Planning & Zoning

Planning and Zoning

Many people think that planning and zoning are the same. Actually, planning and zoning are separate functions, but work together as part of a long-range effort to plan quality communities. While planning is a process that provides a vision for communities, zoning is only one of several tools available to help achieve this vision.

The goal of city, county and regional planning is to further the welfare of people and their communities by creating convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive environments for present and future generations. Planning is community building.

Zoning is a tool used to advance and protect the community’s public health, safety and general welfare. Communities use zoning to protect the value of property, prevent the establishment of nuisances, ensure compatibility between adjacent uses of land, protect and properly use natural resources, and help to implement the land use objectives of a community’s comprehensive plan. Zoning districts are established to promote compatible patterns of land use within a defined area. Zoning regulations establish site development and performance standards appropriate to the purposes and the uses allowed in each district. Distinct zoning districts exist for residential, office, retail and industrial uses. Furthermore, specific use restrictions, site development regulations or performance standards may apply to zoning districts may be combined with special overlay or combining districts.

As part of the zoning process, planners identify appropriate land uses for an area based on such factors as the intensity, density, height of a proposed project, surrounding land uses, traffic impacts and access to a site, environmental concerns and overall compatibility.

A zoning change may be required to change a land use or alter a building or site within the zoning area. The following is an excerpt of our city ordinance which outlines the qualifiations required to serve on The Planning and Zoning Commission:

11-3-3: QUALIFICATIONS; TERM OF OFFICE: The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consist of five (5) members to be appointed by the Mayor, and confirmed by a majority of the City Council. All members shall be residents of the City, except that two (2) of the members may be from the New Plymouth impact area. All appointed members of the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be appointed for and shall hold office for a term of six (6) years. An appointed member must have resided in the County for at least two (2) years prior to appointment and must remain a resident of the County during his or her service on the commission. In the event of the death, resignation or any vacancy in said commission, the Mayor is hereby authorized and empowered to fill such vacancy by appointment for the unexpired term of such member or members. All present members are hereby reappointed in the present positions for the remainder of their terms. (Ord. 363, 9-5-2017; amd. Ord. 412, 2-2-2021)

The commission shall hold meetings at least once each month (4th Monday), and at such other times as may be necessary. Meetings are held at New Plymouth City Hall at 6:00 PM.  Any changes to meeting dates shall be posted to the 'FEATURED NEWS' section on the city's home page.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the meeting or agenda contact New Plymouth City Hall at (208)278-5338 opt. 3.