The 2023 update to Newton County’s Comprehensive Plan refines the county’s vision, policies and tools for managing growth over the coming years. A key piece of implementation is a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that consolidates zoning, subdivision and design standards all in one document. The update process engaged public input and aimed to respond to recent growth pressures, infrastructure needs and development concerns.
The UDO is central to realizing the plan’s goals. It aims to unify and modernize the county’s land use regulations. These include zoning districts, permitted uses, building envelope standards, design rules and development review. The goal is more clarity and code consistency.
The plan emphasis reflects the need to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development. For example, Newton has secured major grants for water and sewer improvements to support anticipated growth.
Key themes from public input include managing over‑development, clarifying land use, strengthening design standards and ensuring a mix of housing is available. The plan update seeks to streamline processes, clarify zoning and prevent ambiguity in how development is applied. View the entire plan here.
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