Welcome to the Morganton Unified Development Ordinance project. As a priority recommendation of Imagine Morganton 2040, this important effort will update the City’s land use tools and development regulations to be more clear, consistent, and user friendly. The new UDO will serve as a single, comprehensive document that guides how Morganton grows and develops over time, helping the City achieve its vision as a vibrant and livable community.

The UDO will consolidate and modernize existing regulations, ensuring alignment with Imagine Morganton 2040 and other adopted plans and policies. This process includes reviewing and updating standards related to common development topics such as parking, landscaping, signage, and building design, which shape the look, feel, and function of the community.

Community and stakeholder input will play a critical role throughout this process. We want to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the direction of the new UDO and ensure it reflects the values and priorities of the Morganton community. This is your ordinance. Please view the project schedule to keep up with milestones throughout this year and a half long process, and be sure to check back here for more information along the way.

What is a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)?

The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is the City’s zoning ordinance and development rules, all combined into one document.

It brings together the regulations that guide how land is used and developed, including things like zoning, subdivision of land, and other development standards, into a single, easy to understand set of rules. Instead of having multiple separate ordinances, the UDO puts everything in one place to make the process clearer, more consistent, and easier for residents, property owners, and developers to understand.

Why does this matter?

Updating the UDO was a priority recommendation from the Imagine Morganton 2040 Comprehensive Plan, reflecting the community’s vision for future growth.

This process will:

  • Update zoning and subdivision regulations

  • Establish standards for landscaping, signs, and parking

  • Define expectations for building design and lot sizes

  • Clarify permitted land uses across the community

These rules shape how our community grows, what development looks like, how it functions, and how it fits into existing neighborhoods.