MHUG 2024 ConferencePlanning and zoning boards are vital to local governance, guiding community development through zoning districts and regulations. They ensure projects comply with zoning laws, preserve community character, and minimize environmental impacts.
Planning and Zoning Boards and Land Use Permits
Most construction projects require permission from local, state, and federal agencies before work starts. Planning and zoning boards are an integral part of the permitting process. They issue building permits and sign off on variances or specific exceptions.
By agreeing to some projects and rejecting or asking for alterations on others, planning and zoning boards decide more than the fate of individual requests. They shape the physical appearance and the atmosphere of their entire community.
The Importance of Land Use Permits
Land use permits are critical in three main areas:
1. Legal Compliance
Land use permit applications can only be granted if the project in question meets zoning requirements. Most communities divide the land available to them into residential, commercial, or hospitality zones, among others. Zoning requirements and regulations would prevent a predominantly residential area from becoming overly commercialized, for example.
They would also prevent industrial businesses from establishing premises in residential areas. At the same time, zoning regulations are rarely written in stone. As the needs of a community change, zoning can be adjusted, and zoning laws can be changed to allow the town to develop and grow.
2. Community Character
The American Planning Association defines community character as “the distinct identity of a place.” It refers to the aesthetic and functional integrity residents, visitors, and businesses experience when they enter a neighborhood.
Preserving this character is especially important for historic towns or places that attract visitors because of their specific character. Allowing an ultra-modern building to be constructed in the middle of a historic district could change the appeal of an entire town.
3. Environmental Protection
Every construction project has an impact on the environment surrounding the development as well as the land that is being built on. Some construction projects may affect the water table, while others may have consequences for local wildlife.
Assessing and mitigating those potential impacts on natural resources is part of the work of planning and zoning boards.
Key Components of a Land Use Permit Application
Although no two communities and local government agencies are the same, land use permit applications tend to have key components in common. Those include project descriptions, site plans, environmental assessments, and a range of supporting documents.
1. Project Descriptions
Project descriptions vary depending on the scope and size of a project. These descriptions outline every detail of a construction project. Applicants will specify the project’s purpose and scope as well as the potential impact on the surrounding area.
2. Site Plans
Site plans visualize the proposed project’s layout and design. They help planning and zoning boards get a sense of the suggested building in detail.
Without site plans, it would be hard for most board members to understand what a project will look like on completion. Site plans minimize the risk of confusion during the planning and building stage, and they can prevent misunderstandings at every stage.
3. Environmental Assessments
Few construction projects have no impact on their surrounding ecosystems and environmental resources. Applicants in most cases need to submit studies evaluating the potential impact of their project on the environment directly around them and in the wider community.
4. Supporting Documents
Almost every land use application needs to be submitted with a variety of supporting documents. Traffic studies are among the most common forms of documentation required as almost any change to a community’s existing building stock will affect traffic flow or the availability of parking, for example.
Most communities specify the type of information/analysis they require for land use permit applications.
Enhancing Efficiency with FastTrackGov
Digital technology and software have transformed the way we live. From smart home technology to mobile devices at work, software and smart devices have changed how people manage their day.
While municipalities may have been somewhat more reluctant to embrace digital technology compared to private sector companies, forward-thinking local government bodies are starting to discover the advantages.
Mitchell Humphrey has been helping municipalities nationwide work more efficiently and increase productivity across all departments. The team developed FastTrackGov (FTG) with the needs of communities in mind. The premise of the software is to make complex processes easy.
Planning and zoning is one of those complex processes that has traditionally involved different departments and applicants making several in-person appointments. FTG can simplify and streamline the entire process for communities.
How FastTrackGov Transforms Your Planning and Zoning Department
FTG has the capabilities to streamline and enhance the way your planning and zoning department works. The software’s planning and zoning module gives your municipality a central repository for all the data kept within the organization.
Your central repository acts as a single source of truth and keeps all relevant information accessible to your team members. Rather than creating additional files to share with other departments, municipality employees benefit from interdepartmental access.
FTG allows departments to share information on a single platform. Each team member has instant access to the latest version of an application, including any supplemental documentation, reducing errors and redundancies.
Applicants benefit from faster processing of land use permits, allowing them to accelerate project completion. As a result, the community develops faster with fewer delays and procedural hiccups.
Streamlined Communications
FTG software also helps municipalities streamline their planning and zoning workflows. Department employees can easily track the status of an application from start to finish and complete approvals. If they require anything additional, all relevant contact information is already stored within the database.
Requesting supporting documents can be done online without the need to schedule in-person appointments during limited business hours. FTG also allows users to automate some of the communication processes, freeing up time for other tasks.
The FTG planning and zoning module also simplifies compliance checks, ensuring all prior approvals are in place before any permits are issued. Property owners and contractors have peace of mind knowing that their project fulfills all legal requirements by the time they start working.
Residents and business owners will also find it easier to supply applications, check the status of pending permits, schedule inspections, and submit online payments.
The software allows municipalities to remain accessible to their stakeholders. Rather than replacing employees, FTG helps your team work smarter not harder.
Conclusion
FTG planning and zoning software is a valuable tool that allows municipalities of all sizes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance. The software helps ensure that development aligns with community goals and regulatory requirements. Land use laws are the foundation of your town or city’s future development. The platform allows your team to optimize the business rules and processes of your local ordinances. You’ll see your community grow more sustainably and effectively in a digital age.