Preparing a Unified Development Ordinance for the first time requires these basic steps:

1. Preparing a summary of Comprehensive Plan goals and policies that will be addressed and implemented in the new UDO.
2. Preparing `white papers` that address the policy issues raised in the Comprehensive Plan and providing recommendations for effective zoning and land development tools to implement the desired county policies.
3. Compiling and reviewing all of the County`s existing codes and ordinances that relate to zoning, subdivision, environmental quality, land development, and dedicated improvements that are now to be updated and incorporated into a single document.
4. Incorporating code amendments that have been made since the latest version of the documents.
5. Reorganizing codes in a logical order that follows the land development process.
6. Consolidating and coordinating redundant or conflicting terminology, standards, and administrative procedures.
7. Simplifying language and streamlining the procedures of the current code.
8. Identifying gaps in the current codes and adding new and innovative provisions to implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan and incorporate state and federal mandates.
9. Incorporating graphic illustrations, where appropriate, to increase clarity.
10. Codifying the new document in a consistent format with cross-references for related provisions.