The mission of the City of Monroe Planning and Development Department is to improve the quality of life, now and in the future, for the people living and working within the City Limits and Extra-Territorial Zoning Jurisdiction areas. This will be accomplished through the identification of solutions; the formulation of community goals, objectives, policies, and projects; to the end that common vision is achieved through an open civic process. Further, it is our mission to carry out certain programs and projects through public investment, public-private cooperation, volunteer efforts, and enforcement in order to promote viability and orderly development.
The day-to day duties of the Planning and development Department include:
•  Assisting the public in interpretations and their compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance and Land Development Plan
•  Reviewing both residential and commercial development proposals
•  Processing Building, Zoning and Special Use Permits
•  Reviewing major and minor subdivisions of property
•  Monitoring previously issued Land Use Permits
•  Community development initiatives through grant assistance and neighborhood meetings
•  Updating the and maintaining the Official Zoning Map and other Geographic Information Systems
•  Distributing zoning information for specific properties and assisting the public with development options
•  Enforcing Zoning Regulations through routine patrols and citizen complaints
•  Assisting the following Boards and Committees through professional expertise and presentations of development proposals:
•  The Monroe City Council
•  The Planning Board
•  Board of Adjustment
•  Historic District Commission
•  Community Appearance Commission
•  Land Development Committee
•  Community Development Committee
•  Transportation Committee
•  Environmental and Water resources Commission
•  Annexation Committee
Other responsibilities of the Planning and Development Department include continually analyzing and updating the Land Development Plan and Unified Development Ordinance, conducting neighborhood redevelopment plans, targeting the need for new transportation corridors and maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods and historic areas. Through these efforts, the City of Monroe will be able to assure a positive pattern of growth for future generations.