A unique approach in land use regulation by combining or referencing all development related ordinances and codes. The City of Holland's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) combines the City's existing Zoning, Streets and Sidewalks, Tree, and Subdivision Ordinances, traditionally divided into multiple ordinances, into a single, graphic-heavy, user-friendly, regulatory document. UDO also references additional development related codes such as the International Fire Code (IFC) and the Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW) Terms of Service.

When to use UDO. The requirements of UDO shall be met for all new construction and for all exterior renovations, additions, or site alterations. See Section 39-12.01 to determine the approval process for each project.

UDO implements the City's Master Plan. It does this through zoning standard requirements that implement the goals that were developed through public input and adopted by City Council.

UDO is a legal document where the Master Plan is a policy document. If there is a conflict between UDO and the Master Plan, UDO shall govern.

UDO promotes resiliency. Many of the goals of the City's Master Plan regard developing a more economically, environmentally, and socially resilient community.

Context sensitive approach. Hybrid zoning recognizes the need for context sensitive zoning so that each area of the City has purposeful zone districts and zoning standards to preserve or enhance the area's specific character and to enable appropriate uses in that area. UDO implements hybrid zoning to seamlessly meld four zoning types found throughout the City of Holland. Each zoning type is organized by placing more or less emphasis on these zoning elements: separation of uses, mixed uses, character via form and design, general and site plan standards, and process. See Section 39-1.02C.

The four hybrid zoning types.

Hybrid zoning types and zoning elements. The graphic below depicts the four hybrid zoning types in UDO. The importance of each of the zoning elements is depicted by the size of the circles. Each of the City's zone districts is provided below the graphic indicating which hybrid zoning type each uses. Section 39-1.05 provides the Zoning Map used to determine which zone district each property is located in, within the City.

Organizing principles. Unlike the conventional, conventional and mixed-use, and mixed-use zoning types, which are organized by allowable uses and dimensional standards, the form-based code zoning type is organized by the following principles:

This graphic below depicts these organizing principles. The interaction and coordination of the private and public realms establishes an area's character. See Section 39-2.23 and Article 39-3 for additional information.

The transect. In addition to being informed by the zoning types, the standards for each zone district in UDO have also been developed based on the transect. The transect is a context-sensitive planning approach based on, in general, the decrease of lot sizes and increase of land uses allowed from natural to urban character. This approach is critical to ensure that the standards set forth in each zone district meet the specific needs of each area, neighborhood or corridor of the City of Holland.

Zone district boundaries. The boundaries of the zone districts are hereby established as shown on the Zoning Map in Section 39-1.05. All notations, references, and other information on the Map shall be considered fully and completely part of UDO.

Classification of annexed areas. Whenever any area is annexed to the City, if such an area was subject to zoning regulations at the time of such annexation, the following classifications shall be applied, pending an overall analysis and adoption of new City zoning regulations with respect to the area:

Frequently asked questions.

Review Processes Flowchart.

Promoting the orderly development of the City by implementing the goals and action steps identified in the City of Holland's Master Plan, following City policies, and identifying land uses suitable for properties to protect allowable uses against incompatible uses of land;

Encouraging City-wide resiliency through smart, low-impact development and stormwater management that preserves and protects the natural and built elements of the City;

Promoting the economic progress of the City by preserving and growing the established commercial business districts and developing additional commercial business and residential mixed-use nodes throughout the City;

Preserving and establishing walkable areas by intentionally focusing on building form, urban design, and how the building frontages interact with the public street;

Enhancing the City's multimodal network and providing for the efficient movement and parking of vehicular and nonmotorized transportation;

Beautifying the City by enhancing its urban tree canopy and being attentive to site design and landscaping; and

Reducing the hazards to life and property, promoting traffic safety, and providing protection from the spread of fire and other hazards.

The provisions of UDO shall be held as minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents, businesses, property owners, and occupants of the City of Holland. Among other purposes, the provisions of UDO are intended to promote the health, safety, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability of the City.

Adoption of UDO is not intended to repeal, abrogate, annul, or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of the City's other laws or ordinances, except those specifically repealed at the time of the adoption of UDO.

UDO does not supersede any private restrictions placed upon property by covenant, deed, or other private agreement more restrictive than UDO. Where UDO imposes a stricter restriction than is imposed by a private restriction, the provisions of UDO shall govern.

Images in UDO are included to aid in the interpretation of the text, but are not regulatory. If there is any conflict between an image and text, the text shall govern.

Whenever any provision of UDO imposes more stringent requirements than required by the provisions of any other City ordinance or any county, state, or federal law or regulation, then the provisions of UDO shall govern, except if exempted by state or federal statute.

Whenever any provision of UDO imposes less stringent requirements than required by the provisions of any other City ordinance or any county, state, or federal law or regulation, then the provisions of the other ordinance, law, or regulation shall govern.