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IssueFranklin Countyunder consideration

Franklin County commissioners review possible changes to development code

The county's development rules, which govern zoning matters like signage and variances, are under review and could be revised.

By NEGA Brief NewsroomLast checked September 30, 2026
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April 20, 2026: Unified Development Code (UDC) Review - overall discussion of signage, administrative variance authority, and citizen concerns

What happens next

No next step has been documented.

At a glance

What this means now

Where it stands

A second special called meeting on April 20 covered signage and the board's administrative variance authority. Norwood confirmed the board has authority to override administrative variance decisions, which are addressed in Section 13.2 of the UDC, amid citizen concerns raised at the meeting.

The story

In March 2026, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners put a discussion of modifying the Unified Development Code (UDC) on its agenda, then voted 4-0 to take up the review at its next work session, set for March 31.

SourcesMarch 02, 2026, Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda. AgendaMarch 02, 2026, Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda. Minutes

At that March 31 work session, commissioners began what minutes describe as the early stages of discussion on potential changes to the UDC, along with the county's comprehensive plan. Board Chair Long said the board would work with staff to get further review scheduled.

SourcesMarch 31, 2026, Board of Commissioners Work Session Agenda. AgendaMarch 31, 2026, Board of Commissioners Work Session Agenda. Minutes

The board held a special called meeting on April 14 to continue the UDC review, where Planning & Zoning Director Michael Norwood presented proposed modifications to the code.

SourcesApril 14, 2026, Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 5:00 PM . AgendaApril 14, 2026, Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 5:00 PM . Previous VersionApril 14, 2026, Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 5:00 PM . Minutes

A second special called meeting on April 20 covered signage and the board's administrative variance authority. Norwood confirmed the board has authority to override administrative variance decisions, which are addressed in Section 13.2 of the UDC, amid citizen concerns raised at the meeting.

SourcesApril 20, 2026, Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 2:00 PM. AgendaApril 20, 2026, Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 2:00 PM. Previous VersionApril 20, 2026, Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 2:00 PM. Minutes

What happened

How this issue got here

Open any step for its supporting record. A proposal remains labeled as proposed until later evidence establishes an outcome.

Appeared on agenda
proposed

Unified Development Code (UDC) Review

Unified Development Code (UDC) Review

Appeared on agenda
proposed

Special called meeting to review the Unified Development Code (UDC)

Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 2:00 PM

Discussed
discussed

Unified Development Code (UDC) Review - overall discussion of signage, administrative variance authority, and citizen concerns

Mr. Norwood confirmed that the Board does have authority to override such decisions and noted that administrative variances are addressed in Section 13.2 of the UDC.

Appeared on agenda
proposed

Unified Development Code (UDC) Review

Unified Development Code (UDC) Review

Appeared on agenda
proposed

Special called meeting on Unified Development Code (UDC) review

Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting_UDC Review 5:00 PM

Discussed
discussed

Unified Development Code (UDC) Review - overall work session

Michael Norwood, Planning & Zoning Director, presented proposed modifications to the Unified Development Code (UDC)

Discussed
discussed

Unified Development Code (UDC) and county-specific comprehensive plan

Chair Long said the Board would get with staff to get that scheduled.

Discussed
discussed

Unified Development Code (UDC) review and potential revisions

the Board will be entering into the beginning stages of discussion regarding potential changes to the UDC.

Appeared on agenda
proposed

Unified Development Code (UDC)

UDC – Discussion

Appeared on agenda
proposed

UDC (Unified Development Code) Modification

UDC Modification - Discussion

Approved
confirmed

Unified Development Code (UDC) modification review placed on March 31, 2026 Work Session agenda

review the UDC at the next work session for March 31, 2026

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