. 160A-104, residents may initiate a petition to amend the Town’s charter. A valid charter amendment petition must be signed by at least 10% of registered voters in the Town (or 5,000 voters, whichever is less). The petition must clearly describe the proposed amendment. If the petition is valid, the Council must call a special election to allow voters to decide on the proposed change.
Read the full statute (G.S. 160A-104)

See also Status of Petitions to Council

Public Participation

Community members who wish to share feedback or raise concerns on other topics may do so through public comment, which is not considered a formal petition. Public comments are accepted during regular Council meetings or may be submitted online.

If a public comment includes a request for action, Town staff will review it and respond directly to the commenter within 5–10 business days.

To submit a public comment, please visit the Town Council meeting calendar or email mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org.

See also Submit a Public Comment or Input