The Planning & Zoning office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm

If you do not find the information you are looking for on the following pages, please feel free to contact our office at 603-934-2341.  You can fax us at 603-934-7413. 
 

The Planning & Zoning office full time staff consists of:

Richard Lewis, Administrator
Angela Carey, Assistant to the Administrator

The Franklin Planning and Zoning Office deals with a variety of land use, building and zoning related concerns.  Located on the second floor of the City Hall, the office is staffed by a full-time Planning and Zoning Administrator and a part-time Administrative Assistant.  The duties and responsibilities of the office can be broken down into several categories. 

• Building Permits:  It is very important that building permits be obtained, as the review process is the only way to insure that all regulations, including important life safety codes, are followed.  Permits are required for all new construction, additions, and renovations.  The office accepts and reviews the application.  It usually takes 3-8 business days (for renewals, additions and renovations) to issue the permits, but if information is missing, a delay may occur.  Processing of building permits for new construction may take longer.  As work progresses, the Code Enforcement Officer, who also reviews all applications, will make inspections.  In most cases, once the work is complete and passes inspections a Certificate of Compliance will be issued. 

• Zoning Compliance:  All structures and land use activities must conform to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance as far as setbacks and permitted uses in a specific zoning district.  When building permit applications are submitted the plans are reviewed to insure compliance.  If the new building or addition does not conform, then an application for a Variance will have to be filed with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  A public hearing is required, and it takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the process, so plan ahead!  Certain land uses require a Special Exception to insure that impact to the neighborhood is minimized or eliminated.  A Special Exception also requires a public hearing.

• Subdivisions and Site Plans:  When new lots are created, or when certain types of activities are proposed, an application will need to be filed with the Planning Board.  In most cases, both the Subdivision and the Site Plan process involve the development of detailed surveyed and engineered plans.  Unless you are already familiar with these application procedures, it is recommended that you first contact the office to discuss the proposed project.  Voluntary Lot Mergers are under the jurisdiction of the Planning and Zoning Administrator. 

• Land Use Regulations:  The Planning Board, with the assistance of this department, has the primary responsibility of drafting amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.  Public hearings are held on proposed zoning changes, and the City Council makes the ultimate decision whether or not to approve any amendments.

• Zoning Enforcement:  When structures and land uses are in compliance with the zoning ordinances then individual residents, neighborhoods, and the entire city benefit.  In coordination with other City departments, the Planning and Zoning Office works to enforce the Zoning Ordinance and associated City Codes.  Our primary goal in any enforcement action is to resolve the problem and bring the use or activity into compliance.  The first step is often to work with the property owner towards a resolution.  But, if necessary, the City will initiate court action to achieve compliance.  The cooperation of all residents and landowners in this important area of managing the City is appreciated.

• Planning for the Future:  The future of land use activities and development in Franklin lies primarily in the hands of others, but the Planning Office and the Planning Board are involved in creating a roadmap for change.  Under state statute, the Planning Board is the lead agency for the creation of the City’s Master Plans.  The most recent Master Plan was prepared in 2005.  The above discussion on Land Use Regulations also plays a role in future planning.  And the Planning and Zoning Administrator works with many different individuals and organizations on encouraging positive and beneficial growth and change.

As identified elsewhere on the City’s web site, the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment meet on a regular basis.  Forms for all of the application procedures mentioned above are available in the Planning and Zoning Office.  Everyone in the Planning and Zoning Office look forward to working with the community and providing any answers we can.  Thank you.