Planning & Zoning
The planning functions within the Community Development Department are divided into two divisions:
Current Planning and
Comprehensive Planning.
The primary function of Current Planning is to implement the development process with the goal of ensuring quality development for the future of Independence 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 Board of Adjustment. The Division is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team necessary to address the range of issues that occur in the development process.
The Comprehensive Planning division is responsible for guiding the City's long-range planning efforts and the implementation of the City's Comprehensive plan for future growth and development. This division 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. The division has developed a GIS program as a planning tool for the Department, and is leading the effort for city-wide implementation. The Division also coordinates the annual preparation of the City of Independence Capital Improvements Program.