Code Enforcement

Forms and Checklists

To apply for a zoning permit, complete the application in our online permitting system. Checklists for certain project types are below for reference.

Any project involving the construction of 5 or more dwelling units and/or the construction of 10,000 sqft gross floor area of any non-residential development is required to conduct a Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting prior to submission of an application for a zoning permit.

All proposals in the downtown and waterfront area subject to the form based code require a pre-application Administrative Conference with a member of the Zoning staff prior to submission of an application for a zoning permit.

Applications via email or facsimile (fax) will no longer be accepted. 

A typical zoning permit takes 3-4 weeks.  Staff typically take 1-2 weeks to allocate, review and decide on a permit and then there is a 15 day appeal period before the permit can be picked up.  Board reviewed permits take longer.

Application Forms: PLEASE APPLY ONLINE

Form Name When to Use
Zoning Permit Application Form All zoning applications are made through the online permitting system.  There is no longer an application form.
Certificate of Occupancy Request Form Only for zoning permits issued prior to July 1, 2020.  Please use the online permitting system.
Code Enforcement Complaint Form All complaints can be made made through the online permitting system.
Relinquish or Confirm Expiration of Zoning Permit Form  Use to confirm that your project did not happen within the time limits or will not happen even though still valid.
Compliance Request Form All compliance requests may be made through the online permitting system.

Checklists:

Permit Type Application Checklist Application Help When to Use
Basic Checklist Site Plan Use when changing site footprint for single family residential use on conforming size lots, not eligible for Design Review (Sec. 3.2.2). EPSC may apply.
Downtown Form Based Code 

Form District Checklist

Building Type Checklist 

Urban Design Standards Checklist

Frontage Type Checklist 

General Standards Checklist

Civic Space Checklist

Site Plan
Elevations
Use for all proposals in the downtown and waterfront area subject to the form based code.
COA Level I  Checklist  Site Plan
Elevations
Use for all proposals eligible for Design Review with construction cost of $25,000 or less - See Sec. 3.2.2. EPSC may apply.
COA Level II  Checklist Site Plan
Elevations

Use for all proposals eligible for Design Review with construction cost of more than $25,000 - See Sec. 3.2.2. EPSC may apply.

COA Level III Preliminary Plat Checklist

Final Plat Checklist

Lot Line Adjustment Checklist

Site Plan Use for land subdivision, lot line adjustments, mergers and planned unit developments - See Sec. 3.2.2, and Article 10.
Conditional Use and Major Impact Review Checklist Site Plan
Elevations
Use for Conditional Uses (Article 3, Part 5), some Home Occupations (Sec 5.4.6), and Major Impact Review (Article 3, Part 5). EPSC may apply.
Home Occupation Questionnaire

Conditional Use Checklist

  This completed questionnaire must accompany the Zoning Permit Application for a Home Occupation.

Some Home Occupations may be reviewed administratively, while others require Conditional Use review by the Development Review Board. See Sec. 5.4.6 for requirements and to determine level of review (Administrative or Conditional Use).

Sign Checklist Help Guide

Most signs require a sign permit. See Article 7 of the CDO (amended October 28, 2019).

All Sandwich Board sign (a-frame signs beside the sidewalk) permits are obtained from the Department of Public Works, not Zoning. Visit DPW for details.

All Projecting signs that project over the Public Right Of Way require an encumbrance approval.  Visit the Clerk/Treasurers Office for details.

Awning Checklist   Lettering or graphics on awnings are reviewed as Projecting Signs. See Article 7.

All awnings that project over the Public Right Of Way require an encumbrance approval. Visit the Clerk/Treasurers Office for details.

Fence Checklist Fence Guide

Site Plan

Use for ALL fences, new and replacement of existing. See Sec. 6.2.2(m) of the CDO or page two of the checklist for the requirements.
Variance Checklist Site Plan Use when an exception to physical dimensional requirements of the Zoning Ordinance is necessary. Deviations from land use and density standards are not allowed (Sec 12.1.1).
Appeal Appeal Request   Use to appeal administrative decisions to the Development Review Board (Sec 12.2.2).

Other Forms:

Form Name When to Use
Standard Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plan Use this form (to be submitted with a complete zoning permit application) for all properties, other than single family homes and duplexes, that require a Level II or III Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) or Major Impact zoning permit if any proposed project will cause 400 square feet or more of earth disturbance.
Small Project Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plan Use this form (to be submitted with a complete zoning permit application) for all single family homes and duplexes and for any property that requires a Basic or Level I Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) zoning permit if any proposed project will cause 400 square feet or more of earth disturbance.
Residential Stormwater Management Questionnaire Use for residential single-family and duplex (R1 and R2) projects where additional impervious surface is proposed and the total lot impervious surface area is greater than 2500 sq. ft.
Escrow Agreement

Use when completing an Escrow Agreement between the owner and the City for a development.

Letter of Credit Agreement Use when completing a Letter of Credit Agreement between the owner and the City for a development.
Farm Structures Use this checklist for farm structures in the designated flood hazard area.
Transportation Demand Management Plan Use this form for all projects that require a transportation demand management plan.

 

 

Notes:

 

 

  • Basic and COA permits are for projects that involve physical changes to a property.
     
  • Conditional Use permits are for projects that change to certain uses of a property, as well as for some Home Occupations, and Major Impact review.

 

Notice: Zoning information and related resources presented on this web site are meant to provide preliminary answers to zoning questions, but do not provide full and definitive review. Most zoning permit applicants, or their representatives, should plan to call or visit the office to get necessary assistance in order for the application to be processed. Applications will also be mailed or faxed upon request.