WELCOME TO PLANNING & ZONING

The Planning and Zoning Division works with community members to build quality of life through the creation of long-term plans for what our city can look like in the future while making sure that our neighborhoods and commercial corridors are designed to support residents, visitors, workers, and businesses.

Building the future of Harvey is guided by three main functions: planning, zoning, and commission support work.

Planning

Planning creates blueprints for what our city can look like in the future. This focuses on the big picture of how we use the spaces where we live and work. See the plans the City has created under Planning Initiatives 

Zoning

The goal of zoning is simply to promote compatible uses among different land types. The city’s Zoning Code controls the use, location, size, and building materials of fences, buildings, garages, and homes. It also controls what is allowed in different parts of the city. For example, a large factory cannot be located in the middle of a residential area. See what is allowed in the Harvey’s Zoning Code Title 16 (link to the municipal code).

Before buying or leasing a property one should check to see if what is being proposed is a permitted use. To verify review the table and complete a Zoning Clearance Request:

Zoning Land Use Table (pdf).

Zoning Clearance Request Review (pdf).

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) reviews and makes recommendations for special land use requests. The entire process may take from 30 to 60 days starting with a) petitioners’ application to staff, b) public hearing and recommendation by the PZC, and c) final approval by the City Council. These requests include:

• Special Use Permits (pdf)– These uses required are identified in the Harvey Municipal and need.
• Amendments Text/Map (pdf)– A change in the text of the zoning code and/or change in the zoning map is needed.
• Variances (pdf)– Easing the dimensional requirements for a building on a particular property may be needed.
• Planned Unit Developments (pdf)– Used for larger/complex projects that require multiple zoning changes.