Greenville County Introduces Unified Development Ordinance to Shape Future Growth

Greenville County’s Unified Development Ordinance: A New Era for Growth

In Greenville County, there’s exciting news brewing about how the community will shape its future! The proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) comes in at a hefty 641 pages, offering a comprehensive approach to managing the county’s growth and development. Built from years of hard work, it’s like a rule book that outlines how to implement the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which you can think of as the growth strategy.

Understanding the UDO

As we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand what the UDO is and what it isn’t. According to the county’s planning director, Rashida Jeffers-Campbell, while the UDO sets the stage for how new developments will be designed, it doesn’t dictate where growth will actually occur. Rather, it aims to modernize the county’s existing land-use and zoning ordinances that have largely stayed the same since the early 1970s!

Over the decades, modifications here and there turned these guidelines into a tangled web of regulations that often did not ‘speak’ the same language. Jeffers-Campbell points out that many of these codes became tricky for county staff to manage and confusing for developers trying to interpret them. We’ve seen the world change significantly over the past 50 years—think about how buildings are designed or how families choose to live. The traditional one-family home with a large yard is now just one of several options families are considering. Townhomes, condos, and even innovative solutions like auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs) are becoming increasingly popular.

Aiming for Consistency and Predictability

One of the overarching goals of the UDO is to make the development process more predictable and consistent. Through clear guidelines, the ordinance is designed to make it easier for developers to collaborate with the community right from the start. Tee Coker, the assistant county administrator for planning and development, emphasizes that the UDO isn’t revolutionary nor does it create a roadmap for Greenville County to expand wildly. Instead, it serves as a manual for how things should be done, ensuring that any growth happening within the county is both anticipated and manageable.

With the UDO in place, developers will have a clearer understanding of what the community expects, which can lead to better projects that align with what residents genuinely want. Jeffers-Campbell mentions that although the UDO isn’t flawless, it aims to balance the needs and desires of the local community with the interests of developers who want a thriving business environment. It’s about making sure everyone is protected as Greenville County evolves.

The Bigger Picture

While the UDO offers a framework for development, it’s crucial to recognize that it doesn’t impose strict limits on growth. The questions of “how much and where” growth takes place should be determined through local policies shaped by elected leaders and community input. The UDO acts as a tool to ensure that any growth is carried out in a way that residents can embrace and enjoy.

Looking Ahead

As Greenville County looks to the future, the adoption of the UDO represents another step toward ensuring that its development keeps pace with the needs and desires of its residents. In a world where community needs are constantly evolving, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. This new set of regulations will not only guide how future buildings will look but also help maintain a sense of community pride in how Greenville grows!

In conclusion, whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the county, it’s an exciting time to be part of Greenville’s evolving story. The UDO promises to shape how we grow while ensuring that our voices are heard along the way. Here’s to a bright future for Greenville County!