A mandatory, free form required to coordinate reviews by multiple City and County agencies on activities related to: development, construction, alterations, change in use, new businesses, new ownership and/or power and utility transfers. Coordination forms are required for items ranging from new sheds and signs to electrical and plumbing work to major projects like new commercial shopping centers and new neighborhoods. If any building permits, walk-throughs, site plans or changes in zoning or use are needed it is recommended applicants contact Development Service Department Staff first to begin a coordination form.

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Cost: No Charge 

Contact
Charles Dunevant, Development Coordinator 
704-984-9438
Email

All subdivisions, modifications of lot lines and re-combinations of land within City limits require approval by the City prior to recordation. Following submittal of application plat and applicable fees, exempt and minor subdivisions can be approved by the Subdivision Administrator. Major subdivisions will go through a three-step process of administrative review and approval of preliminary plat by Planning and Zoning Board and Council, followed by final plat approval by the Subdivision Administrator. Please consult the Subdivision Administrator for advice prior to platting any legal changes to property boundaries.

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Cost: Varies

• Minor/Exempt (5 or less total parcels, includes recording fee) $50+$25/Lot
• Major (6 or more total parcels, includes recording fee) $500+$25/lot

Contact 
Charles Dunevant, Development Coordinator 
704-984-9438
Email

Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) cases are a two-step legislative process involving public hearings between the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council to consider rezoning of specific properties. Completed applications and applicable fees should be submitted at least 17 days prior to consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board. The Zoning Administrator can help discuss the merits of each request prior to submittal.

Download Application

Cost: Varies

• Officially adopted zoning map $500
• *over 50 acres $500+$10/acres

Contact
Brad Lagano, Planning Manager
704-984-9426
Email

Text Amendments are a two-step legislative process involving hearings by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council to consider changes to City land use ordinances. Completed applications and applicable fees should be submitted at least 17 days prior to consideration. Depending on complexity of the requested amendment, additional time may be required to develop texts. It is recommended the Zoning Administrator be contacted about any proposed amendments well before applying.

Download Application

Cost: Varies

• Text amendment(s) to city ordinance $500
• *larger amendments requiring excessive staff time may be broken into separate applications or charged a fee commensurate time and resources.

Contact
Brad Lagano, Planning Manager
704-984-9426
Email

Special Use Permits are those specifically listed in Chapter 92 as allowed, but only with approval at a quasi-judicial hearing by City Council or its designated board(s). Completed applications and applicable fees should be submitted at least 17 days prior to consideration by City Council. It is highly recommend that applicants consult the Zoning Administrator to discuss requirements prior to submittal.

Download Application

Cost: $500

Contact
Brad Lagano, Planning Manager
704-984-9426
Email

Variances are exceptions to City Ordinances related to planning and land use. Requests are considered during quasi-judicial hearings by Planning and Zoning Board. Variances generally must be based on hardships or unique situations outside of a property owner’s control and may be requested for lot size, density, dimensional requirements, site improvements, and other specific development requirements. By state law variances to allow prohibited uses cannot be considered by the Planning and Zoning Board. Completed applications and fees should be submitted at least 17 days prior to consideration by Planning and Zoning Board. It is highly recommended that applicants consult the Zoning Administrator to consider the merits of all requests prior to submittal.

Download Application

Cost: $250

Contact
Brad Lagano, Planning Manager
704-984-9426
Email

An appeal of an official interpretation of the Zoning Administrator, Code Enforcement Officer, Watershed or Floodplain Administrator, or Historic Resource Commission shall be made to the City Clerk within 30 calendar days of documented decision of said official. Once application and filing fees have been submitted the Planning and Zoning Board or City Council (depending on appeal type) applicant will be notified and a meeting, at least 17 calendar days from receipt of the appeal application, shall be scheduled to consider the appeal through quasi-judicial hearing.

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Cost: $500

Contact
You may contact Planning and Development Services Staff or the City Clerk for any questions concerning the appeal process.

Most exterior alterations, additions, new construction, demolition, and site improvements in Albemarle’s local historic district require approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness. “CoA’s” are free. Completed Minor CoA applications can be approved by the Historic Resources Commission Administrator at any time. Completed Major CoA applications are considered by the entire Commission during quasi-judicial hearings. Complete applications for major CoAs must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the hearing at which they are to be considered. All applicants are advised to consult with the HRC Administrator prior to beginning the application process.

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Cost: No Charge

Contact
Brittani McClendon, Planning Specialist 
704-984-9422
Email

All new signs, replacement signs, and temporary signs require submission of a completed Sign Permit application. All approvals shall be granted prior to installation.

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Cost: Varies

• New $50
• Replacement $25
• Major Development Signage (more than 3 signs) $100

Contact
Brittani McClendon, Planning Specialist 
704-984-9422
Email

Requests for official Zoning Verification for any property and applicable fees shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator at least three days ahead of time along with notification of preferred method of delivery. The Zoning Administrator will provide standard information related to ownership, applicable zoning district(s), allowed uses, dimensional and site improvement standards, and restrictions on site. If determinations on specific uses or other items are needed, applicants shall notify the Zoning Administrator of such requests.

Download Application

Cost: $50

Contact
Brad Lagano, Planning Manager
704-984-9426
Email

Owners of property inside designated watersheds requesting special intensity allocations for development shall submit their application to the Watershed Administrator for consideration.

Download Application 

Cost: No Charge 

Contact
Charles Dunevant, Development Coordinator 
704-984-9438
Email

Most development inside federally designated 100-year floodplains and/or floodways requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Completed applications with applicable fees shall be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator prior to development activity. As there are often other steps, including surveys, required for approval, it is recommended applicants consult with the Floodplain Administrator well before finalizing plans and contracts for projects.

Download Application

Cost: $100

Contact
Brittani McClendon, Planning Specialist 
704-984-9422
Email