Board approves first reading of unified development ordinance with amendments, limits data center density

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-03, a unified development ordinance (UDO) that will replace the city’s current zoning code, and accepted several amendments proposed by Planning and Codes Director Seegis Clark.

Seegis Clark told the board he had worked on the UDO for about three years and presented a set of amendments intended to clarify and tighten several provisions. “I’ve been working with this for going on 3 years now, and we’re in a good place to adopt it,” Clark said. The amendments consolidate some residential zoning districts, add language to prevent approved large developments from later seeking higher density, and specify accessory-structure size limits.

Clark highlighted new language aimed at data centers, saying staff recommended strengthening requirements for setbacks, screening and noise to give those rules “some teeth.” The draft also restores short-term rentals as allowable by special exception and restricts detached multifamily structures such as duplexes to special exception status and larger minimum lot sizes.

Board members discussed setbacks and density clarifications. One alderman raised a possible typo in medium-density side and rear setback dimensions and asked staff to correct it prior to second reading. Clark said he would note that and bring corrections for the second reading.

A motion to approve the ordinance with the amendments presented on first reading was made by an alderman and seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. The ordinance will return for second reading with the agreed edits.

The action moves the UDO forward but does not finalize zoning changes; second reading is required for adoption. The planning director and city staff said they expect additional technical edits before second reading, and they encouraged residents to attend a follow-up session where details will be available.