Zoning Division

To promote orderly development, every parcel within the City has a zoning designation that governs its use. These uses are defined in the official Zoning Ordinance supported by the official zoning map. The Division of Zoning Administration is responsible for enforcing the Zoning Ordinance. It does this through the review of building permit applications and sign permit applications, as well as the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.), a Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC), and a Zoning Confirmation Letter. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance is a required permit that shows a proposed use is in conformance with the Zoning Ordinance; it is necessary prior to the issuance of a business license. A CZC is required for any use of land, building or structures, or portion thereof, other than an existing single-family dwelling or individual residential unit (apartment) within multi-family buildings. The operation of a Home Occupation also requires a CZC. A CZC is not transferable. Any new owner or tenant must obtain an updated CZC for the use of the premises. An inspection is required to determine if the property complies with zoning requirements. A processing fee is charged. A Zoning Confirmation Letter also verifies conformance with the Zoning Ordinance. A Zoning Confirmation Letter can be requested in lieu of a CZC when the applicant is not the owner of the property. It is typically requested by lenders, title companies, attorneys and/or prospective purchasers of properties to verify use, density, and subdivision or “lot-splits” of property. It is suggested that a Zoning Confirmation Letter be obtained prior to the signing of any purchase or lease contract. A processing fee is charged. Sometimes the proposed use is inconsistent with the existing zoning. If that determination is made, various options may be suggested to the applicant. An application for a variance, or waiver, can be made to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) if there are unique or extraordinary situations such as topography, shape of the site or some other unusual factor(s) that justify departure from the zoning requirements. Variances typically waive yard (setback), parking or sign requirements. Other options include application for rezoning, special use permits, conditional use permit or conditional rezoning. Staff in the Division of Land Use Administration is available to advise as to which is appropriate to the circumstance. Possible violations of the Zoning Ordinance can be reported to the Zoning Administrator. Providing a numbered street address of the property and information on the nature of the violation would assist in the review. Personal information does not need to be provided.