The Unified Development Ordinance (City Zoning and Development Standards) is a planning document being developed by the City of Sumter will implement the community vision for the City's built environment and incorporates modern best practices. It will address key concepts including Land Uses, Building Heights, Walkability, Building Frontages, Street Types, and other regulations to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the City of Sumter.
A Unified Development Ordinance, or "UDO" is a form of land use planning regulation. It is a document in which traditional zoning and subdivision development regulations are combined with other related city regulations, including design guidelines, water management, and engineering regulations into a single document. IT serves as a local policy instrument, and helps local government respond more efficiently to development needs.
Goals of the City of Sumter Unified Development Ordinance Project:
- Implement the City’s long-range vision.
- Align zoning and subdivision standards with the Sumter 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
- Update development & design standards.
- Refresh allowed uses, dimensional standards, site design, landscaping/buffers, parking, and signage so they reflect today’s needs.
- Make the code user-friendly.
- Create a clear, graphic-rich, easy-to-navigate ordinance for residents, businesses, and developers.
Modernize & clarify criteria. - Replace outdated provisions with objective, predictable standards that are straightforward to apply.
- Streamline processes.
- Match review steps to the level of decision, reduce unnecessary complexity, and clarify roles and timelines.
- Strengthen enforcement & consistency. Use measurable standards to reduce subjectivity and improve fairness and compliance.
The City of Sumter Unified Development ordinance is draft and available for public comment and feedback. Please use the links below to access the sections of the draft ordinance.
Sumter Unified Development Ordinance (DRAFT for public comment)
Chapter C - Development Standards
Chapter E - Floodplain Management (existing Ordinance #2791)
Appendix A - Stormwater (existing Ordinance #2469)
You may also contact the Sumter Planning Department directly at [email protected].
MATERIALS FROM SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- What is Zoning?
Zoning is a land use control that regulates the development standards of a property. Development standards typically include: uses allowed on the property, lot sizes, setbacks, building/structure heights, and density – density is typically represented at dwelling unit per acre (DU/A). - What land area does the UDO regulate?
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) will apply only to property inside the City limits of Sumter. - Does my zoning district affect my taxes?
No. Zoning controls how property may be used and developed, but it does not determine property taxes or the tax rate. - Why is the City updating its UDO?
Sumter is growing, and some standards haven’t kept pace. Development of a UDO allows the City to: modernize and clarify rules, align with current state/federal law, and reflect best practices for zoning and subdivision—making the code more user-friendly for residents, businesses, and developers. - How does the UDO relate to the City’s long-range plan?
The City’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map set the community’s vision. The UDO is the tool that implements that vision, turning goals and policies into clear, on-the-ground standards.