Divisions

The Community Development Department is divided into four divisions, Grants Administration, Planning, Inspections and Zoning and Natural Resources. 

1. The Grants Administration division secures and manages funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Trust Fund programs. Staff supports the Community Development Advisory Committee which serves as the primary mechanism for facilitating citizen participation throughout all stages of the federal government consolidated planning, implementation and evaluation process. 
2. The Planning division provides technical assistance to citizens/developers concerning land use issues. Planning staff administers the City's Technical Review Committee which oversees the review of site development plans and the subdivision of property. Staff supports to the Planning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, and serves the department's liaison to City Council for land use matters by providing recommendations on zoning changes, certitificates of appropriateness in historic districts, and ordinance amendments. The division is responsible for updating the City's Comprehensive Plan and assisting with the implementation of area, corridor, and neighborhood plans.   
3. The Inspections division includes Code Compliance and New Construction services. New Construction staff review architectural plans for compliance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code as well as issue permits and perform inspection for structures, alterations, additions, renovations, and building demolition. Code Compliance staff administers the Property Maintenance Code, the Rental Inspection Program, the Vacant Building Registration Program and provisions of the City's Nuisance ordinance. The Inspections division supports the Building Code Appeals Board in their consideration of code interpretations.      
4. The Zoning and Natural Resources division is responsible for the administration and the Zoning, Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management ordinances. Staff conducts development reviews and inspections, investigates complaints and insures compliance with land development codes. Staff also supports to the Board of Zoning Appeals by providing code research and recommendations for variance requests.