News Summary

The City of Aiken is embarking on a community input process to create a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to modernize its zoning regulations and land development standards. With the last revision over 25 years ago, this update aims to prepare the city for future growth, including affordable housing solutions. Public participation is encouraged through surveys and information displays across various community centers, ensuring that locals have a voice in shaping Aiken’s development strategy.

City of Aiken is initiating a community input process to develop a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) aimed at guiding future growth and development in the area. The new ordinance will consolidate the city’s zoning regulations and land development guidelines, and the process began in February 2023.

The current zoning ordinance and development regulations have not undergone significant revisions in over 25 years, making this update a crucial step for the city. City planning director Marya Moultrie has highlighted the need for flexibility in planning to accommodate anticipated population changes in the future.

It is important to note that the ongoing UDO process does not apply to the downtown area and the historic district of Aiken, which are governed by separate regulations. As part of the expected outcomes of the UDO, the city aims to establish aesthetic guidelines and improved building and design standards for both subdivisions and commercial properties.

The city has enlisted the expertise of Houseal Lavigne Associates, a consulting firm, to help with the drafting and implementation of the UDO. Community engagement is a critical component of this process, and the city has provided several opportunities for public input through various channels.

Public Input Opportunities

online survey accessible on the city’s official website. Additionally, information displays have been set up in the lobby of the Municipal Building located at 111 Chesterfield St., where community members can learn more about the UDO and provide feedback. These displays will remain available through the end of August and will also be located at several community centers, including the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, Smith Hazel Center, and the Lessie Price Senior & Youth Center.

The input gathered from the community will contribute to a preliminary recommendations report that will be instrumental in guiding the UDO framework. Following this initial phase of feedback collection, the next steps will focus on establishing specific design standards, covering aspects such as building setbacks, materials, height, and signage standards. These details are vital for shaping the visual and functional aspects of Aiken’s developing neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Addressing Affordable Housing

Another significant goal of the UDO is to tackle affordable housing challenges in the city. The ordinance aims to incentivize developers who agree to maintain low rental rates in exchange for the option to increase residential density in new developments. This approach seeks to ensure that as Aiken grows, it does not fall short in providing affordable living options for its residents.

Ongoing Public Engagement

Public participation is expected to continue throughout the UDO development process, with multiple opportunities for input from various stakeholder groups. This includes collaboration with developers, realtors, and neighborhood associations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community needs and desires.

In summary, the City of Aiken’s initiative to create a Unified Development Ordinance represents a significant step toward modernizing the city’s planning framework. Through a collaborative approach involving community input and expert consultations, Aiken aims to strategically manage its growth while addressing critical issues such as affordable housing.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Aiken Standard: Aiken Zoning Citizen Input Opportunities
• Wikipedia: Unified Development Ordinance
• Post and Courier: Pickens County Development Standards and Zones
• Google Search: Affordable Housing Zoning
• Patch: Diana Wheeler Alpharetta’s Community Development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoning Law
• Post and Courier: Greenville County Planning Staff Leave UDO
• Google News: Development Regulations

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.