Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances Update
- This RFP had a pre-bid event.
This planning project will consist of professional planning services for the complete update and rewrite of the 1984 Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances based upon a new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. There have been numerous amendments since 1984 but significant problems exist with clarity and consistency and a need to reflect new goals and initiatives of the Comprehensive Plan. A new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) will include sections on compatible development opportunities as well as concentrate on preserving/improving existing neighborhoods and the City's over all quality of life.
The Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances have only been updated in a piecemeal manner since its adoption in 1984. As a result, the Ordinances are inconsistent and do not flow smoothly from section to section. A goal of developing a UDO is to provide a clear and easy to use document that includes best management practices.
The current Ordinances do not meet the City's requirements for future development and redevelopment as the majority of the City is built out and is more urbanized than it was in 1984. The updated UDO will encourage economic development and process improvements. The goal is that the new ordinance be creative and flexible. The updated UDO must implement and be consistent with the 2007 Comprehensive Plan and shall also establish a single set of administrative procedures for making all land use decision that promotes efficiency, conservation of natural resources and economic development.
While the City's Ordinances and other development ordinances do not meet the City's current requirements or desires for future development as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, a number of broader policy documents have been recently adopted and will be instructive in the Ordinance rewrite. Therefore, the review should be consistent with recently adopted policies and plans.
