PLANNING & LAND DEVELOPMENT
Plan the proposal. Understand the process.
Find the planning pathway for your land, assemble the right information, and follow the proposal from staff review to the public record.
YOUR PATH THROUGH THE PROCESS
Prepare. File. Follow through.
- 01
Frame the property
Confirm the parcel, base zoning, overlays and community-plan policy. Describe the use or change you want to propose.
- 02
Start with Planning
Use the pre-application guidance and create a Planning Portal account before the filing deadline. Follow the application checklist for your case type.
- 03
Follow the decision
Read the staff report and meeting documents. Track Planning Commission action and, for zoning changes, the Council bill and final ordinance.
BEFORE YOU FILE
Check the current requirements.
Choose the correct year’s filing calendar. The posted 2026 calendar requires documents 24 hours before the noon fee deadline; the posted 2027 calendar states 48 hours. Confirm the applicable requirement with Planning before filing.
UNDERSTAND THE DETAILS
What to know for your project.
Rezoning is a public process
Staff and other departments review the proposal. Notice and public hearings give neighbors an opportunity to participate. Metro’s guide describes Commission consideration, three Council readings and mayoral action. Use the final legislation and approved plans to understand the outcome.
Read the official guidance ↗A subdivision does not increase zoning rights
Subdivision review evaluates the proposed division of land under the existing zoning. Review the adopted regulations, plat requirements and applicable applications. Several satellite cities have their own authority; confirm jurisdiction first.
Read the official guidance ↗Read the actual Specific Plan
An SP can set site-specific uses and design standards in its ordinance. Read the approved plan and any amendments, not only the letters “SP” on a map. Historic, subdivision and stormwater requirements can still apply.
Read the official guidance ↗Look beyond base zoning
Overlays, community plans and local studies can add important context. Land Development also handles performance-bond matters associated with public improvements. Keep these documents with the parcel research.
Read the official guidance ↗YOUR OFFICIAL RESOURCE SHELF
Applications. Records. People.
Start here, then use the agency’s latest instructions. Forms, fees and deadlines can change.
Start, apply & research
Land Development overview
Metro’s starting point for land development and vested-rights information.
Official source · opens a new tabApplications, fees & portal instructions
Account setup, electronic filing and application categories.
Official source · opens a new tabPlanning Application Portal
Official electronic submission system; account required.
Official source · opens a new tabPre-application & rezoning guide
Pre-application forms, zoning changes and Council process.
Official source · opens a new tabSpecific Plan districts
SP applications, checklists and the approved-SP viewer.
Official source · opens a new tabSubdivision regulations & applications
Plats, subdivision review and recording checklists.
Official source · opens a new tabZoning overlays
Find the applicable overlay category.
Official source · opens a new tabCommunity plans
Research the adopted area policy.
Official source · opens a new tabPerformance bonds
Public-improvement bond information and status search.
Official source · opens a new tabDevelopment Tracker
Locate development cases and case numbers.
Official source · opens a new tabCommission, meetings & participation
Planning Commission overview
Board responsibilities and official commission information.
Official source · opens a new tabCurrent commission members
Metro’s live roster and member terms.
Official source · opens a new tabMeeting calendars & filing schedules
Annual filing calendars, Council hearing dates and meeting archives.
Official source · opens a new tabMeeting pages & documents
Open a meeting date for its agenda, staff report and available records.
Official source · opens a new tabPublic comment & how to watch
Participation instructions, case lookup and streaming links.
Official source · opens a new tabPlanning Commission rules
Official meeting and procedural rules.
Official PDF · opens a new tabPlanning staff directory
Find the team responsible for your planning question.
Official source · opens a new tabATTEND & STAY INFORMED
Follow the public record.
Use the current meeting list for the date, location, agenda, staff report and available records. The public-comment page explains how to submit comments and find a case number. Review the current instructions before attending or sending materials.
Official meeting guidance ↗A PRACTICAL STARTING LIST
Gather before you go.
Use the official application checklist for the complete, case-specific requirements.
- Address and parcel ID
- Intended use and project description
- Survey, site concept and application-specific drawings
- Ownership or signatory-authority documents
- Existing SP, overlay, plat and case numbers
- Questions about notice, fees and submission timing
PUT THE RESEARCH TO WORK
Need help making sense of it?
Bring your property and questions to Jessica. Our advisory service is separate from Metro’s review and filing fees.
Independent educational guide from Smart Girl Developments, not a Metro government service or a determination of your property’s eligibility. Confirm the current requirements and case-specific advice with the responsible agency and your professional team.
