Planning Department

 
The purpose of the Planning Department is to ensure that development satisfies the existing and future needs of the community while promoting public health, creating a harmonious community, and providing for the general welfare of the public.

The Planning Department is primarily responsible for working with property owners to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Regulations, periodically reviewing these regulations and recommending revisions, and providing staff for the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.  The department also works with property owners that are interested in rezoning property or having their property annexed into the city.  The Building Official / Zoning Administrator is responsible for the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.

An approved permit is required for the following activities within the city:
  • Rezoning
  • Land Development projects
  • Subdivision of lots or parcels
  • Plat Approval
  • Tree Removal
  • Sign Installation / Replacement / Repair
  • Awning Installation / Replacement / Repair
  • Painting of the exterior of a Commercial Building
  • Occupancy Permit (to occupy a building / site or to change the use of a building / site)
  • Bed and Breakfast Inns
  • Home Occupancy
  • Fence Installation
  • Accessory structures / uses
  • Landscaping and Buffer Yard
  • Acceptance of Historic Landmark Status (applications provided by the Planning Department but approvals are issued by the Historic Landmark Commission).
  • Variances
  • Appeals
  • Others as specified by the Zoning Ordinance, Land Development Ordinance, etc.
Permit applications for some of these activities may be found on the Forms page.  Applications for activities not available online may be obtained by contacting the Building Official / Zoning Administrator.

For more information please refer to Comprehensive Plan (pdf), Zoning Map (pdf), and Comprehensive Plan Maps (pdf).