Commission approves Unified Development Ordinance

Decatur’s commission unanimously approved a massive, 412-page Unified Development Ordinance Monday night. About 85 percent of the document consolidates and gives consistent language to existing ordinances dating back decades.

“This puts everything in one place,” said Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon. “It makes it easier for customers, like developers, to find specific ordinances so they know exactly what they can and can’t do.”

But another 15 percent of the UDO is brand new and allows for different types of development, such as cottage courts, smaller homes and affordable housing, while also putting an emphasis on reducing the city’s downtown parking.