It’s been about six months since MPC staff released the second draft of the Unified Zoning Ordinance (UZO) for public comment. Since that time, the Planning Commission has reviewed approximately 40% of the document on a page-by-page basis with staff. With the support of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Economic Development Authority, staff has also been holding public meetings representing 10 different use sectors ranging from religious institutions to lodging uses.

The latest County Connection featured a great article on the UZO including background information on the process as well the history of zoning in the unincorporated areas of Chatham County and the city of Savannah. You can read it here. 

If you haven’t taken the time to explore the website for the UZO, I would encourage you to do so by visiting www.unifiedzoning.org. You will find the proposed draft, schedule of meetings, minutes from meetings as well as UZOOM, short for Unified Zoning Ordinance Online Mapping tool. This helpful web based tool allows users to enter in a property address or parcel identification number and then view the existing and proposed zoning for the property. Also provided are links to the existing and proposed permitted uses and development standards (minimum lot size, maximum building height, etc). A help document on how to use the tool is available on the UZOOM page.

We are available to meet with any property or business owner about the draft UZO. For more information you can call (912) 651-1499 or send an email to uzo@thempc.org.