Land use planning

What is regulated by Land Use Planning?

Land Use Planning administers the Unified Development Code over many topics which include but are not limited to the following:

  • Property zoning
  • Use of a property
  • Lots, setbacks, and residential densities
  • Land division (sub-dividing, boundary line adjustments, binding site plans, plats/short plats, etc.)
  • Critical areas (hazardous slopes, wetlands, buffers, etc.)
  • Certification of non-conforming lots, buildings, and uses
  • Shorelines and floodplains
  • Landscaping requirements
  • Open space requirements
  • Building and structure heights
  • Fences
  • Lot coverage (allowable building roof area per property)
  • Required parking count & storage of vehicles
  • Signs
  • Historic property requirements
  • School district impact fees

Getting started with Land Use Projects

For all projects, one of the first steps of feasibility is verifying your project's eligibility with the Unified Development Code (zoning code). It is important to do pre-project research to:

  • Determine if the type of project you want to do is allowable in the zone your property is located in
  • Determine what design requirements apply in your property's zone 
  • Understand what the permitting process is to achieve your goals 

When Land Use processes are required, they must be applied for, approved, and completed prior to your project being eligible to apply for construction permits. Land Use projects are applied for through the Planning Division rather than Permit Services.

What to do?