Planning & Zoning Division

Great communities do not pop up overnight.  Choices concerning the development of communities should reflect widely held community values that consider citizen health, safety, conservation of resources, efficiency, beauty, and equity.  The vision of the City’s citizens is embodied in the City Growth Policy, the keystone to the City’s growth management program. 

What they do

The Planning and Zoning Division facilitates implementation of the Growth Policy through a review of land use applications, which are presented to the Planning Board as the decision-making body. The vision of the Growth Policy is further expressed in policy and regulatory documents, including but not limited to the Comprehensive Parks Plan, Subdivision Regulations, and Zoning Code.

Planning and Zoning Division staff evaluate land-use proposals for conformance with the regulations and Growth Policy goals. The division issues sign permits; and also coordinates closely with the City’s Legal Team and Police Department regarding Zoning Code compliance. In addition, administrative support is provided to the Planning Board, the Parks Board, the Board of Adjustment, and the City Council.