PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Planning For Your Future

The Planning and Development Department plans for the future growth and management, livability and community prosperity of Camden. The department oversees all planning and development activities including the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning and land development regulations.

We work with developers, neighborhoods, businesses and citizens on site plans and reviews, community development projects, and redevelopment assistance. We also ensure public safety, health, and welfare of the community by the enforcement of requirements specified in all codes and ordinances.

Rezoning

Property owners that are interested in rezoning property or having their property annexed into the city should contact our Director of Planning & Development Shawn Putnam. Requests for rezoning must be submitted at least 21 calendar days prior to the date of a Planning Commission meeting to be considered at that meeting. The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing and recommend approval or denial of the request. City Council then will consider the recommendation and approve or deny the request.

See our Zoning Map here.

Apply for a new zoning classification here.

Subdivisions

Subdivisions are approved by either the City Planner or Planning Commission depending on the number of new lots and the location of the property. Any request for a subdivision including more than five (5) lots, located in the Camden National Register Historic District, Kendall Mill National Register Historic District, or designated as a Historic Property by City Council must be approved by the Planning Commission. Contact Director of Planning & Development Shawn Putnam for more information.

Apply to develop a new subdivision here.

Helpful Links

Building Inspections

A Building Permit is required for any new construction, demolition, moving, repair or enlargement of a house or commercial building within city limits.

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Variances and Appeals

Looking for relief from a requirement in the Zoning Ordinance, such as a setback or building height requirements?  The request must meet strict standards for unnecessary hardship as described in state law and appeals are reviewed on an as-needed basis. Apply here.

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Zoning Ordinances

Looking for information on Camden’s zoning ordinances? They guide development in accordance with existing and future needs of the community and to promote public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, appearance, prosperity and general welfare.

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Code of Ordinances

Camden’s Code of Ordinances is constantly evolving, but an online version is available for use by our citizens and other interested parties; updated twice a year to reflect changes. 

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Helpful Resources

Looking for helpful tools, applications and downloads for planning and development purposes?
We’ve assembled everything in one place for your convenience.