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MILLS RIVER
imagine
WELCOME TO IMAGINE MILLS RIVER
MILLS RIVER
imagine
LATEST NEWS
IMAGINE MILLS RIVER ADOPTION DRAFT UDO AND ZONING MAP POSTED
Town staff and the consulting team are pleased to announce that the Adoption Draft of the UDO and the associated Zoning Map are now included on the webpage under Task 6 of the Documents Tab (find these files here). The Adoption Draft of the UDO and Map will be considered by the Planning Board and the Town Council in May and June. The Planning Board will consider the draft UDO and the associated map during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, at 6:30 PM in the Commons Room of Town Hall 124 Town Center Drive. Anyone interested may attend and share their thoughts or ask questions. The Planning Board may suggest further revisions to the document text or the map and will be making a recommendation to the Town Council about the UDO and the Zoning Map. The Town Council has scheduled a public hearing for further consideration of the draft UDO and associated Zoning Map on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30PM in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Questions and comments may also be posted on this project website.
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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