Morganton launches plan to rewrite development ordinances; public engagement planned

City planning staff told the Morganton Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 8 that the city will begin a formal rewrite of several development ordinances into a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Wendy said the project would combine the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, flood-damage prevention, watershed protection and stormwater chapters into a single document to remove inconsistencies and reflect current best practices. She said staff hope to award a consultant contract at the March city council meeting and hold a council workshop on Feb. 27 to kick off the public process.

Staff described a 16'to'18-month timeline that will include an advisory committee, multiple public workshops, web-based surveys, and community events. Wendy said the process will include outreach at the Morganton Festival and other venues and invited planning commission members to act as community liaisons during outreach.

The rewrite will address zoning uses and permitted activities, densities, setbacks, parking and design standards, plus a review of the flood-damage prevention, watershed and stormwater ordinances to ensure they meet current standards. Wendy said the city will publish materials on its website and social media and encouraged public participation.

Next steps: staff expect to finalize the consultant selection in March and begin public engagement soon after; planning commission members and the public will have repeated opportunities to review drafts and provide comment.