The Planning Department oversees all community planning and zoning activities of the City. Department staff facilitates development proposals through the review process and coordinates with other City departments whose service delivery to the public may be affected by such development. Services include day-to-day administration of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) (including updates); review of site plans, subdivisions and condo plats, rezoning, special uses, special exceptions, planned development districts, variance requests, and zoning compliance permits; providing guidance to property owners on zoning and development issues; and researching answers to planning, zoning, and development questions posed by the public.
The Planning Department is also responsible for providing development-related staff support for the Mayor and Common Council and primary staff support for the Plan Commission, the Quarry Monitoring Committee, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, the Environmental Commission, and the Parks Commission.
Please use this form to submit requests to the Planning Department for property inquiries.
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) defines the zoning, development, and land division regulations for the City of Franklin. The UDO was approved on May 6, 2025 by the Common Council, this is the first complete rewrite since 1998.
The Comprehensive Master Plan documents set forth the City of Franklin's vision for its future development. These plans address issues such as population, natural resource features, land use, zoning, development objectives, transportation, parks, public sewer and water, among other issues.
The City of Franklin Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is a fundamental tool utilized in sound public park, open space, and recreational facilities planning practices and is a key element of community planning. It is an element of, and amendment and addition to, the City's Comprehensive Master Plan.
Information about the development planning process for those interested in pursuing development in the City of Franklin.
Report of the implementation of the housing element of the Comprehensive Master Plan.
Information about quarry monitoring in the City of Franklin including quarry complaint procedures and frequently asked questions.
The Floodplain Zoning Ordinance regulates development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (i.e. where structures can be built on a lot, permitted and prohibited uses).