Zoning and Subdivision Code Reorganization and Modernization

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Planning for Dublin’s Next Chapter

Dublin has changed significantly over the past decades, yet we’re still using Zoning and Subdivision Codes that were created in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, planning and land use philosophies and best practices have also changed significantly. We realize that this situation hampers the implementation of current City goals and visions; therefore, Dublin is taking a comprehensive look at the Codes to make sure they support the community today and the Dublin we are planning for tomorrow.

The first step in the process was a Code Audit Report to evaluate what is working, what could be clearer or more effective, and where future updates could better align with Envision Dublin, the Dublin Housing Study and Strategy, the Dublin Sustainability Plan, the Dublin Economic Strategy, and other adopted plans.

The Audit itself does not change anyone’s zoning or immediately change development rules. Instead, it created a roadmap for future reorganization and modernization of the Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Following City Council’s adoption of the Audit on August 10, 2026, the City began a two-phase process that will first reorganize the Codes, then modernize the rules within them.

Read the Code Audit Report here and the City Council adoption memo here. To summarize, the Report identified six themes that will guide the Code modernization:

1. Make the Code Easier to Use

Today, zoning and subdivision requirements are spread across different parts of the Code and are difficult to navigate.

City Council has agreed to the recommendation of a Unified Development Code (UDC) that would create one coordinated document to include plain language, consistent definitions, flowcharts, clear cross-references, illustrations, graphics and easy-to-read tables.

Why it matters: Residents, businesses and applicants will be better able to find and understand the rules that apply to their property or project.

2. Modernize Development Standards

The Audit examined the standards that influence how a site is designed, including parking, landscaping and tree protection, open space, sustainability, signs and subdivision requirements.

Modernizing the Code opens opportunities for greater flexibility in parking requirements, stronger landscaping standards, better support for bicycle and electric vehicle infrastructure, and clarification of sign regulations, to name a few.

Why it matters: These standards influence the appearance, function and environmental impact of development throughout Dublin.

3. Update Planned Unit Development Standards

A significant amount of land in Dublin is developed through Planned Unit Developments (PUD).

The Code Modernization is an opportunity to establish clearer expectations for new developments’ long-term value and character, while simplifying regulations. Updates to existing PUDs shall also be explored, should a neighborhood or development wish.

Why it matters: Clearer expectations can improve consistency while helping existing neighborhoods or development adapt over time.

4. Support a Broader Range of Housing Needs

Dublin’s adopted plans have identified changing housing needs, including opportunities for residents to remain in the community as they age.

The City may accommodate a broader range of housing types in high-quality new neighborhoods, while exploring appropriate options within existing neighborhoods.

Why it matters: The UDC is the implementation tool for housing goals in Envision Dublin and the Dublin Housing Study and Strategy; individual HOAs can then determine what is permitted in their specific neighborhoods.

5. Align Zoning Districts with Envision Dublin

The Audit Report found that Dublin’s existing regulations don’t result in the types of development envisioned in the City’s long-range plans.

A separate and concurrent Mixed-Use Best Practices Analysis is also helping the City evaluate how mixed-use development should be defined and regulated in Dublin. Findings will be incorporated into the new UDC language.

Why it matters: The City's long-range plans establish a specific vision that has been agreed to by the community. The new UDC will provide the steps needed to help turn that vision into reality.

6. Make the Development Review Process Clearer

The City has an ongoing project to streamline and clarify the development review process. The UDC will create a separate: Process Manual for how development applications move through City review and Technical Manual for specific street, grading, and stormwater requirements.

Goals include creating more consistent procedures, clarifying who reviews and approves different applications, and identifying opportunities for appropriate administrative approvals.

Why it matters: A predictable process helps residents, businesses, applicants, boards, and commissions understand how decisions are made. Separate documents are more nimble for future updates and adjustments.


What This Project Is and Isn’t

This project is a Citywide update of Dublin’s Zoning and Subdivision Codes to make them clearer, easier to use and better aligned with the City’s adopted plans and long-term vision. It will implement recommendations adopted in the Audit Report.

