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Commissioners discuss starting a rewrite of the Unified Development Code to modernize zoning and graphics
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed launching a multiphase rewrite of Fayetteville’s Unified Development Code (UDC) to modernize zoning districts, consolidate use tables, add graphics and hyperlinks, and clarify district‑specific rules.
At the May 22 meeting commissioners and staff discussed initiating a comprehensive rewrite of Fayetteville’s Unified Development Code to replace decades of incremental amendments and to provide clearer, modern guidance for zoning, design and permitting.
Staff and commissioners said Fayetteville’s code has accumulated many patches and legacy provisions; the proposed rewrite would establish a clear organizing principle (for example, distinguishing compact walkable districts from auto‑oriented suburban districts), consolidate use tables, add diagrams and hyperlinks, and implement a more consistent district‑based or context‑based approach.
Commissioners emphasized several priorities for the rewrite: reduce the number of overlapping or unused zoning districts, include clear graphics and hyperlinks to definitions and design standards, and separate regulatory frameworks for walkable versus auto‑oriented areas. Several speakers said they prefer a code that sets broader policy directions at the outset (district purpose and intent) rather than numerous micro changes across dozens of districts.
Staff recommended an on‑ramp process: the commission would frame the policy and high‑level organizing principles early, then a consultant or staff team would prepare drafts and comparative examples for commissioners to consider. Commissioners asked that the effort not be limited to cosmetic relabeling; several urged a fundamental rethinking rather than simply reformatting the existing code.
No formal decision was made to begin a consultant procurement; commissioners asked staff to prepare an engagement plan and examples so the commission can advise on scope and priorities before issuing any request for proposals.
Why it matters: A comprehensive UDC rewrite could change how Fayetteville zones for density, walkability and mixed use and affect development patterns over decades. Commissioners indicated broad support for beginning a deliberate process to define goals and scope before hiring outside consultants.
