Planning
About the Planning Department
Peters Township is made up of a variety of people, places, and ideas. For the community to thrive, it is crucial that a clear, concise, and unified vision for its current and future direction is established.
By working side-by-side with residents, developers, elected officials, community stakeholders, and other Township departments, the Planning Department works to determine what aspects of the community need to be preserved, enhanced, and reinvented to suit its ever-changing economic, social, and environmental needs.
To do this, we prepare and implements plans and policies, review and analyze development proposals, and enforces rules and regulations that help govern the course of the community.
Responsibilities
To fulfill its purpose, the Planning Department is responsible for a myriad of planning, inspection, and enforcement functions including:
- Administering and updating the Peters Township Comprehensive Plan, the Township Zoning Ordinance, and the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
- Reviewing, analyzing, and overseeing complex public and private development proposals to ensure consistency with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Building and maintaining a GIS system for property record management and analysis.
- Conferring with engineers, developers, architects, and a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning, zoning, subdivision, building, environmental, and related matters.
- Serving as a liaison to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Township Council by presenting pertinent information regarding cases and development proposals and making recommendations to the boards concerning those proposals. Also, the Department is responsible for educating members on current trends and practices in the area of land use and zoning.
- Providing information to developers, property owners, and the general public regarding Township projects, comprehensive plans, and private development proposals.
- Enforcing the zoning and property maintenance codes and issuing citations for non-compliance.
- Reviewing permit applications, issuing building and related permits, and inspecting buildings and properties to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
- Responding to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assisting residents to resolve issues.
- Monitoring changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect Township or departmental operations and implementing policy and procedural changes as required.