GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – For years, Greenville County has been working on a plan it says is a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s rules for growth and development.

It is called the “Unified Development Ordinance” (UDO) and the first draft of the complete plan is ready for criticism.

“We will be consolidating and combining about six different ordinances into this unified development ordinance,” said City Councilman Butch Kirven.

Regulations for zoning, open space, stormwater, project design and more are all consolidated into one large set of rules.

“This creates a high level of security, predictability and requirements that developers must meet throughout the process,” he said.

The UDO only applies to county areas, not cities/townships. However, similar to the City of Greenville’s new zoning plan, the UDO serves as a guide for what can be built where.

The district hired consultants years ago to begin drafting the ordinance. The trigger was the wave of new construction projects and the challenge for the council to manage growth.

UDO’s goals include preventing rural overpopulation, preserving agricultural businesses, protecting residential areas and creating alternative and affordable housing.

“We’re going to have monthly meetings that will be publicly announced, and anyone who wants to propose a new development has to be there, and the public can come in and hear a presentation. They can answer questions. They can talk to them in person. It’s going to be a monthly open house, so to speak,” Kirven said.

Kriven says the new rules need to be introduced as soon as possible, but it may take some time before the council votes on them.

“There is no specific timetable for this. We want to do it right and be ready when the time comes,” he said.

On Monday 12 August at 6pm the Council will host a workshop where staff will present further details on the UDO. Click here to learn more.

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