Land Use Code
The Land Use Code (LUC) was adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 22, 2022. The (LUC) is a set of regulations that guide how property is used and developed in Wellington. The purpose of the LUC is to protect landowner rights while also looking out for overall community interests. The LUC is a living document that changes over time to respond to new information and the needs of the community. The Planning Commission, Town staff, and subject matter experts updated the Land Use Code in 2022 to align with the community's vision laid out in the Comprehensive Plan, that was adopted on August 2, 2021. Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan.
Wellington Downtown Neighborhood Survey - Results
View the Downtown Character Survey results.
"Zoning" is a set of zone districts that list uses and other requirements for each district and makes up one part of the Land Use Code. Community members were invited to complete a survey to help define the character of the Downtown Neighborhoods.
The Land Use Code includes more than just zoning, it also provides a description of all uses, the processes that are available for development, and the standards for development.
The LUC Update Accomplished…
- Creating more predictable standards and processes
- Providing opportunities for innovative and quality development
- Updating to be consistent with the community vision defined in the Comprehensive Plan
- Creating a more user-friendly code
- What is the Land Use Code and how does it affect my property rights?
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The Land Use Code is a set of regulations that guide how property is used and developed. The purpose of the Land Use Code is to protect landowner rights while also looking out for overall community interests with fair and consistent enforcement.
- What is the difference between zoning and the Land Use Code?
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The Land Use Code includes a description of all uses, the processes that are available for development, and the standards for development. Zoning is one part of the Land Use Code. It is one of the tools that directs property development and use. "Zoning" is a set of zone districts that list uses and other requirements for each district.
- What is a Land Use?
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General land use categories identified in the Comprehensive Plan include:
Low Density Residential - A Single Family Home
Medium Density Residential - Primarily single-family and a variety of attached homes (e.g., townhomes, duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, and apartments) no taller than 3 stories.
Commercial - Various retail and services ranging from shopping areas, to gyms, hospitality, lodging, entertainment, medical, and social services.
Mixed Use - Primarily restaurants, offices, livework units, mid-rise apartments, condominiums, urban lodging, civic uses, public facilities, and cultural activities
Downtown Neighborhoods - Primarily detached and attached single-family homes, backyard cottages, cottage courts, duplexes to fourplexes, and townhouses, no taller than 3 stories.
Downtown Core - Primarily restaurants, specialty retail, offices, housing, urban lodging, and cultural activities, no taller than 3 stories.
Industrial - Primarily large format buildings for manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, distribution, and processing. Complementary uses may include research and development.
Civic - Town buildings such as offices, the library, community center, and schools; government buildings such as post office and fire department; regional schools or research centers.
The LUC timeline is a continuation of the Comprehensive Plan process, which began in January of 2020. After three phases of public engagement, the Board of Trustees adopted the community vision for the future in August of 2021. The LUC is a more technical document that aligns with the vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. .
Comprehensive Plan Timeline