While we all try to adjust to the realities of Covid-19, Mobile's Planning Division has released the next, and near final, version of the new zoning Unified Development Code, or UDC. The release on March 16 announced a thirty day public input period. The Collaborative intends to ask for an extension of that period, given the current situation. However, in the event the 30 day period is enforced, we have already lost a week's review and input time. Please read these announcements from Build Mobile, and follow the links provided to see the latest version. Input can be entered online or submitted by snail mail and the instructions are on the website provided.
As we all know, zoning codes, once established, generally remain in place for decades. The UDC has been 3 years in the making. Despite the distraction of our current emergency, we must engage on this legislation.
If you have insights to share, please send those by return email and we will issue a follow-up of our analysIs. Also, please follow the links to give your input to Build Mobile. We are also asking everyone to submit a request for an extension of the public input period due to the Covid 19 crisis. We are uncertain how public hearings will be handled, given the restrictions in place on gatherings, but when we receive new announcements we will send those. Please share this email with others who may be interested.
On another matter, please visit the Build Mobile site to see the agenda for the April 6 Board of Adjustment hearing on the ABC Store variance request for Shoppes of Midtown. Visit www.govstmobile.org (GSC News Blog tab) for the GSC review of that application and position statement.
Sincerely,
Government Street Collaborative
Volunteer Community Action Group
SUPPORT OUR MIDTOWN AND DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS AT THIS TIME! MANY HAVE ALTERED THEIR HOURS AND ARE OFFERING CRISIS SERVICES, SUCH AS DELIVERY, BY APPOINTMENT, SENIOR HOURS, OR PICK-UP OPTIONS. CALL AHEAD, PAY BY PHONE TO REDUCE INTERACTION WHEN POSSIBLE, ARRANGE CARRY-OUT OR PICK-UP WHILE MAINTAINING SAFE DISTANCES. OUR BUSINESS OWNERS ARE ACCOMMODATING US! VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGES AND WEBSITES FOR DETAILS, AND SUPPORT THEM WHERE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. DON'T FORGET GIFT CARDS, MOST OF WHICH CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE. DOWNTOWN MOBILE ALLIANCE IS POSTING FOOD SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UPS. NEXT DOOR IS POSTING SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS AS WELL. LOCAL NEWS AND THE CITY OF MOBILE ARE ANNOUNCING DAILY UPDATES ABOUT IMPOSED AND RECOMMENDED RESTRICTIONS. DON'T FORGET TO MAKE DONATIONS TO THOSE GROUPS ENGAGED IN SERVICES TO THE VULNERABLE. STAY HEALTHY AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING.
Mobile's Zoning Code Update
Unified Development Code Version 3 is LIVE!
You are now able to access, review and comment on draft Version 3 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) via www.mapformobile.org. Due to the developing situation with COVID-19, the official comment period will not begin yet. All comments submitted from this point forward, however, will be registered as received. As always, our commitment is to transparency and open communication with the UDC process, so we will be communicating back to our mailing list with updates on our timeline.
As a reminder, the zoning code overhaul, known as the UDC, is the result of nearly three years of effort to modernize the City’s 1960s-era land use regulations and implement the community’s vision in Map for Mobile, our comprehensive plan. Based on a large amount of community feedback on draft Version 2, the current draft UDC (now version 3) has been significantly revised. This information below details important information and benchmarks for upcoming opportunities to learn about and comment on the draft Unified Development Code version 3. We look forward to engaging with citizens and businesses in the City of Mobile, as we take the next steps with this important action item from the Map for Mobile process.
Thank you for your continued support of our implementation of the Map for Mobile initiative!
Sincerely,
Shayla Jones Beaco
Executive Director
Build Mobile
www.mapformobile.org
View and comment on UDC Version 3
The draft UDC document, a summary of changes, and supporting information can be viewed and commented on at mapformobile.orgbeginning Monday, March 16.
Comments can be submitted in three ways:
1. Online at mapformobile.org/
2. By Mail. Send to: Shayla Jones Beaco, Executive Director, Build Mobile, PO Box 1827, Mobile, AL 36633
3. In-Person. Visit Government Plaza: Build Mobile, 205 Government Street, South Tower, Third Floor, Window 1
Timeline for Draft Version 3
March 16, 2020
The draft UDC document and supporting information can be viewed on mapformobile.org.
TBD (This meeting has temporarily been put on hold.)
Zoning Technical Advisory Committee Meeting
Location: Multi-Purpose Room at Government Plaza (Ground Floor)
Time: 2pm
Spring 2020 - Date TBD
Mobile City Planning Commission public hearing to consider the draft UDC.
Note: In addition to the above upcoming benchmarks, we will be announcing other opportunities to engage and comment on the draft UDC document in upcoming newsletters.