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Planning

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1. How do I apply for a zoning certificate?

You can apply for a zoning certificate in person in the Planning Office on the third floor of City Hall located at 1 East Franklin Street. Zoning certificates are typically required before the clerk of the court will issue a business and/or trader’s license. The fee for a zoning certificate is $25; however, a zoning certificate for the D-MU zoning district is $50 and may require inspections from Code Compliance and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

2. Do I need a permit to replace all or a portion of my fence?

Yes. Fence permits are required for the construction of a new fence or the replacement of any part of an existing fence. You can apply for a zoning certificate in person in the Planning Office on the third floor of City Hall located at 1 East Franklin Street.

Fence permits are $25 for residential properties and $100 for non-residential properties. Non-residential fences may also be subject to landscaping requirements in accordance with the Land Management Code. Fences can be no taller than 6 feet in residential zoning districts, 8 feet in commercial zoning districts, and 10 feet in industrial zoning districts.

3. My property is located in a historic district and I want to make exterior improvements. Do I need approval from the Historic District Commission?

Yes. All exterior improvements to a building, including fences, must be approved by the Historic District Commission (HDC) before a permit can be released. Applications for HDC review are free and can be submitted to the Planning Office on the third floor of City Hall located at 1 EastFranklin Street. Once your application is received, it will be scheduled for the next available HDC meeting. Depending on location, the proposed project must generally follow either the City Center Historic Guidelines or the Residential Historic Guidelines.