Overview of Planning & Development
The Planning & Development Services Division, located at 300 Industrial Ave., is divided into four departments: Current Planning, Long Range Planning, Inspection Services, and Administration.
The primary function of Current Planning is to implement the development process with the goal of ensuring quality development for the future of Georgetown and preservation of the community's unique features. The process includes providing public information, review and recommendation on development applications, preparation of reports, and participation in meetings of the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Department is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team necessary to address the range of issues that occur in the development process.
The Long Range Planning Department is responsible for guiding the City's long range planning efforts and the implementation of the Century Plan, the City's Comprehensive plan for future growth and development. This department also provides census and demographic information, in addition to growth and development information to the community for projecting population, building, and development trends and impacts. In accordance with growth management policies established by the comprehensive plan and the Council, the Long Range Planning Department develops annexation policy and an annexation plan for the orderly growth of the city. The department has developed a GIS program as a planning tool for the Division, and is leading the effort for citywide implementation. Working with the consulting firm of Wilbur Smith Associates, the department has recently initiated an update to the Overall Transportation Plan, information on that process may be found at http://www.wilbursmith.com/GeorgetownOTP/.
Inspection Services provides building construction permits and inspections leading to the final Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This department assists in the coordination between the City and construction industry through plan review, permits and on-site inspection. Inspection Services ensures that the construction phase of the development process meets the expectations of the community for the overall public health, safety and welfare through the administration and implementation of applicable City codes and ordinances.
The Administration Department supports the Division by providing communication assistance to the departments, our customers and the rest of the City organization. Public information provided through informational brochures, publications, the internet, and public meetings which help citizens to understand the planning process is provided and maintained by this department. Administration staff serves as "enablers" who increase the Division's ability to function smoothly.