Permits

The City regulates construction and development of land and buildings to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of individuals and neighborhoods. In general, all construction activity requires a permit and inspections. Some construction activity requires review and approval by Planning Commission and City Council.

Zoning code deals with the use of buildings and their arrangement of buildings on a site. Permit types:

• Zoning verification–certifies that a proposed use is allowed at a given location; used for new businesses and home occupations
• Zoning construction–certifies that proposed construction meets zoning regulations; used for additions and new construction of buildings
• Site Plan–review of non-residential or multifamily development
• Sign permit–review of most new signage
• Certificate of Appropriateness–review of additions, new construction, and demolition within the Seminary Hill District
• Conditional Use Permit–review and approval of certain uses on a case-by-case basis by City Council
• Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning)–changing the zoning district of one or more properties
• Subdivision Plat or Plan of Development (PUD)–detailed, comprehensive development plan required in certain zones
• Short-term rental registration–Registering a short-term rental accommodation (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO)
• Zoning modification–Minor administrative deviation from dimensional regulations for a development
• Variance–Deviation from dimensional regulations
• Abandonment of Public Right of Way (ROW)–Vacation and abandonment of a public street or alley and transfer of ownership to adjacent property owner

Building code deals with design, materials, and methods of construction of buildings.

The Erosion & Sediment Control and Storm Water Management program deals with the impact of development on surface water and runoff.

Common development activities that do NOT require a permit:

• Fencing (less than 6’ tall)
• Driveways
• Paved patios (uncovered

Zoning permit fee schedule [PDF]

Building permit fee schedule [PDF]

ESC/SWM permit fee schedule [PDF]