Clayton Seeks Input On Updated Development Code

CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton is seeking public input on the Codify Clayton initiative which aims to modernize and simplify the Town’s current development code.

The Codify Clayton initiative is being undertaken by the Town to review and update its Unified Development Code. The Unified Development Code (or “UDC”) is the basic set of laws used by the Town to protect public health and safety, property values, and sensitive environmental resources.

This public input forum will be held on Thursday, August 17, and will contain two sessions. The first session will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will focus on topics related to the development community. The second session will cover general information and will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held at Town Hall located at 111 E 2nd St.

“The Codify Clayton project is important to the Town because it modernizes the Town’s development code, adding flexibility where possible and additional standards to ensure high-quality development,” said Ben Howell, Town of Clayton Planning Director.

The updated UDC will be an instrumental part of the Town’s new Comprehensive Growth Plan and will address the pace and amount of new growth coming to the Town.

Those who attend the forum will have the opportunity to share their input on topics such as:

· Preserving Clayton’s character

· Creating a sense of place and enhancing aesthetics

· Encouraging a range of housing types

· Promoting re-use and infill development in Downtown

· Interconnected streets

· Greater pedestrian and bicyclist safety

· Providing convenient access to parks

· Protecting natural resources

· Increasing opportunities for more well-paying jobs

“Public input on the project is valuable because it will help ensure that the development regulations will result in development that aligns with the community’s desires. Public input will be provided to the Planning Board and Town Council to assist them in consideration of the new development regulations,” said Howell.

Following the public forum, the Clayton Planning Board will hold a public comment session on Monday, September 25, and consider recommending approval of the UDC to the Town Council. At a later date, the Town Council will hold a public hearing and consider the adoption of the UDC.