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Newton County gets UDO update; commissioners press consultants on District 3 density and overlays
Summary
Consultants presented a draft approach to a Unified Development Ordinance and outreach plan; commissioners, led by District 3 representative, pressed for options to prevent new multifamily development in parts of the county and asked that consultants prioritize those concerns in drafting.
Consultants working on Newton County’s Unified Development Ordinance told the county’s Board of Commissioners during a work session that they will begin drafting ordinance text in two modules and that public outreach and staff interviews completed last fall are guiding their recommended changes.
The update, delivered by consultant Brian Mabry and consultant Rachel Booth and introduced by county planning staff Shaina Applewhite, reviewed the UDO’s purpose, a proposed chapter structure, and possible changes including consolidation of zoning and subdivision rules, clearer use tables, administrative adjustments for small technical deviations, and design standards to preserve the county’s “small-town character.” Brian Mabry said, “The Unified Development Ordinance is the primary regulatory tool that the county has … to implement their comprehensive plan,” and described the project goal of making regulations predictable for applicants and neighbors.
Why it matters: the UDO will translate Newton County’s comprehensive plan into enforceable rules for zoning, permitted uses, building…
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