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MILLS RIVER
imagine
WELCOME TO IMAGINE MILLS RIVER
MILLS RIVER
imagine
LATEST NEWS
UDO DRAFTING UNDERWAY
The consulting team was in Mills River to present the draft Imagine Mills River Unified Development Ordinance ("UDO") Annotated Outline and initial Zoning Map to the project Steering Committee and the Town Council in late September. Copies of the Annotated Outline and the draft Zoning Map can be found here. There is also an informational video that explains the Annotated Outline and the Imagine Mills River project status to date.
The consulting team is now working on the initial draft of the new UDO text and should be done with a first draft in December of 2025.
There are two important opportunities for Town residents and property owners to get involved and learn more about Imagine Mills River in the coming weeks:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025, 8AM TO NOON
Mills River Farm Market held at Mills River Elementary School Parking Lot
Town staff will be available at an informational table to share copies of the draft Zoning Map, copies of the Annotated Outline, and answer your questions.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, 6PM - 8:30PM
Mills River Elementary School Gymnasium
This is a community-wide public forum to present the first draft version of the Unified Development Ordinance, including a summary presentation about anticipated outcomes and an opportunity to ask questions to Town staff and the consulting team.
The project webpage also has a place to pose questions here.
PROJECT GOALS
Imagine Mills River is a project to create the Town’s first unified development ordinance (or “UDO”). A UDO controls the type and location of development as well as the rules for new development to follow. It controls features like landscaping, exterior lighting, open space, parking, housing density, and many others. The main goal of the UDO is to promote the public’s health, safety, and general welfare. It is also an important tool for protecting community character and the Town’s agricultural heritage. The UDO includes the Town’s zoning map, or the geographic distribution of uses like homes, businesses, roads, and parks.
While the Town already has a set of development regulations, and has been considering changes to those rules through projects like the recent Rural Residential Zoning District initiative, the main reason for the Imagine Mills River project is to implement Making Mills River, the Town’s comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2021.
The following are the key project goals for Imagine Mills River:
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Protecting rural character.
Implementing the Town's adopted land use policy guidance (like Making Mills River).
Preserving farms and agricultural activity.
Identifying the optimal location for new homes, businesses, and open space.
Protecting sensitive natural environments (like waterways, steep slopes, and habitat).
Providing an adequate range of housing choices for people of all ages and incomes.
Promoting sustainable development and property values.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
This graphic shows the draft project schedule. It includes 7 tasks to be completed by June of 2026.
HOW TO USE THIS SITE
This webpage is a source for details about the Imagine Mills River project, the new UDO, and how to get involved with the project.
LEARN
ASK
FIND
PARTICIPATE
This VIDEO provides details on the project goals, scope, schedule, and other aspects.
The FAQ tab is a place to find answers to your questions about the project and pose new ones for the project team to consider.
The DOCUMENTS tab is a place for current Town documents and draft work products prepared as a part of the Imagine Mills River project.
The PARTICIPATE tab describes the times and places where you can ask questions, provide input, and get more detailed information.
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