From concept to completion the Current Planning Division of the Planning and Development Department oversees the special permit/ site plan approval process required under the City's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 30). This permitting process applies to many different kinds of potential development from additions to small non-conforming structures to large commercial buildings.

The special permit/site plan approval process requires an application to the City Council, which is the City's special permitting authority, and a public hearing before the Land Use Committee, a subcommittee of the City Council. Prior to the public hearing, abutters within 300 feet of the subject property are notified in writing by the City. Applicants are encouraged to confer with the Current Planning Division staff before filing an application with the City Clerk.

Information pertaining to current or past special permit/site plan approval applications can be accessed through the hyperlinks below:

• Special Permit/Site Plan Approval Applications
• Special Permit FAQ's

Additional information regarding the Land Use Committee of the City Council can be accessed here.

Resources

• Fair Housing Policy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Calculator
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Worksheet
• Land Use Rules - Effective June 7, 2004
• Land Use Rules - Summary
• High Interest Projects

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