You may have noticed bright yellow signs appearing in different areas across Forest Acres. These notices are part of the City’s ongoing effort to modernize and improve our zoning ordinances through the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) — a process City Council has been working on for the past three years.
State law requires public notification when zoning changes are proposed. These signs are intended to:
- Alert residents and visitors to potential zoning updates
- Inform the public about opportunities to review proposed changes
- Invite community participation in public hearings and decision-making
Timeline & Recent Actions
August 2025 — City Council Public Hearing
Council held a public hearing on the draft UDO. No vote was taken. Council listened to resident feedback and asked the Planning Commission to review that input.
October 2025 — Planning Commission Review
After discussing the feedback received, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to keep the current UDO draft intact with no changes.
Upcoming November 2025 — City Council Discussion
Council will publicly discuss the Planning Commission’s recommendation at the next City Council Meeting:
Location: Crayton Middle School Auditorium
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Time: 6 p.m.
(Please note: This meeting has been moved due to the Veterans Day holiday and relocated to Crayton accommodate a larger crowd.)
Why Your Involvement Matters
Community participation helps ensure zoning updates reflect the values, character, and needs of Forest Acres. Thoughtful engagement allows us to:
- Guide future growth responsibly
- Protect neighborhood identity
- Support local businesses and amenities
- Preserve the quality of life we all value
Together, we can continue shaping a Forest Acres we’re proud to call home.
Supporting Documents (Updated 8-8-25)
- Unified Development Ordinance — Public Hearing Draft
- Summary of Revisions
- Centers & Corridors Map
- Gills Creek Overlay Map
- Centers & Corridors Overlay District Parcels
What the UDO Does
The UDO modernizes outdated zoning rules by:
- Consolidating zoning, subdivision, overlay districts, and land-use regulations into one unified document
- Providing clearer, more consistent standards and language
- Enhancing predictability for residents, property owners, and developers
- Supporting community goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan
Why It Matters for Forest Acres
A modern UDO helps ensure:
- Health, safety, and public welfare are prioritized
- Future development aligns with our long-term vision
- Land use remains compatible with adjacent neighborhoods
- Our distinctive charm and green canopy are preserved
To learn even more about the UDO and how it affects your neighborhood - please visit this page on our website. We have uploaded the entire UDO in full and provided maps for you at this link.