Current Planning & Development Review

The Division of Current Planning is responsible for coordinating the review of development proposals, enforcing the zoning ordinance, and processing building permits, subdivisions, special exception uses and zoning variances. This section has ongoing, direct contact with residents, business people and developers in the city and responds to over 7,000 telephone calls and walk-ins each year on a variety of zoning and procedural issues.

This section includes 2 major subareas:

  • Processing all development applications including applications requiring hearings before the Planning Commission, City Council, and Board of Appeals
  • Permitting/enforcement which includes the review and approval of building permits and review for compliance with such diverse criteria as Historic Preservation Commission approval and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area approval.

Process Guidance

Major Site Design Plan Review

What’s New in Current Planning?

This spreadsheet shows major development projects in the City. It will be updated monthly. New activities this month are noted in red font.

Please note that any comments received from a member of the public will be posted online as received by the Department of Planning and Zoning