Planning & Zoning Division

The Planning and Zoning Division is responsible for current and long-range planning, urban design activities, and adherence to the adopted Zoning Ordinance that guide the orderly growth and development of the City of McDonough.

The division performs these planning activities through implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Livable Center's Initiative plan and other community-wide expressions of the way McDonough's citizens want to see the community grow. This implementation is primarily by means of our Zoning Codes and other development codes.

In partnership with the Public Works Department, it also oversees the City's own design and development activities. Those include parks and public space design, cemetery planning and design and streetscape design.

Community Development prepares and presents recommendations that ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan, in partnership with various boards and commissions, to maintain a livable City while balancing the needs of residents and businesses. Division staff also serves as staff to the Municipal Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Historic Preservation Commission and the planning commission in its dual role as Municipal Tree Board. This Division provides verification of Zoning at the request of the applicant.

This Division is also responsible for other development-related applications including, but not limited to:

• Exterior façade
• Signs
• Variances
• Rezoning
• Conditional uses
• Annexations

In addition to the responsibilities mandated for the Community Development Department by Mayor and Council, the Community Development Division manages much of the City's implementation of State and Federal community development-related mandates and seeks grant funding to support our implementation of them and of other programs beneficial to McDonough's citizens and businesses.

Please feel free to visit us. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be glad to assist you with completing your application. We look forward to meeting you!