The Department provides long range planning services and reviews land use plans for consistency with city plans. Demographic information, as well as projections about population growth are monitored and planned for by this department. The Department also drafts policies and revises ordinances to implement the goals of the City Council regarding growth management and development practices. The Department works closely with the Public Works Department and Economic Development agency.
Zoning is the regulation of property to ensure general health, safety, and welfare standards for the community. The Department assists residents and applicants with zoning requests, development requests, and flood plain information. Staff coordinates efforts to communicate with the property owner or developer by arranging pre-development meetings "up-front" to get questions answered at the beginning of the project. Department staff issues applications for Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Rezoning, Annexations, Lot Splits, Platting and Sign permits.
The Department offers services that provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings within this jurisdiction. This Department issues permits for Building, Plumbing, Fire suppression, and Mechanical projects.
Mike Ritter is the City's Chief Building Official.
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