Development of Nashville's Unified Development Ordinance has begun!

Project Background

The Nashville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is a comprehensive set of regulations that legally permits and manages growth and development within the town. The UDO will combine zoning, subdivision ordinances, and other land-use and development regulations into a single document. While drafting the UDO, an Advisory Plan Commission (APC) and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will also be created. The consultant team is evaluating existing ordinances and regulations applicable to Nashville, will seek community input throughout the process, and will use our professional experience to create user-friendly documents that will continue to ensure new development remains consistent and compatible with Nashville's character.

Find more information about the project on this website!

UDO Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - incomplete

    Foundation

    The Foundation phase involves assessing existing regulations, developing a list of issues to be addressed, engaging key stakeholders, and collecting data through public surveys.

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Drafting

    Following the Foundation phase, the Drafting phase builds off the first phase to create the preliminary drafts of each chapter of the UDO which would include legal framework language, use districts, use conditions, development standards, subdivision standards, and administrative & enforcement processes. Public input will be sought as the drafts of these chapters are developed.

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Refinement

    In the Refinement phase, the insights and analysis from previous phases are distilled into a zoning map which is then presented at an open house and made available online for public comment. Following public comments, the map will be reviewed and edited to ensure it represents the development character of the Town.

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Adoption

    The final Adoption phase begins with the creation of the Advisory Plan Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals by the Town Council. Rules of Procedure for both boards will be created. A second draft of the UDO will be presented for public comment. Input will be incorporated into the draft and an Adoption document will be created to send to the Plan Commission for a public hearing, and Town Council for approval as the Town's Land Use Ordinance.