Services
From Scratch
When its cheaper and easier to start with a clean slate.
Unified Development Ordinances
A UDO is a great way to package a community's development regulations. For that reason, we were an early adopter of this concept, being one of the first firms in the nation to offer it to our clients.
Zoning Ordinances
We can provide Form Based Codes or traditional zoning ordinances, all with our user-friendly and highly illustrated design.
Subdivision Control Ordinances
Ground Rules is a pioneer in subdivision regulations. Our SCOs calibrate regulations based on the type of development (e.g. curvilinear, traditional, mixed-use, townhouse, or commercial). They're also very user-friendly.
Revisions
When the existing ordinance is well crafted but needs targeted improvements.
Amendments for Compliance
Case law, administrative codes, and state statutes are always evolving. Therefore, we strive to keep our clients' ordinances fully up to date.
Patch Ordinances
Sometimes a regulation is just not working any longer and needs a quick fix. We can help you expedite amendments as necessary.
Recalibrating Regulations
We can help you with renewable energy, green infrastructure, water conservation, skinny streets, or other trends necessary to keep your community's regulations up to date.
Audits
When we need to identify strengths and weaknesses and establish a game plan for future improvements.
Technical
We can help you find deficiencies in processes, definitions, use of terms, hierarchy, as well as overall organization of your ordinances.
Content
We'll find obsolete words, phrases and regulations as well as point out content similar communities typically have in their toolbox.
Defensibility
There are many ways to accomplish a community's goals, but some are risky or clearly illegal. We'll help you identify where your ordinance is most open for challenge.
Miscellaneous
When complementary services related to ordinance preparation
are needed.
Zoning Map Preparation
Although we don't do GIS data entry, we advise the technicians and community leaders to assure the official zoning map is accurate and complete.
Training
We can help your appointed and elected officials to understand and implement your ordinances. We can also train them on how to better run meetings and about best practices in urban planning.
Rules and Procedures
We often find rules and procedures lacking updates and in conflict with ordinance language, enabling legislation, and how business is being conducted in meetings. Therefore, we can provide a user-friendly and modern document to avoid these legal issues.