Planning & Zoning Department

The Fayette County Planning and Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for developing long and short range plans to guide the growth of the unincorporated county and the administration of regulations that implement these plans for growth.

Planning Functions:  The Fayette County Comprehensive Plan is the central document used as a guide for the overall development of the unincorporated county, providing goals and policy objectives for housing, economic development, natural and historic resources, community facilities, utilities, transportation, land use, and the Capital Improvement Element, and Short Term Work Program for the imposition of impact fees. In addition, the Department maintains a database of development and demographic statistics and produces plans, studies and procedures that guide the development of the county, addressing issues of public facilities and services, environmental quality, and ensuring a safe, healthy environment.

Zoning Functions:  Development in the unincorporated county is regulated by the zoning functions of the Department primarily through the Fayette County Zoning Ordinance.  The Zoning Ordinance contains the various zoning districts allowed in the unincorporated area of the county.  Each district lists the permitted and condition uses that are allowed and the minimum dimensional requirements such as lot size and width and setbacks among other requirements.  Applications for rezonings, variances, preliminary plats, final plats, and site plans are submitted to the Department.  These applications are distributed to various other county departments for comments and scheduled for public hearings if applicable.  The Department also administers the Fayette County Sign Ordinance and portions of the Fayette County Code including the Alcohol Beverage Ordinance.