Code Studio is the technical lead for Durham’s comprehensive rewrite of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)—the city‑county development code that integrates zoning, subdivision, and development standards into a single regulatory framework. The new UDO modernizes Durham’s regulatory system to implement the recently adopted comprehensive plan and support equitable, sustainable growth across both the city and county.
The Challenge
Durham’s existing UDO, originally adopted in 2006, has been amended repeatedly over nearly two decades, resulting in inconsistent standards and regulatory gaps. The City and County sought a complete rewrite to:
- Align development regulations with updated city and county comprehensive plan policies.
- Provide clearer, more predictable rules governing land use, form, and design.
- Support housing variety, equitable growth, and sustainable development outcomes.
- Harmonize zoning, subdivision, and infrastructure standards in a unified ordinance.
Code Studio's Approach
- Collaborative Code Development: Code Studio leads ordinance drafting with City‑County planning staff managing broad community engagement and partners (e.g., T. G. Allen & Associates) supporting focused outreach to historically underrepresented communities.
- Comprehensive Code Assessment: Early project phases included evaluating the existing UDO against Durham’s comprehensive plan to establish a baseline for revisions.
- Zoning Districts and Standards: Development of new zoning districts, standards, and a consolidated zoning map that reflect future land use priorities, housing needs, and neighborhood context.
- Module‑Based Engagement & Draft Releases: Progressive release of draft code modules (zoning, development standards, infrastructure, administration) informed iterative engagement throughout 2024–2025.
- Public Interaction Platforms: Open houses, office hours, interactive tools, and Code Connect sessions facilitated widespread community participation.
Impact
The new UDO establishes a long‑term regulatory foundation for how land is developed in Durham, guiding growth, neighborhood conservation, and public infrastructure investment for years to come. By integrating form‑based concepts with sustainability and equity objectives, the code supports Durham’s long‑range vision for inclusive, healthy, and vibrant communities