What doesn’t change:

  • The project does not change Envision Dublin, the Dublin Area Housing Study and Strategy, the Sustainability Plan, the Economic Development Strategy, or any other adopted long-term plan. Instead, it ensures that the regulations align with those visions and goals.
  • Recently adopted standards for districts, such as the Historic District or Innovation Dublin (ID)6 will not be changed through this process.
  • The current draft guidelines and regulations for Metro Center will not be changed through this process.

What may change:

  • Portions of the West Innovation District that have not been recently updated may be evaluated
  • Bridge Street District may be evaluated for clarity and ease of use
  • Areas identified in the Audit Report


Why Do the Zoning and Subdivision Codes Matter?

They shape all the places and experiences people encounter every day, including:

  • How Dublin’s goals for sustainability, mobility, and development with long-term value are realized
  • What types of homes, businesses and other uses may be located in different areas
  • How new neighborhoods and subdivisions are created
  • How sites, parking areas, landscaping and open spaces are designed
  • How development proposals move through the City’s review process
  • How signs are reviewed

A modern, clear set of Codes can make expectations easier to understand for residents, property owners, businesses, developers and City decision-makers.


Why Modernize the Codes Now?

Dublin’s Zoning and Subdivision Codes are outdated and no longer reflect the City’s current goals for development.

The City wants to stay current with modern land use and economic practices.

A modernized Code will also support the City’s goal of “the most sustainable, connected and resilient global City of Choice”.


A Two-Phase Process

This project is a significant undertaking. City Council approved a two-phase process as outlined in the Code Audit Report to first improve how the Codes are organized and then meticulously modernize the regulations themselves.

This approach makes it easier to distinguish organizational improvements (Phase 1) from potential changes to development regulations (Phase 2).

Separating the work into two phases gives the community a clearer understanding of what is happening in each phase, while allowing for additional feedback opportunities from residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders.

Phase 1: Organize and Simplify

The City will first bring the Codes together into one easy-to-use document called a Unified Development Code (UDC). This phase will focus on organization, consistent terminology, clearer cross-references, and user-friendly tools such as tables, graphics and illustrations.

Phase 1 will not change development policy, although conflicting information will be resolved.

Phase 2: Evaluate and Modernize

The second phase will look closely at the actual rules to determine what should remain, what may need further clarification, and where changes would better support adopted plans and goals.

This phase will include specific and on-going opportunities for public and stakeholder input before proposed changes move through the City’s established review and approval processes.


FAQs

Is the City changing my property’s zoning through this process?

If you live in a PUD, no: only that neighborhood may request a change in zoning. If you live in a “standard” zone, such as R-1, you may see your zoning name change for greater clarity, and you may see some opportunities for additional uses, such as Accessory Dwelling Units discussed. Ultimately, an HOA would govern whether or not to take advantage of any standard zoning updates. Robust public review and public approval processes are required and planned.

What is a Unified Development Code?

A UDC combines all development regulations into one organized document. For Dublin, that will bring zoning and subdivision regulations together and organize information into clearer sections with consistent definitions, tables, graphics and cross-references.

Why can't the City simply update a few Code sections?

This option was considered because the City has used this approach in the past; however, many of the challenges identified in the Audit Report related to how different Code sections interact. A comprehensive approach provides an opportunity to address organization, consistency and regulation updates together. Therefore, it was determined that a comprehensive approach is best to obtain the desired product.

Will the City eliminate parking requirements?

The Code Audit Report recommended evaluating actual parking needs and considering more flexible approaches, as many other cities are currently doing. Future decisions about specific parking standards will occur during Phase 2 of the process.

Will this process change Dublin's long-range plans?

No. This project will not rewrite previously-adopted plans such as Envision Dublin and other policy documents that navigated their own robust public processes. This project’s purpose is to ensure that the regulations used to implement those plans are aligned with the City's established vision.

Will the public have an opportunity to review future changes?

Yes. The process identifies numerous opportunities for community engagement as future UDC organization and language are developed. Specific engagement opportunities and dates will be shared as they become known, via TellDublin.

