Zoning Change
A change in the official certified map upon which the boundaries of the various zoning districts of the City are drawn to allow for different land uses.
A zone change request goes before the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission will review the request and issue a recommendation to the City Council to approve or disprove the request. The City Council will then make the final determination regarding the request.
Variance
An adjustment in the application of the specific regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to a particular parcel of property which, because of special conditions or circumstances peculiar to the particular parcel, is necessary to prevent the property from being deprived of rights and privileges enjoyed by other parcels in the same vicinity and zoning district.
A variance goes before the City Council acting as the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
Plat / Replat
An application requesting subdividing or platting/replatting of property prior to sale of the entire property or a portion of said property as well as development.
Depending on the type and scope of the plat/replat:
It may be necessary to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission will review the plat/replat request and issue a recommendation to the City Council to approve or disprove the plat/replat request. The City Council will then make the final determination regarding the plat/replat request.
OR
A plat may qualify for administrative approval which allows for minor changes to be approved through administrative action without review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Unfortunately, State Law requires that a replat be approved only after notification of adjacent property owners is made and a public hearing is held; therefore, administrative approval of a replat is not available.