Role of Department
The City of Washington Planning & Development Department administers activities for general planning, zoning, subdivision, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, nuisuance abatement, CAMA, economic and community development, and flood prevention in the city limits. Zoning authority extends one and one-half (1 1/2) miles outside of the city limits, which is Washington's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The Department staffs the following boards and commissions:
Zoning Information
Zoning is the regulation of land uses to promote orderly growth, separate incompatible land uses, preserve the character of communities, protect property values, protect natural resources, and promote economic development. The city's Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map provide the standards for zoning in the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Development of property in these areas must meet Zoning Ordinance standards on permitted uses, dimensions, parking, signage, landscaping, and other criteria.
Community Development
Community revitalization grant programs administered in the city limits include Community Development Block Grant and Housing Development Grant projects. City staff also make referrals for assistance to other agencies.
Fair Housing Complaint Procedure
Any person or persons wishing to file a complaint of housing discrimination in the City may do so by informing John Rodman, Director of Planning and Development, City of Washington, 102 East Second Street, P. O. Box 1988, Washington, NC 27889. Phone: (252) 975-9300, TDD: 1-800-735-2962, of the facts and circumstances of the alleged discriminatory act or practice;
Upon receiving a housing discrimination complaint, the City shall inform the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (Commission) and the complainant about the complaint within ten (10) calendar days of receipt for conciliation and resolution. The City shall then assist the Commission and the complainant in filing an official written housing discrimination complaint with the Commission, pursuant to the State Fair Housing Act and Title VIII;
The City shall offer its assistance to the Commission in the investigation and conciliation of all housing discrimination complaints which are based upon events occurring in Washington, North Carolina.