Newton County is opening the floor to its residents in shaping the landscape of their community with updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Inviting public engagement, county officials have conducted community meetings across different Commission Districts to educate and solicit feedback from the participants. These meetings aim to assist in refining the ordinance, which integrates zoning, subdivision regulations, and design principles into a coherent document designed to actualize the Comprehensive Plan, according to the Newton County announcement.
For those who couldn't attend the meetings, there's no need to worry—the county has provided an online alternative. A video capturing the essence of the UDO Community Meetings is readily available; just click the link provided in the announcement. If you have comments, concerns, or questions after watching, Newton County encourages you to reach out via email at [email protected], using the subject line "UDO Community Input."
After gathering initial input, Newton County will work with Kendig Keast to conduct a character analysis for the rest of 2024. This step is important for understanding the unique traits and needs of Newton's diverse districts. It lays the groundwork for drafting the ordinance in 2025, where these insights will become written policy. Although it’s a detailed process, the goal is to create a living document that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, making the effort worthwhile.
