Lexington council reviews development ordinance
LEXINGTON, NC – On Tuesday morning, the Lexington City Council reviewed proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) during a special meeting. The UDO contains the procedures and standards for residential, commercial, and industrial development in the city limits. Lexington is utilizing a state-mandated update as an opportunity to ensure Lexington can sustain current growth demand in the most effective way possible.
"It is exciting to see the elevated requests for development within the city limits of Lexington," said Lexington Mayor Newell Clark. "We have been tasked with infill economic development for years and all that work is starting to pay off." Clark continued, "The growth demands are putting pressure on us as a council and staff in our efforts to make the right development decisions, with the ultimate goal to offer amenities and build a stronger tax base for Lexington's current and future residents and businesses."
In July, the State adopted a law that governs how cities and counties in North Carolina handle planning, zoning, and development within their communities. Since the State law was adopted last July, most cities and counties have been revising their ordinances to meet the new requirements. Lexington decided to dive deeper into how additional changes to their ordinance could benefit the City’s current growth patterns.
Tammy Absher, the City's Business and Community Development Director, explains, "The current ordinance was written in 2010 with a heavy emphasis on promoting development during post-recession recovery. As Lexington has begun to prosper in the last few years, showing exponential growth in industrial jobs, restaurants, entertainment, and housing, City officials are committed to balancing smart growth principles with quality of life for citizens."
The UDO is City Council's policy statement on how Lexington develops. The last major ordinance revision opened the door for more nightlife, sidewalk cafes, new business and housing. The proposed ordinance aims to adapt to exponential growth demands and create an enriching community that meets the citizens' expectations for years to come.
