The City of Ann Arbor is seeking the services of a consultant (firm, nonprofit organization, private agency) to rewrite Chapter 55 of the City Code, known as the Unified Development Code (UDC), which contains the City’s zoning code / land use regulations, and complete a Development Review Process Improvement Report. On March 16, 2026, the City of Ann Arbor adopted a new Comprehensive Plan that establishes a long-term vision for growth that is affordable, sustainable, equitable, and dynamic. Implementing that vision will require both modernizing the City's land use regulations and improving the processes through which development is reviewed and approved. To advance these objectives, the City seeks consultant services for two closely related initiatives. The first is a comprehensive rewrite of the UDC, including the adoption of a new Zoning Map, to implement the Comprehensive Plan's future land use framework, which will be led by City of Ann Arbor Planning Unit. The second is an evaluation of the City's development review process to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, transparency, predictability, and customer service for applicants, residents, and other stakeholders, which will be led by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Economic Development. Because these initiatives are closely connected but have distinct goals, deliverables, and funding sources, the City intends to undertake them as separate but coordinated work programs under a single consultant team. For the UDC Rewrite, the City is seeking completion within a period of 24-36 months, based on an anticipated start in November 2026. For the Development Review Process Improvement Report, recommendations should be provided within 4-6 months from the same initial starting date. The consultant will coordinate work with teams from the Planning Unit, the Office of Economic Development, the Planning Commission, City Council and any established support committees for this project. The Planning Manager and the Economic Development Director will oversee the direction and quality of work of this consultant.

Find the complete Request for Proposals at https://www.a2gov.org/media/crhhcfhf/rfp_26-39_document.pdf