What's New on the Development Page?
UDO Amendments - Two amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance were adopted in late 2011. Amendment #39 revised the regulations in the accessory use section regarding subdivision sales trailers and temporary relocatable classrooms. Amendment #40 revised and added regulations regarding car sales in the special use permit section. A map was added to Article 10-Special Use Permits, showing where car sales may be permitted with a special use permit as accessory uses to auto-related businesses, such as car repair shops or auto parts stores.
Mini-Pre-Application Meeting. A "mini-pre-application" meeting is available for individuals who want to meet with a small group of City staff to discuss an idea for development, and would like some one-on-one direction. Click here to see if this process is appropriate for you, and click on the checklist link below to see what kinds of issues will be discussed. A regular "pre-application" meeting will be necessary once plans are developed, and prior to submittal of an application.
Pre-Application Instructions and Checklist - Click here to see instructions and a checklist designed to help prepare applicants for the pre-application meeting.
2012 Deadline Schedule - This is the schedule for submittal of development applications that require action by the Planning Commission and City Council. Click here to view the 2012 deadline schedule.
Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) - The latest CIP, for 2012-2016, is available online. The CIP is a five-year plan for public infrastructure improvements to be constructed by the City. Funds for the first year of the CIP are included in the City's budget for that fiscal year. The CIP for 2012-2016 was adopted by the Planning Commission and City Council in May, 2011. Click here to view the 2012-2016 CIP.
Annual Development Report - The annual report for 2011 is currently being developed. The latest annual report, for 2010, prepared by the Planning and Development Department is available online. The report includes development-related statistics. Click here to view.
What is Development?
Development can be large or small, ranging from a multi-use project on a large acreage of vacant land to a building addition on a single family home. It can be residential, commercial, industrial, or almost any use imaginable.
A new development begins with the Planning and Development Department, which guides the applicant through approval of plans. Approval processes vary depending on the kind of application. Once the construction phase is reached, the Public Works Department (Development Engineering/Inspection Division) reviews engineering plans and oversees the construction of infrastructure (such as streets, storm sewers, water lines and sanitary sewers). Building plans are reviewed by Codes Administration and Fire, and Codes inspectors oversee building construction. All of the development departments must sign off on a permit before it can be issued; and all of the departments must sign off on a building before it can receive an occupancy permit.
The City departments that deal with development are primarily:
What is on this page?
Development information - applications, forms, checklists, processes, regulations
This page includes development information for all three departments.
- If a project is in the planning stage, the primary contact will be the Planning & Development Department.
- If a project is in the construction stage, the primary contact will be Codes Administration (for buildings and structures), or Public Works - Development Engineering/Inspection Division (for infrastructure, like streets and utilities).
Click here for Annual Development Report.
Click here for Development Process Flowchart.
CDBG and Historic Preservation information
Other programs handled by the Planning and Development Department include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Historic Preservation Program. Information on the First Time Homebuyer and Minor Home Repair programs can be found within the CDBG area, as they are funded by HUD with federal funds through a grant to the local community.