Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Website: www.columbusga.gov/planning


11/19/2004
Honorable Mayor and Councilors
City Manager
City Attorney
Clerk of Council

Subject: Subject: (ZC0411-2) Request to adopt the new Columbus Unified Development

Ordinance (UDO).

The new Columbus Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is the unification of

development codes which have been reformatted in an attempt to reflect the

needs of the development community while protecting the general interest of all

citizens.



The new UDO contains an array of changes:



? 8 new zoning classifications

? Elimination of the A-1 zoning district classification

? New bed & breakfast designations

? Use of overlay districts

? Four types of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

? Better defined uses for day care facilities

? Significant revisions to home occupations

? New standards for places of worship

? Regulations for transitional housing

? Better coordination between the buffer and tree ordinances

? Establishment of environmental protections

? Creation of resource conservation subdivisions as a development option

o There is sunset provision set for January 1, 2007, concerning the

conservation subdivision

? Provisions for 2 classes of zoning changes: minor & major

? The UDO shall be reviewed on a yearly basis for adjustments, if necessary.



Staff has also prepared a transition policy (zoning atlases, zoning

discrepancies, existing non-conforming uses, etc.) for the adoption of this

ordinance.



Finally, what this information will not show is the time and dedication that

has been put forth to make this ordinance a reality. For the past two and a

half years, a collaborated effort was held between City staff members, our

consultants, and representatives from the development and environmental

communities to develop this ordinance. Over this time frame, approximately 27

meetings were held with these groups to review and shape this document.

Particular thanks goes to Phillip Thayer, Doug Jefcoat, Mike Corradino, and

Johnny Cargill for their willingness to meet on a continuous basis, and to Tom

Flournoy, Erin Bouthillier, Milton Jones, and Susan Kleto, for their input.



The Planning Advisory Commission considered the adoption of the UDO at their

meeting on October 27, 2004. The Planning Advisory Commission recommended that

this ordinance be approved.



The Planning Division also recommends approval.



Sincerely,

Respectfully,

Rick Jones, AICP
Director, Planning Department



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