Planning Department

Our Purpose

The purpose of Planning is to provide comprehensive development review services to citizens and developers and to ensure proper, safe, and high quality improvements and additions are built by the private sector and the City of Huntsville in order to reach a balance between the natural and built environments and to ensure compliance with local rules and regulations that achieve the Comprehensive Plan and Program. Additionally, the customer service desk provides call center, permitting, and revenue collection services for both the public and other City departments in order to provide excellent service to our customers and to accurately record and receipt revenues for the City of Huntsville.

Description of Our Services

The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing and administering development permits, platting, zoning, and variance requests. The Planning Division conducts both public and private development review and administers the City of Huntsville’s Development Code and various City plans including the Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plan, and Airport Master Plan. The Planning Division provides training for City officials and staff on planning issues and provides staff support to various boards and commissions including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Economic Development Council, and Tax Increment Investment Zone # 1 Board. Additionally, the customer service desk handles public service inquiries, permit processing and revenue collection for multiple departments, and initial service order processing including inspections, code enforcement, water, sewer, street, and solid waste.