Tomorrow, the Milton City Council is set to convene to thoroughly discuss the drafting and implementation of a new Unified Development Code (UDC), a sweeping initiative designed to streamline the way building, land development, and permitting processes work for residents and builders alike. According to a city release, the work session, commencing at 6 p.m. at City Hall, won't involve any official voting but will allow council members to question and guide city staff on the matter.
The agenda also features a showcase of the Milton Fire-Rescue Department's CARES program, which represents Community Advocates for Referral and Education Services. The program is Milton’s approach to quickly deliver health care services and education directly to its citizens, aiming to bridge the gap between emergency care and everyday health needs. CARES, staffed by trained medical professionals who are also firefighters, has successfully conducted 221 health care visits and trained 362 individuals, potentially reducing the strain on emergency services and consequently lowering taxpayer costs.
As for the UDC, it represents the final product of extensive work by the Community Development Department and consultant TSW who were charged with its creation. The UDC is not intended to change the city's regulations or policies regarding development and zoning but rather to present them in a more accessible format for the average person, tapping into the concept of a user-friendly "one stop shop". Tomorrow, TSW and city staff will walk council members through the creation process of the draft UDC, which underwent a detailed review by the Milton Planning Commission and was subject to public meetings.
Contained within the UDC's 13 articles are critical details related to the various districts' designations such as agricultural, residential, and business, along with environmental codes and site development standards. The Council is slated to possibly vote to adopt the new Unified Development Code in its next meeting on February 21, a session which allows for binding votes to be casted.
Residents interested in following the proceedings can attend in person or tune in online via the city’s YouTube channel. Moreover, the Milton Fire-Rescue Department's presentation of their CARES initiative will mark the start of the meeting, encapsulating a year's worth of their efforts in extending health services to the community. For more information on the CARES program or to learn about enrollment, the public can visit the Milton city government website.
