Unified Development Code

In an effort to streamline and improve the regulations and codes for development, the City of Longview overhauled the existing zoning, subdivision, and development ordinancesand created a Unified Development Code. 

The Unified Development Code (UDC) is a document that consolidates all development-related regulations into a single resource rather than in various separate ordinances. Creation of a UDC was one of the recommended actions within the Longview Comprehensive Plan. In addition to streamlining the existing codes, the City modernized the land development regulations and development ordinances through the process. 


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The Unified Development Code is:

  • “User Friendly” and easy to read, understand, and interpret for all users, including citizens, staff, developers, and elected and appointed officials.
  • Simple and easily administered by staff.
  • Heavily illustrated, with considerable graphics depicting the requirements, recommendations, and concepts detailed in the code.
  • Flexible to allow for streamlining of the development review process.
  • Encouraging of development and redevelopment, particularly within targeted areas that are consistent with the community’s planning and development goals and Comprehensive Plan.
  • Capable of innovative and creative approaches to land use regulations, including the exploration of form-based or hybrid codes.
  • Applicable to the creation of distinct gateways, major thoroughfares and designated target areas throughout the City. 

In addition, general utility policy standards for improvements have been addressed in the Engineering Specifications and Details Manual.


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The Engineering Specifications and Details Manual includes:

Unified Development Code and Other Documents

  1. Unified Development Code (UDC) - Revised March 23, 2023
  2. UDC - Interim Street Design Guidelines Draft
  3. UDC - Storm Drainage Draft
  4. UDC - Streets Draft
  5. UDC - Water Utilities Draft
  6. Engineering Specifications and Details Manual
  7. Jobsite Cleanliness Flyer

The UDC contains content related to but not limited to: development review bodies, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation, Construction Advisory and Appeals, Building Official, Fire Code Official, submittal and processing procedures,  development site plans, permit types, project completion certificates, contractor types and licenses, commercial and residential general contractors and construction, driveways, sidewalks, plumbers, electricians, demolition, landscaping, irrigation, fire protection sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire lanes, storage tanks, utility contractors and utilities, zoning districts, zoning land use, platting, fencing, screening, buffer yards, tree preservation, vehicle parking, off-street loading, multi-family development, downtown development, central business district, nonconforming lots, planned developments, specific use permits, subdivisions, street lighting, street design, private streets, traffic impact analysis, water, wastewater, industrial waste, infrastructure, grease traps,  abandonment, right-of-ways, easements, flood damage prevention, modular and mobile home requirements, mechanical code, electrical code, plumbing and gas code, energy conservation code, pool and spa code, sign and billboard regulations, setbacks, appeals, variances, hearings, access, accessory buildings, engineering specifications, job cleanliness, and more.