Site Plan Review & Zoning Administration

Development Site Plan Review

Within the City limits, the construction or addition to a commercial structure or a residential building containing more than two units requires the approval of a site plan by the Development Assistance Committee. Applications for site plan approval and a guidebook for completing the application process are available in Planning Services. The site plan review requires that a plan be submitted by a design professional that addresses development issues, including;

  • Disabled Accessibility
  • Drainage Design
  • Landscaping
  • Parking Lot Design and Lighting
  • Utility Connections and Fire Protection

Zoning & Subdivision Administration

The City of Carbondale enforces a zoning and subdivision ordinance within one and a half miles of the city limits. The Zoning Ordinance regulates the uses that can be placed on a property and building setbacks, height limitations, occupancy limitations, and parking requirements.

Zoning Certificate

Before constructing a new building, a building addition, or placing an accessory structure on a lot, a zoning certificate must be secured from Planning Services. If further use of a property is proposed, the zoning should be checked to ensure that the property's zoning permits such use. If the proposed use is not allowed in the existing zoning district, the property owner may want to consider applying to have the property rezoned to a district that would permit the use. Planning Services process rezoning applications and require a public hearing to be held before the Planning Commission before the City Council decides on a request.

Regulating the Division of Property

The Subdivision Ordinance regulates the division of property into new lots. Within l and a half miles of the city limits dividing a parcel into smaller lots must first have a subdivision plat approved by the City Council. The Engineering Advisory Committee (EAC) comprises representatives of City Departments that review the subdivision plans for compliance with applicable road standards, utility extensions, and other development requirements. Planning Services coordinates the subdivision review process.

More information

For more information, visit our Development Services page.