Morganton council hires firm for unified development ordinance rewrite, plans 18-month public process

The Morganton City Council on March 2 approved a contract with Kimley Horn and Associates to develop a unified development ordinance that will coordinate the city's zoning, subdivision, watershed protection, floodplain and stormwater ordinances.

Staff told the council the project responds to action steps in the city's comprehensive plan and will be a review and rewrite, not a wholesale power to change law without due process. "We had, 6 proposals received. We did some interviews, and we selected Kimberly Horn, who is the same group that actually worked on our comprehensive plan," a staff presenter said, noting the firm will emphasize community engagement and clear graphics.

The contract is for an amount not to exceed $238,000 with a $7,500 contingency controlled by staff for potential additional engagement. Staff estimated the project to be roughly an 18-month process and said the public will be invited to participate in council and planning board meetings and other engagement events throughout the process.

Council members urged residents to attend public meetings during the process so the city can learn what the community wants included in the ordinance update. The motion to award the contract passed by voice vote.

What's next: staff will execute the contract and begin the engagement and drafting process, returning to the council and planning board for review of draft ordinance language.