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Zoning administration is a critical component of the Inspections Program, and all building permit reviews start with a zoning determination. Zoning determines if a certain type of use can be undertaken at the proposed location, how much land is required for that use, how high a building can be, how much parking is required, and many other factors related to land development. In addition to the 2,000 building permits reviewed for zoning compliance, hundreds of other zoning determinations were completed during the past year for subdivision and site plan applications, food service and business license applications, change-of-use applications, home occupations and condominium conversions.
Zone and Text Changes
Not all developments fit neatly into the rules, so appeals and variances are necessary so that property owners and developers have options and will be treated fairly in accordance with City policy. The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews and rules on these requests.
Applications to request a zone text change are available in the Department of Planning, 4th floor, telephone 874-8721, City Hall.
Note: Residents and property owners within 500 feet of the proposed development are mailed a notice, and a legal advertisement is placed in the local newspaper at the applicant’s expense.
Ordinance Interpretations and Variances
Ordinance interpretations are made by the Zoning Administrator, Room 315, City Hall. If an applicant disagrees with the interpretation for a given application, an appeal may be filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals. In some cases, an applicant may also file a hardship appeal for a variance to zoning provisions.