Development Management

Responsibilities

Development Management is responsible for the following:

  • Administrating the City's zoning and site plan regulations
  • Collecting and analyzing data
  • Coordinating annexations and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan
  • Facilitating growth and development in the City and surrounding area
  • Providing support for various boards and commissions

Site Plan Review

Construction within the City limits of a new or an addition to a commercial structure or a residential building containing more than two units requires the approval of a site plan by the Development Assistance Committee. Applications (PDF) for site plan approval and a checklist (PDF) for completing the application process are available.

The site plan review requires that a plan be submitted by a design professional that addresses development issues, including drainage design, parking lot design and lighting, utility connections and fire protection, disabled accessibility, and landscaping.

Zoning & Subdivision Administration

The City of Carbondale enforces a zoning and subdivision ordinance within 1.5 miles outside of City limits. The Zoning Ordinance regulates the uses that can be placed on a property and building setbacks, height limitations, occupancy limitations, and parking requirements.

Before a new use of a property is proposed, the current or potential property owner should contact Development Management to verify the parcel's zoning. After the zoning is identified, staff will assist the owner in interpreting the zoning ordinance to ensure that the proposed change is either a permitted use or special use. Suppose the proposed use is not allowed in the existing zoning district. In that case, the property owner may be required to apply for a Special Use Permit or may want to consider applying to have the property rezoned to a district that would permit the use. Development Management processes Special Use Permits and Rezoning Applications. It requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission before the City Council makes the final decision on a request.

The Subdivision Ordinance regulates the division of property into new lots. Within 1 1/2 miles of City limits dividing a parcel into smaller lots must first have a subdivision plat approved by the City Council. The Engineering Advisory Committee (EAC) comprises representatives of City Departments that review the subdivision plans for compliance with applicable road standards, utility extensions, and other development requirements. Development Management coordinates the subdivision review process.

Additional Information