Planning for Dublin’s Next Chapter

Dublin has changed significantly over the past decades, yet we’re still using Zoning and Subdivision Codes that were created in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, planning and land use philosophies and best practices have also changed significantly. We realize that this situation hampers the implementation of current City goals and visions; therefore, Dublin is taking a comprehensive look at the Codes to make sure they support the community today and the Dublin we are planning for tomorrow.

The first step in the process was a Code Audit Report to evaluate what is working, what could be clearer or more effective, and where future updates could better align with Envision Dublin, the Dublin Housing Study and Strategy, the Dublin Sustainability Plan, the Dublin Economic Strategy, and other adopted plans.

The Audit itself does not change anyone’s zoning or immediately change development rules. Instead, it created a roadmap for future reorganization and modernization of the Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Following City Council’s adoption of the Audit on August 10, 2026, the City began a two-phase process that will first reorganize the Codes, then modernize the rules within them.

Read the Code Audit Report here and the City Council adoption memo here. To summarize, the Report identified six themes that will guide the Code modernization:

1. Make the Code Easier to Use

Today, zoning and subdivision requirements are spread across different parts of the Code and are difficult to navigate.

City Council has agreed to the recommendation of a Unified Development Code (UDC) that would create one coordinated document to include plain language, consistent definitions, flowcharts, clear cross-references, illustrations, graphics and easy-to-read tables.

Why it matters: Residents, businesses and applicants will be better able to find and understand the rules that apply to their property or project.

2. Modernize Development Standards

The Audit examined the standards that influence how a site is designed, including parking, landscaping and tree protection, open space, sustainability, signs and subdivision requirements.

Modernizing the Code opens opportunities for greater flexibility in parking requirements, stronger landscaping standards, better support for bicycle and electric vehicle infrastructure, and clarification of sign regulations, to name a few.

Why it matters: These standards influence the appearance, function and environmental impact of development throughout Dublin.

3. Update Planned Unit Development Standards

A significant amount of land in Dublin is developed through Planned Unit Developments (PUD).

The Code Modernization is an opportunity to establish clearer expectations for new developments’ long-term value and character, while simplifying regulations. Updates to existing PUDs shall also be explored, should a neighborhood or development wish.

Why it matters: Clearer expectations can improve consistency while helping existing neighborhoods or development adapt over time.

4. Support a Broader Range of Housing Needs

Dublin’s adopted plans have identified changing housing needs, including opportunities for residents to remain in the community as they age.

The City may accommodate a broader range of housing types in high-quality new neighborhoods, while exploring appropriate options within existing neighborhoods.

Why it matters: The UDC is the implementation tool for housing goals in Envision Dublin and the Dublin Housing Study and Strategy; individual HOAs can then determine what is permitted in their specific neighborhoods.

5. Align Zoning Districts with Envision Dublin

The Audit Report found that Dublin’s existing regulations don’t result in the types of development envisioned in the City’s long-range plans.

A separate and concurrent Mixed-Use Best Practices Analysis is also helping the City evaluate how mixed-use development should be defined and regulated in Dublin. Findings will be incorporated into the new UDC language.

Why it matters: The City's long-range plans establish a specific vision that has been agreed to by the community. The new UDC will provide the steps needed to help turn that vision into reality.

6. Make the Development Review Process Clearer

The City has an ongoing project to streamline and clarify the development review process. The UDC will create a separate: Process Manual for how development applications move through City review and Technical Manual for specific street, grading, and stormwater requirements.

Goals include creating more consistent procedures, clarifying who reviews and approves different applications, and identifying opportunities for appropriate administrative approvals.

Why it matters: A predictable process helps residents, businesses, applicants, boards, and commissions understand how decisions are made. Separate documents are more nimble for future updates and adjustments.


What This Project Is and Isn’t

This project is a Citywide update of Dublin’s Zoning and Subdivision Codes to make them clearer, easier to use and better aligned with the City’s adopted plans and long-term vision. It will implement recommendations adopted in the Audit Report.

