A Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is a local policy tool used to streamline the development process, remove inconsistencies, overlaps, and eliminate outdated policies by combining zoning, subdivision, design, signage, flood prevention, grading, and stormwater management regulations in a single ordinance. It puts development requirements and policies in one place to make the process easier for developers, the public, and agencies to understand.
- Provide concise, consistent language and definitions in plain writing, with clear illustrations and tables to support efficient processes.
- Back up the UDO with strong standards, regulations, and policies to increase effectiveness. A strategy of visual, diagrammatic, form-based codes will in many instances produce better outcomes than prescriptive, text-laden zoning ordinances.
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