Great communities don’t just happen. They are the result of a series of good decisions made over time by a diverse and committed group of people, all pulling in the same direction. The Department of Planning & Community Development seeks to facilitate this process by providing stakeholders with the tools and analysis needed to establish and implement a shared vision for Franklin County’s future.
"A hundred years after we are gone and forgotten, those who never heard of us will be living with the results of our actions." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

 THE DEPARTMENT'S FUNCTIONS INCLUDE

• Long Range Planning: “Preparing for Change”

With community input, establish a vision for the future & anticipate change. Research and analyze trends. Identify opportunities and constraints. Develop plans, programs, and regulations to manage change. Seek opportunities for grants and community improvement. Long Range Planning includes the following responsibilities: A Comprehensive Plan; Area, Village, & Corridor Plans; Ordinance amendments; Demographic research; long-range transportation planning; Coordination with other departments; regional partners, other jurisdictions and Grant writing & compliance.

• Current Planning: “Guiding & Managing Change”

Administer regulations related to land use and development. Assist property owners and developers in the application process; “shepherd” applications through the process; manage the agenda for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors and track progress of applications.  Where appropriate, influence applications to incorporate sound planning principles and techniques. Current Planning includes the following responsibilities: Re-zonings; Special Use Permits, Subdivisions; Variances; Manage & improve application process; Application intake; Pre-application conferences and Presentations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

• Development Review: “Providing Standards for Change”

Ensure that changes to the physical environment comply with applicable codes and standards. Manage non-discretionary processes related to land development. Inspect for compliance; enforce the rules. Provide information and education about the regulatory environment. Plan Review and Enforcement include the following responsibilities:  Major & Minor Site Plans; Erosion & Sediment Control; Zoning Permits; Permitting; Inspections; Enforcement and Public education.

"The world will not evolve past its current state of crisis by using the same thinking that created the situation."

-Albert Einstein