07/07/2025

Best Practice

Ludington Unified Development Ordinance

City of Ludington and McKenna

The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) includes a number of innovative features that reflect, and even advance, best practices in zoning and other development regulations including a user guide, neighborhood zoning replacing single family residential districts, and mixed use districts replacing commercial districts. The UDO responded to a number of specific concerns by residents and the business community that had been insufficiently addressed by the previous zoning ordinance, including housing density, downtown development style, neighborhood business districts, aging commercial corridors, non-conforming industrial uses, and both waterfronts, among others. The UDO is designed to address pressing issues in the City, implement the Master Plan, and address the housing crisis. The UDO crucial for maintaining and enhancing the character of a proud community. Jurors called it: "A very progressive code." Congratulations to the City of Ludington and McKenna!