In a recent government meeting, town officials discussed significant updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), aimed at refining zoning regulations and enhancing community planning. The meeting highlighted the involvement of a third-party engineering group, which provided valuable feedback on the UDO's language and standards to eliminate ambiguity and improve clarity.

The draft UDO, now available for public review, consists of 18 chapters, with a focus on major changes in Chapter 2, which outlines zoning districts and development standards. Key updates include the establishment of new zoning districts aligned with the community plan, clarification of conditional zoning, and the introduction of mixed-use standards aimed at promoting affordable housing.

Officials emphasized the importance of aligning zoning regulations with the town's comprehensive plan to minimize nonconformities and streamline development processes. New overlay districts, such as transit-oriented development and activity center overlays, were proposed to enhance land use categories identified in the community plan.

The meeting also addressed the need for flexibility in development standards to accommodate affordable housing. Proposed incentives include reductions in open space and tree canopy requirements, as well as increased building heights in specific districts. These changes aim to facilitate the construction of more affordable units while balancing the preservation of green space.

In addition to zoning updates, the UDO introduces new use regulations, accommodating modern housing types like triplexes and quadplexes, as well as commercial uses such as artisan production and commercial kitchens. This approach seeks to future-proof the ordinance by addressing emerging trends in development.

As the town moves forward with these proposed changes, officials are committed to ensuring that the UDO serves as an effective tool for community growth and development, while also engaging the public in the review process.