Unified Development Code Update

The City is conducting a thorough evaluation of the Unified Development Code to see that it is supporting the City Council's goals and priorities, is in alignment with other City plans, and to ensure it is not serving as a barrier to development in the community.

What is the Unified Development Code?

The Unified Development Code (UDC) regulates zoning, subdivisions, signs, site development, and historic preservation in the City of Dubuque. By combining all of these regulations in a single document, it aims to simplify and streamline the development process for developers, residents, and planners. 

The current UDC was adopted in 2009. Since its adoption, the UDC has been updated by City staff and through text amendment requests to reflect State-initiated regulation changes and to accommodate growth and emerging trends.

Technical Report Available for Public Review

From November 2024 - May 2025, UDC consultant Camiros and City staff conducted community engagement. Outreach activities included a community survey, which featured broad questions about development in the city, a technical group survey, which featured more detailed questions about the City's UDC and how it is currently working, and stakeholder interviews. 

The community survey and technical survey results and stakeholder interviews helped inform the UDC Technical Report. The report offers a detailed review of Dubuque’s UDC to support its upcoming update. It is designed to help better understand the current zoning regulations; identify key issues and opportunities through input from residents, stakeholders, and surveys; and introduce concepts that will shape future changes. While the report does not address every needed revision, it highlights important areas for improvement and suggests initial approaches for updating the code.

Report a Concern

Provide Your Input

The City invites all residents, property owners, business owners, and development professionals to review the report and stay involved in the UDC update process. Public engagement remains a key component in shaping a modern, innovative, and user-friendly development code that supports the community’s vision for the future.

To provide input, drop a comment in our online comment box or attend one of the upcoming presentations.

hands at keyboard

Drop a Comment

Share your thoughts on the UDC Technical Report in our online comment box!

person giving presentation icon

Attend An Upcoming Presentation

The UDC Technical Report will be publicly presented by City staff and representatives from Camiros (UDC consultant) at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Jule Operations Training Facility, 949 Kerper Blvd.

A second presentation to the Dubuque City Council is scheduled during a work session at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. 

Project Phases

Opportunities for public input will be available throughout all phases of the process.

Phase 1: Evaluate
Phase 1: Draft
Phase 3: Adopt Updated UDC

Phase 1: Evaluate
Nov 2024 - May 2025
Phase one includes reviewing existing ordinances and plans, public engagement, and a technical review report.

Phase 2: Draft
June - Dec. 2025
During phase two, City staff will draft updates to the UDC using input gathered during phase one. The draft will be shared with the public through open houses and presentations to the City Council and Zoning Advisory Commission. Additional feedback will be gathered.

Phase 3: Adopt
Jan. - March 2026
Phase three is the adoption of the updated UDC. Opportunities for input will include multiple public hearings.

Stay Informed

To stay informed throughout the process, sign up to receive email and/or text alerts about the UDC update!

More Information

Contact Us

  1. Photo of Wally WernimontWally Wernimont  |  email
    Planning Services Director

    Phone: 563-589-4210
    TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)
    Fax: 563-589-4221


    City Hall
    50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

    Hours
    Monday -  Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Staff Directory