What doesn’t change:

  • The project does not change Envision Dublin, the Dublin Area Housing Study and Strategy, the Sustainability Plan, the Economic Development Strategy, or any other adopted long-term plan. Instead, it ensures that the regulations align with those visions and goals.
  • Recently adopted standards for districts, such as the Historic District or Innovation Dublin (ID)6 will not be changed through this process.
  • The current draft guidelines and regulations for Metro Center will not be changed through this process.

What may change:

  • Portions of the West Innovation District that have not been recently updated may be evaluated
  • Bridge Street District may be evaluated for clarity and ease of use
  • Areas identified in the Audit Report


Why Do the Zoning and Subdivision Codes Matter?

They shape all the places and experiences people encounter every day, including:

  • How Dublin’s goals for sustainability, mobility, and development with long-term value are realized
  • What types of homes, businesses and other uses may be located in different areas
  • How new neighborhoods and subdivisions are created
  • How sites, parking areas, landscaping and open spaces are designed
  • How development proposals move through the City’s review process
  • How signs are reviewed

A modern, clear set of Codes can make expectations easier to understand for residents, property owners, businesses, developers and City decision-makers.


Why Modernize the Codes Now?

Dublin’s Zoning and Subdivision Codes are outdated and no longer reflect the City’s current goals for development.

The City wants to stay current with modern land use and economic practices.

A modernized Code will also support the City’s goal of “the most sustainable, connected and resilient global City of Choice”.


A Two-Phase Process

This project is a significant undertaking. City Council approved a two-phase process as outlined in the Code Audit Report to first improve how the Codes are organized and then meticulously modernize the regulations themselves.

This approach makes it easier to distinguish organizational improvements (Phase 1) from potential changes to development regulations (Phase 2).

Separating the work into two phases gives the community a clearer understanding of what is happening in each phase, while allowing for additional feedback opportunities from residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders.

Phase 1: Organize and Simplify

The City will first bring the Codes together into one easy-to-use document called a Unified Development Code (UDC). This phase will focus on organization, consistent terminology, clearer cross-references, and user-friendly tools such as tables, graphics and illustrations.

Phase 1 will not change development policy, although conflicting information will be resolved.

Phase 2: Evaluate and Modernize

The second phase will look closely at the actual rules to determine what should remain, what may need further clarification, and where changes would better support adopted plans and goals.

This phase will include specific and on-going opportunities for public and stakeholder input before proposed changes move through the City’s established review and approval processes.


FAQs

Is the City changing my property’s zoning through this process?

If you live in a PUD, no: only that neighborhood may request a change in zoning. If you live in a “standard” zone, such as R-1, you may see your zoning name change for greater clarity, and you may see some opportunities for additional uses, such as Accessory Dwelling Units discussed. Ultimately, an HOA would govern whether or not to take advantage of any standard zoning updates. Robust public review and public approval processes are required and planned.

What is a Unified Development Code?

A UDC combines all development regulations into one organized document. For Dublin, that will bring zoning and subdivision regulations together and organize information into clearer sections with consistent definitions, tables, graphics and cross-references.

Why can't the City simply update a few Code sections?

This option was considered because the City has used this approach in the past; however, many of the challenges identified in the Audit Report related to how different Code sections interact. A comprehensive approach provides an opportunity to address organization, consistency and regulation updates together. Therefore, it was determined that a comprehensive approach is best to obtain the desired product.

Will the City eliminate parking requirements?

The Code Audit Report recommended evaluating actual parking needs and considering more flexible approaches, as many other cities are currently doing. Future decisions about specific parking standards will occur during Phase 2 of the process.

Will this process change Dublin's long-range plans?

No. This project will not rewrite previously-adopted plans such as Envision Dublin and other policy documents that navigated their own robust public processes. This project’s purpose is to ensure that the regulations used to implement those plans are aligned with the City's established vision.

Will the public have an opportunity to review future changes?

Yes. The process identifies numerous opportunities for community engagement as future UDC organization and language are developed. Specific engagement opportunities and dates will be shared as they become known, via TellDublin.

Page last updated: 19 Oct 2026, 10:41 AM