David L. York Receives ZPLU Section’s Award of Excellence

April 29, 2026

David L. York is the 2026 recipient of the NCBA Zoning, Planning and Land Use (ZPLU) Section Award of Excellence. His distinguished 36-year career and consistent demonstration of the award’s qualities earned him the nomination by Clyde Holt, Robin Tatum, David Neill, Catherine Hill and Beth Trahos.

The Award of Excellence was created to recognize “superstars” of the Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section who have shown outstanding work in land use matters. In addition to professional achievement, nominees demonstrate ethical standards, dedication to clients and community and a sustained commitment to the practice of law.

York built his career across both private practice and public service, establishing himself as one of North Carolina’s most respected land use practitioners. He began his career at Raleigh’s Hatch, Little & Bunn LLP before going on to co-found Holt, York, McDarris & High LLP, where he developed a thriving land use and zoning practice. York later joined Fox Rothschild LLP.

Throughout his years in private practice, York represented a wide range of clients before municipal boards, planning commissions and governing bodies across the state. He was also named to The Best Lawyers in America for Land Use and Zoning Law.

David became known for his ability to use humor to defuse tension in contentious neighborhood meetings and board hearings, fostering collaboration and helping parties reach constructive outcomes.

While still in private practice, York served as town attorney for the Town of Rolesville, providing legal counsel on a range of municipal law matters with a focus on land use and zoning.

In 2020, he joined the Raleigh City Attorney’s Office, where he spent the final phase of his legal career until his retirement in 2025. During his tenure, he played a central role in efforts to modernize the City of Raleigh’s land use policy, balancing growth and development needs with community input and long-standing land use principles. York was also vital to updating Raleigh’s UDO to incorporate state law changes after the enactment of 160D.

York is a founding member of the Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section and later served as an early chair, where he upheld the section’s mission during a period of growth. In retirement, he continues to participate actively, mentoring newer practitioners and contributing to the section’s efforts to advance land use law in North Carolina.

Also active in his community outside of NCBA, York served on the Raleigh Civil Service Commission and is heavily involved in his church, Trinity Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. York was the announcer for Trinity’s church league basketball program for many years. According to his nominators, “his over-the-top style of announcing made every child feel like an NBA player.”

Throughout his career, David balanced outstanding professional performance with bar leadership, public service and community involvement. His career speaks directly to each of the award’s criteria.

The Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Visit the section’s webpage to learn more about the community and the Award of Excellence.