Planning Commission Gets First Look at New Unified Development Code

American Structurepoint is working on a combined zoning, subdivision and sign code.

Earlier this week, the Troy Planning Commission met and spent over a half an hour discussing the ongoing development of a Unified Development Code (UDC) for the city. You can watch the video of the meeting here on our new YouTube channel.

This comprehensive update aims to modernize and streamline Troy's zoning regulations, subdivision rules, and sign ordinances into a single, user-friendly document. The project, initially focused solely on zoning code revisions, has expanded to include updates to subdivision regulations. This broader scope reflects the city's recognition that these interconnected areas of development regulation benefit from a unified approach. The hope is that the code update will provide a more cohesive and efficient framework for managing the city’s growth and development.

The development process for the UDC involves multiple stages of review and refinement. The consultants, American Structurepoint, are working closely with city staff to draft and revise individual chapters. This consultant explained that this process allows for thorough examination and adjustment of the proposed regulations before they are presented to the advisory committee and, ultimately, to the public and city officials for approval.

A key feature of the new UDC is the consolidation of zoning districts. The current zoning code contains six separate single-family residential districts, with only minor differences between them (mainly lot size). The proposed UDC aims to simplify this structure by combining similar districts into three categories, providing more flexibility for developers while maintaining the desired character of Troy's neighborhoods. This consolidation extends to other zoning categories as well, such as industrial and commercial districts.

The proposed UDC also introduces a more user-friendly format for presenting zoning information. Land use matrices and dimensional standard charts will replace lengthy text descriptions, making it easier for staff and the public to quickly find and understand relevant regulations. While this new format may require some adjustment for users accustomed to the current code, it promises greater clarity and efficiency in the long run.

One significant addition to the UDC is a comprehensive set of use standards. These standards provide specific requirements for various land uses, allowing for more nuanced regulation without the need for numerous specialized zoning districts. For example, personal service businesses might be permitted in an office-residential district, but with size limitations to maintain neighborhood character.

The proposed code also pays careful attention to purpose statements for each zoning district. These statements serve as guiding principles, helping to ensure that future zoning decisions and code amendments align with the intended character and function of each district. This approach ties the zoning regulations more closely to Troy's comprehensive plan and its vision for different areas of the city.

Temporary and accessory uses receive more detailed treatment in the new UDC. This expanded guidance responds to staff requests and reflects the needs of a maturing community where such uses can have significant impacts on neighborhoods and require clear regulation.

The timeline for adopting the UDC remains somewhat fluid, but the city's established processes will ensure multiple opportunities for public input and official review. The Planning Commission may receive a final draft in the first half of 2025. The Planning Commission will then make a recommendation to City Council. Once in Council’s hands, the new code will have three full readings, a public hearing and a committee review before final adoption. The final adoption council process, would take at least 45 days.

The UDC project is the natural outgrowth from the city’s recently adopted Comprehensive Plan. By aligning zoning and subdivision regulations with the recently completed adopted plan, the city is creating a robust framework for guiding future growth. The emphasis on user-friendly formats and clear standards should make the development process more transparent and predictable for all stakeholders.

However, the transition to a new regulatory framework will require careful management. Staff, developers, and residents will need time to familiarize themselves with the new structure and requirements. The city may need to provide training and educational resources to facilitate this transition.

Most of the half-hour discussion revolved around zoning, and very little was said about subdivision regulations and signs. Over the past few months, subdivision regulations have been more in focus as new subdivisions have been added to the community and there is a perception that these new subdivisions are lacking appropriate park and recreational amenities. As this code development process moves forward, it will be worth nothing how these subdivision regulations will dictate future development in the community.

As the UDC drafting process continues, several key areas will require ongoing attention. These include finalizing the names and purposes of the consolidated zoning districts, refining use standards to balance flexibility with neighborhood protection, and ensuring that the new code effectively implements the vision set forth in Troy's comprehensive plan.

While many of the details were not explained in the presentation, the consultants are working towards a cleaner and easier-to-use document that will hopefully provide better clarity and guidance on how our community will grow in the future.

What Do You Think?

Are there ideas or concepts you would like to see in our new Unified Development Code? Please share your thoughts or ideas! Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment section.

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