Planning commission approves moving Rockdale’s UDO rewrite to the Board, withdraws two phased items

Rockdale County planning staff proposed a consolidated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update on March 12 and the Planning Commission voted to forward the item to the Board of Commissioners after withdrawing two earlier phased text amendments.

Jessica Paulette, project manager with Planning and Development, and Brandon White, director, explained that Text 2026‑03 replaces two earlier phased drafts (Text 2026‑01 and 2026‑02) and will begin the next round of public review. Brandon White told the commission the UDO rewrite is informed by the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, housing studies and changes in state law and practice. He summarized proposed changes, including reorganization of the code, consolidation or removal of some districts, new districts such as conservation village and plan unit development, updated use tables, standards for accessory dwelling units and architectural guidance, and procedural changes for zoning review.

White outlined a process and schedule: Planning Commission review and public hearings in March and April, referral to the Board with a zoning public hearing on April 14, further Planning Commission consideration in May, and a planned adoption target in June; staff said the UDO would take effect on July 1, 2026 if the schedule holds.

Commissioners approved the motion to accept the Planning Commission’s proposed amendments and to forward the consolidated text to the Board. Staff said the consolidated draft and supporting materials will remain available online and that additional public engagement opportunities, town halls and meetings are scheduled as part of the adoption process.