Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Updating the codes that build Thomasville’s buildings, streets and public spaces

What is a UDO?

Combines multiple development related codes into one unified development ordinance (UDO), resulting in a business-friendly document with updated standards, common sense regulations, and lots of graphics.

Why a UDO?

In 2017, the City of Thomasville conducted an audit of our current development codes and found nearly 100 items of concern within our existing ordinances, many of which have a negative impact on new development and redevelopment in the downtown. Based on this audit, community feedback, and the Blueprint 2028 Comprehensive Plan, the City determined to begin the UDO process with an update to the Zoning Code downtown.

The City has held numerous public meetings regarding the community’s vision for downtown. Based on public’s feedback, the proposed changes will create high-quality buildings and public spaces that:

  • protect the historic character of the downtown,
  • promote quality new development, and
  • preserve the existing buildings and businesses within the downtown.

To summarize, the downtown code includes the following elements:

  • Requires retail storefronts on Broad and Jackson Streets “on the bricks”
  • Requires all buildings to have doors and windows that face the street
  • Sets a limit on how tall buildings can be
  • Controls density through building form and height restrictions
  • Modifies off-street parking requirements
  • Protects on-street parking along Broad and Jackson Streets
  • Requires a plan for all vacant commercial buildings
  • Encourages small businesses over chain stores
  • Allows more flexible reuse of existing downtown buildings.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 6 at 5:30 pm to discuss the proposed Code changes. All interested citizens are welcome to attend the meeting and will be given the opportunity to provide public comment. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers in the Municipal Building located at 144 E. Jackson Street. For additional information about the meeting, please call 229-227-3306 or email mollie.powell@thomasville.org.

Click here to view a copy of the latest draft of the Downtown Code.

Presentations

Click here to view the presentation made by Dover Kohl and Partners at the Public Meeting held on November 15, 2022.

Click here to view the presentation made by Dover Kohl and Partners after the first set of Public Meetings held in January 2019.