
Newton County is taking a unified approach to revamp its zoning and land-use regulations, and residents are invited to weigh in on the efforts. As part of the county's strides to implement its Comprehensive Plan more effectively, a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is in the works, aiming to consolidate various regulations into a singular, cohesive document.
According to a recent Newton County report, the UDO will serve as the principal regulatory instrument to ensure that future developments in Newton County are predictable and align with the overarching plan policies. The plan covers several aspects such as zoning districts, use regulations, and design standards, and commenced a public outreach initiative last September to enhance community involvement and the ordinance's efficacy with feedback collected from business owners, real estate professionals, and ordinary citizens.
Earlier this month, the Newton County Board of Commissioners hosted a work session, followed by a community meeting, where consultants presented their findings from an extensive series of discussions. Issues raised by various stakeholders included concerns over west Newton County's overdevelopment, narrow streets in high-density housing areas, and unauthorized changes to approved plans. There was also an emphasis on the need for varying housing options, from affordable to higher-end residences, reflecting a diverse array of community intends.
From the feedback gathered, consultants have identified key improvement points for the UDO, including aligning the ordinance with other plan policies, addressing housing affordability, streamlining procedures, and crafting a user-friendly code that incorporates input from county staff. The complete session covering these proposed upgrades can be accessed for further review on Newton County's dedicated UDO page.