Question 1

What is a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)?

Accepted Answer

A UDO combines zoning, subdivision, sign codes and environmental protection regulations into a single, streamlined document. It guides how land can be developed and used in Rockdale County.

Question 2

What is zoning?

Accepted Answer

Zoning is how the County regulates land use to protect health, safety, and property values. It determines what can be built, where, and how land is used—whether residential, commercial, industrial, or open space.

Question 3

How can I find out what my property is zoned?

Accepted Answer

You can search by address using the interactive zoning map (coming soon). You may also contact the Rockdale County Planning and Development office for help with zoning information and permitted uses.

Question 4

Why is Rockdale County updating its UDO?

Accepted Answer

The UDO is being updated to modernize outdated regulations, align development with the county’s comprehensive plan, promote quality growth, and address current challenges such as residential development, transportation, and environmental preservation.

Question 5

How does this relate to the Rockdale 2023 Comprehensive Plan?

Accepted Answer

The UDO is the primary tool to implement the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The update will help ensure that zoning and land development regulations support the community’s vision for future growth and preservation.

Question 6

What are the main goals of the UDO update?

Accepted Answer

Key goals include:
· Expanding diverse housing options
· Creating a diverse and sustainable economy
· Protecting natural resources
· Ensuring efficient delivery of public services and infrastructure
· Supporting a more connected transportation network

Question 7

Who is leading the UDO update?

Accepted Answer

The project is being led by Rockdale County’s Planning and Development Department with support from planning consultants at CPL.

Question 8

How can I participate in the UDO update?

Accepted Answer

You can participate by:
· Attending public meetings and open houses
· Completing online surveys
· Submitting feedback through this website
· Signing up for project updates

Question 9

Will there be opportunities for in-person engagement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There will be pop-up events, stakeholder meetings, and community open houses throughout the project. Key dates will be posted on the project website.

Question 10

Can I provide feedback online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An online comment form and surveys will be available to gather your input at various stages of the project.

Question 11

How will my input be used?

Accepted Answer

Community input will help shape key priorities, identify needed changes, and ensure the updated code reflects local values and development goals.

Question 12

What topics will the updated UDO cover?

Accepted Answer

The UDO will cover topics such as zoning districts, use regulations, subdivision design, housing standards, site design, signage, parking, landscaping, open space requirements, and more.

Question 13

When will the UDO update be completed?

Accepted Answer

The project kicked off in Spring 2025 and is expected to conclude with adoption in Spring 2026.

Question 14

Where can I find project documents and updates?

Accepted Answer

All updates, meeting dates, draft documents, and engagement opportunities will be posted on this website.

Question 15

What is a moratorium, and how does it relate to the UDO update?

Accepted Answer

A moratorium is a temporary pause or suspension on certain types of development activity. In Rockdale County, a 180-day moratorium was enacted beginning March 14, 2025, to temporarily halt only new residential zoning applications, rezonings, site plans, subdivisions, land disturbance permits, and building permits.

This pause allows the County time to complete a comprehensive review and update of its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) without the pressure of processing new residential development that may conflict with future regulations. The moratorium serves several important purposes:

· Prevents incompatible development during the update process.
· Gives staff and leadership time to thoughtfully revise the UDO to better manage growth.
· Supports public interest by ensuring that future development aligns with the County’s goals for livability, sustainability, aesthetics, and infrastructure capacity.
· Promotes fairness by establishing clear expectations for future development based on updated, consistent regulations.

The moratorium will have no effect on residential projects that were approved or on residential applications that were submitted to Rockdale County before March 14, 2025. These projects may proceed under the regulations in place at the time of their approval or submission.

Moratorium concerns will be addressed through UDO completion in late 2026 and not as a stand-alone patch draft delivered at the expiration of the moratorium in September 2025.

Question 16

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Rockdale County Planning and Development Department at Jessica.Pollett@RockdaleCountyGA.gov or (770) 278-7100.

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