About the Division
The Planning and Zoning Division is responsible for managing and guiding the development of our city to ensure that growth is orderly, sustainable, and aligned with the community’s vision. By balancing land use decisions with public interests, we create a framework that supports economic growth, protects resources, and improves quality of life for residents.
Planning and Zoning ensures that land use and development meet city standards while promoting responsible growth that enhances the city’s unique character.
Responsibilities
- Land Use Planning
- General Plan: Serves as the city’s roadmap for growth and development. It includes strategies for housing, transportation, parks, and economic development to ensure the city grows in a balanced way.
- Zoning Code
- Subdivision Regulations
- Building Codes
- Zoning Administration
- Establishes and enforces zoning regulations to determine how land can be used (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial).
- Interpreting and applying zoning regulations to proposed development projects.
- Reviews applications for zoning changes, variances, and conditional use permits to ensure compatibility with city goals.
- Creates comprehensive plans for future land use development.
- Maintains the official zoning map, outlining land use designations citywide.
- Planning and Zoning Commission
- An appointed board composed of 7 members that reviews and makes recommendations on development to the City Council.
- Development Review
- Coordinates with developers, various city departments and outside agencies to review proposals for subdivisions, site plans, and infrastructure.
- Evaluating detailed site plans for proposed development, including building locations, parking regulations, landscaping and access points.
- Ensures projects comply with city design standards, safety codes, and infrastructure capacity requirements.
- Monitors construction progress to align with approved plans.
- Community Engagement
- Facilitates public hearings and workshops to gather input from residents and businesses.
- Provides clear communication about planning and zoning processes to ensure transparency.
- Offers educational resources for the community about planning policies and zoning regulations.
- Code Enforcement Collaboration
- Partners with the Code Enforcement team to address zoning violations and maintain compliance with city ordinances.
- Provides guidance to residents and businesses to resolve zoning issues amicably.
Mission
The goal for all activities within the Planning & Zoning Division is to provide high quality customer service to all of our customers, to communicate effectively with other departments and outside agencies, and to maintain a professional working atmosphere at all times.