Catawba County News

Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Update

Published: September 11, 2026

The County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulates the use and development of land within the County-regulated areas. In 2025, the County began the process of updating the UDO. This update process focuses on amending the existing zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, development standards, and floodplain development standards. This update also focuses on streamlining and simplifying development procedures to create clear and efficient processes. The goal of the UDO update is to align with the goals of the 2024 Catawba County Comprehensive Plan, address current development challenges, and reflect recent updates to North Carolina General Statutes. Catawba County Planning staff and consultant Freese and Nichols have prepared a proposed Unified Development Ordinance (draft).

The public is invited to an informal drop-in on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 to explore key changes to the proposed UDO, ask questions and speak with staff. For details click HERE. The draft amendments will be presented to the Planning Board and ultimately the Catawba County Board of Commissioners for final review and adoption. 

For more information regarding the UDO Draft Update, click HERE.