ECD FAQ

Some uses for property are allowed by the zoning ordinance in certain zoning districts, but they must first go through a public hearing process and receive approval from City Council. These are called "Special Uses." Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.

Property owners may receive relief from some of the standards in the zoning ordinance if the relief needed is due to the unique or extraordinary characteristics of a property. Variances may not be granted for self-imposed hardships or due to the monetary burden of adhering to the zoning ordinance. Petitioners must go through a public hearing process and receive approval from City Council. Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.

A map amendment is a petition to change the current zoning district of a specific property to another. This changes which standards of the zoning ordinance apply to the property, as well as what it may and may not be used for. Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.

A text amendment changes the content of the zoning ordinance via additions, deletions, or replacements of text. All text amendment petitions must first go through a public hearing process and receive approval from City Council. Contact the Department of Economic and Community Development for more information on the application and approval process.