Gastonia UDO Re-Write
The City of Gastonia is updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and we want your voice to help shape it. Over the course of this roughly 18-month effort, the project team will be gathering input from the people who live, work, develop, and invest in Gastonia to make sure the City's development regulations reflect real community needs and priorities. This survey takes less than 5 minutes and is your opportunity to tell us how you'd like to be involved — whether through a focus group discussion, the project's Steering Committee, or both.

Focus Group Discussions
As we kick off the UDO project, we want to hear directly from the people who live, work, develop, and invest in the City. The project team will host up to four small group discussions during the first project visit to talk about what is working well, what could be improved, and what opportunities you see for the City's development regulations.

Each discussion will last approximately 50 minutes and will focus on key topics related to the UDO.

Interested in participating? Let us know through this survey, and we'll follow up with more information about the focus group sessions. Indicate your interest in the following focus groups (see options in survey below):
  • Downtown Growth and Revitalization
  • Community Design & Placemaking
  • Housing Diversity & Economic Vitality
  • Streamlined, Flexible Permitting Procedures
  • Complete Neighborhoods & Vibrant Corridors
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee will play an important role in helping guide the UDO project from kickoff through completion. Committee members will serve as a sounding board for the project team, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on what is working well, what could be improved, and what changes may be needed to better serve the City.

The committee will bring together a diverse group of technical experts, community leaders, appointed board and commission members, and elected officials. Members will participate at key points throughout the project, providing feedback on draft materials and helping the project team stay grounded in the City's needs and priorities.

Up to six Steering Committee meetings are anticipated throughout the project, with discussions focused on key components of the UDO, including zoning, development standards, procedures, and definitions.

How This Information Will Be Used
Your responses will help the project team identify participants for both engagement opportunities and ensure the Steering Committee reflects a diverse range of geographic, professional, demographic, and viewpoint perspectives from across Gastonia. Completing this survey does not guarantee a seat on the Steering Committee or a focus group invitation, but it ensures your interest and background are considered as the project team builds a representative and well-rounded engagement process. All information provided will be used solely for planning and outreach purposes related to the Gastonia UDO Re-Write.

Applications/responses will be accepted through October 18th, 2026.

For more information on the UDO Re-Write, please visit PROJECT WEBSITE.
How Would You Like to Participate?
Please indicate your interest in the engagement opportunities below. (*indicates a required field)

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1. I am interested in participating in a Focus Group Discussion.

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2. Which topic area of a focus group session are you most interested?

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3. I am interested in applying for the Steering Committee.

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4. I would like to stay informed about the UDO Re-Write project and future public input opportunities (e.g., open houses, online surveys, public hearings).

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5. If yes, how would you prefer to receive project updates? (Select all that apply)

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6. Contact Information (Required.)

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8. Phone (optional)

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9. Address:

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10. Do you own or rent your residence? *

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11. How long have you lived in Gastonia? *

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12. Are you a business owner? *

Demographics
To ensure representation and expertise among participants, which will include geographic, professional, demographic, and viewpoint diversity, please tell us a little about yourself so that we may achieve this goal.

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13. Race/Ethnicity:

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14. Gender:

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15. Age Range:

Interests & Experiences

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16. Have you served on a board or committee before (Ex. HOA, non-profit, etc.)?

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17. What topics related to the UDO are you most interested in? (Select all that apply)

Committments

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18. Are you willing and able to commit to 5-6 Steering Committee meetings during the duration of the project (18-months)? *

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19. Are you available to attend a focus group discussion of approximately 50 minutes during the project's first visit?

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20. Are you willing to engage with your friends and neighbors to gain input about their views on issues impacting the community?

Submitting Your Response
To submit your completed application, hit "Submit."
If you elect to submit in-person or by mail, you can do one of the following:

Mail it to:
City of Gastonia
Planning Department
PO Box 1748
Gastonia, NC 28053

Drop it off at:
City of Gastonia
Attn: Planning Dept.
150 S. York Street
Gastonia, NC 28052

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