Agencies›Municipal

Zoning & Planning Department

Land use approval before the permit.

Zoning and planning departments control what can be built, where, and at what size. Before a building permit is issued, zoning must confirm the proposed use is allowed on the parcel and that setbacks, height limits, and density requirements are met.

What they regulate

  • Land use designations and zoning classifications
  • Setbacks, lot coverage, and building height limits
  • Variances and special use permits
  • Site plan review for larger projects

What triggers their review

  • Any new construction or addition
  • Change of use
  • Structures that may encroach on setbacks
  • Projects requiring a variance or special exception
Typical turnaround
5–30 business days depending on project type and whether a hearing is required

What causes delays

  • —Variance hearings scheduled weeks out
  • —Incomplete site plans
  • —HOA or neighbor objections triggering additional review
  • —Setback encroachments discovered mid-review

How Cleard handles Zoning / Planning

  • Pre-submittal zoning research to identify issues before plans are drawn
  • Coordinating zoning sign-off with building permit submission
  • Managing variance applications and hearing prep

Trades that commonly need Zoning / Planning review

General ContractorsHome BuildersCommercial BuildersPool BuildersFence ContractorsAluminum Contractors

Other agencies in the approval chain

Building DeptThe first stop for every permit.
DERMEnvironmental clearance for construction near sensitive areas.
WASD / UtilitiesWater and sewer clearance for new connections and modifications.
DOHHealth department approval for septic, pools, and food service.
SFWMD / ERPStormwater and wetland permitting for larger projects.
FDEP / CoastalState permits for construction near the coast and water.
ACOEFederal permits for work affecting navigable waters and wetlands.
HOA / ARBCommunity approval before the permit.
Impact FeesOne-time infrastructure charges assessed at permit issuance.
Fire MarshalFire code compliance review for commercial and multi-family.

We handle Zoning / Planning so you don't have to.

Cleard manages the full approval chain — every agency, every submittal, every correction cycle.

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