Planning and Zoning Department
The Planning and Community Development Department undertakes plans and projects that enhance the built environment, protect the physical character of neighborhoods, encourage the efficient growth of the city and promote unique districts and areas of the city. This occurs through the traditional application of ordinances and design standards, and by applying urban design solutions to the physical planning of the city.
Services
Current Planning and Community Development Review
An important function of the Planning and Community Development Department involves the review of development proposals. This includes meeting with perspective applicants, applying ordinances, offering suggestions on design and layout, organizing meetings with other departments, reviewing applications/proposals, approving signage, providing public notice, and providing information on projects to the public, Planning Commission, and City Council.
Long Range Planning
The city's comprehensive plan is an important document that identifies and analyzes the important relationships between economy, transportation, community services, the environment, and land use. The plan sets the stage for development regulations and design standards, and includes a priority list of items to implement the plan including code and standards updates, transportation planning, area/focus plans.
Permitting and Licensing
The Planning and Community Development Department receive applications for building and trade projects as well as contractor registrations. Building Permit applications are reviewed by a team of experienced City Planners and Building Code Reviewers to ensure the project meets all local and state requirements. Contractor registrations and trade permits are reviewed and issued by Administrative Staff to ensure contractors hold a valid state contractor license along with supporting documentation to guarantee projects follow proper ordinance and codes approved by the City of Newcastle.