Community Development

The Community Development Department is ready to assist you with a variety of questions and inquiries. Whether you need a building permit, have a planning or zoning question, or are inquiring about setting up an inspection, our staff works to make the process simple and easy. 

Photo collage of a city building, a bridge over a river and a housing area in a city

VISIT OUR PERMIT PORTAL TO:

  • Apply for a Permit
    Fence, Building, Sign, or Trade (Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, or Demolition)
  • Pay for a Permit
  • Check Permit Status

Planning & Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Division provides comprehensive plan review for all incoming new development projects. This includes a review of setback requirements, landscaping, historical review when needed and to ensure materials used are in line with our municipal code. This division can also help coordinate with other departments to ensure a quality project from the start.

Community Plans & Studies - click here

Building Inspections

The Building Inspection Division provides permit processing on all building projects to ensure the project will meet minimum building safety requirements. The inspectors are available to go over any questions prior to beginning the project and also before the project is deemed complete for a final inspection. This division is also responsible for the sale of  city-owned property and lots, ensuring the safety of the community in the event of a building that is abandoned/unsafe and overseeing bids for demolition projects.

Rental Inspections

The Rental Inspection Division is the division to enforce rental code and maintains permit records for rental properties within the City of Burlington. Inspectors provide timely inspections on current and new rental properties to ensure income properties meet minimum code standards for housing safety. 

Nuisance Inspections

The Nuisance Inspection Division provides safety to residents of the City of Burlington by providing consistent code enforcement on nuisance related items. Tall grass, weeds, collection of trash, junk and debris are a few items that fall into this category for enforcement under Chapter 163 of the municipal code.    

Megaphone graphic Opens in new windowReport a nuisance online

Commissions

Helpful Documents

  1. Adopted Building Codes (PDF)
  2. Citizen Complaint Form (PDF)
  3. City-Owned Property Bid Application (PDF)
  4. Future Land Use Map (PDF)
  1. Heritage Hill Historic District (PDF)
  2. Neighborhood Development Urban Renewal Area (PDF)
  3. Rental Housing Complaint (PDF)
  4. Zoning District Map - July 1, 2014 (PDF)