Growth Management Department

Current Planning and Zoning Division

The Current Planning and Zoning Division is part of the Growth Management Department and consists of the Site Plan Review, the Board of Zoning Appeals and other zoning services.

NOTICE:

As of December 10, 2009 The Growth Management Department will be accepting applications for the following permit types:
1) Residential Fences Only
2) Temporary Uses (Special Events)
3) Temporary Advertising Devices
4) Commercial Name Changes
5) Tent Permits
These permit applications with the appropriate paperwork should be dropped off at the Zoning Department located in Building B Room 105. The review process for these permit types will take approximately 2-3 days.

 

The Site Plan Review Process is responsible for site plan review for specific types of development to ensure compliance with all appropriate land development regulations and consistency with the comprehensive plan.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a five-member board responsible for granting Special Exceptions, Variances and Zoning Official Administrative Appeals.

In addition, the Division provides the following services:

  • Fence and Special Event Permits
  • Temporary Advertising Device Permits
  • Model Home Flag Permits
  • Zoning Verification, Flood Elevation, & Letters of No Objection

This Division also reviews all building permits for compliance with the Charlotte County Zoning Regulations.

The Zoning Regulations

Provides all the answers for all your zoning questions, and what you don’t understand can be answered by a Zoning Technician who can be reached at (941) 743-1964. A copy of the Zoning Regulations can be purchased at the Charlotte County Administration Center, Bldg B, Room 105, for a fee of $30.00. Or, you may view the code online.

Landscaping

Any development, other than single family or two unit residential development, is required to submit a landscape plan, signed and sealed by a landscape architect, for approval by the Growth Management Department.  Landscape Plans FAQ

Depending on the complexity of the plans and the degree to which the plans are in compliance, a review can take approximately 1 to 4 days to complete. Plans that are not approvable must be revised to come into minimum compliance with Charlotte County Code and be resubmitted for review prior to approval.

Trees

All proposed site development must first obtain a Charlotte County Tree Permit approved by the Growth Management Department before any clearing of the site may begin. (Please note that compliance with the landscaping does not or may not fully meet tree point requirements). Depending on the complexity of the plans and the degree to which the plans are in compliance, a review can take approximately 1 to 5 days to complete. Plans that are not approvable must be revised to come into minimum compliance with Charlotte County Code and be resubmitted for review prior to approval.  Tree Permit Basics Brochure

Environmental

Currently, environmental staff reviews commercial and single family building permits; dock, lift, seawall, rip-rap and pier permits; large and small scale excavations, including ponds; and all miscellaneous tree permits. Any permit that falls into environmentally sensitive areas are also sent to the environmental staff for additional review. Staff also provides comments for various boards, including but not limited to, special exceptions, variances, re-zonings, etc. Environmental permit reviews and comments take approximately 1-5 days, depending upon the amount of reviews submitted to the County and whether or not the permit will require a site inspection.

  • “Where can I put my shed? How big can it be?”
  • “Where can I set up my landscaping business?”
  • “I want to put up a new sign on my business, how big can it be?”
  • How big can I build my home on this lot?

All these questions and more can be answered in the Zoning Regulations.