Development Review

Comprehensive planning is the process by which the County helps its citizens articulate a broad view of the expectations for the growth and development of the County. “Development Review” is the term used to describe the process by which the County participates in details of its physical growth.

The components of development review include: 
  • Staff technical review of applications for rezoning; the process by which the use of land and the density of development is regulated. Rezoning applications also require consideration by the appropriate planning commission and approval by the Board of Commissioners.
  • Review of applications for planned developments. These are rezoning cases involving unique procedures. Unlike conventional zoning districts, each planned development is approved with a planned development text and a planned development master plan. These collectively establish the use and development standards specific to the property involved.
  • Staff technical review of applications for subdivision approval; the process by which smaller lots are created from larger tracts of land. Applications for preliminary plat approval also require approval by the appropriate planning commission.
  • Staff technical review of applications for site plan approval. Site plans are required for most development (other than single family dwellings), and ensure not only that these developments meet all applicable requirements, but allow the coordination of developments with the access and utility systems that support the development. Applications for site plan approval also require approval by the appropriate planning commission.
  • Staff technical review of applications for zoning variances approval; the process which allows relief from zoning regulations where a hardship may be created. Applications for variances require approval by the Board of Appeals.
  • Participation in the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process. This is a requirement of state law and provides for coordination of large projects that may have impacts beyond the borders of the local government jurisdiction within which the project is located.

Staff development review comments can be viewed by the applicant. It is helpful to know the application case number.
  
 
Click here for forms and checklists for use in development review.