Planning & Development Department
The Planning and Development Department guides the safe and responsible development and redevelopment of property with the goal of efficiently using the community’s resources and preserving its character and quality of life. The department’s primary functions are land use planning, code enforcement and grant administration.
We are located on the 1st Floor, City Hall, 200 West Dixie Avenue.
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m. - 5:oo p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Land Use Planning
Land use planning includes zoning, subdivision of property, development plan review and commercial design review. The Planning staff administers the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The staff provides support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Commission, each of which consists of five members appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
The Planning Commission makes the final decision on subdivision plats, development plans, waiver requests and elevation plans for some commercial buildings. For zoning map amendments, the Commission makes a recommendation that is forwarded to the City Council.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment decides requests for variances, conditional use permits and appeals of administrative zoning determinations.
The Historic Preservation Commission’s primary work is the consideration of exterior modifications, new construction, relocation and demolition of designated historic properties.
List of the 2024 Public Meeting Dates
Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
- Zoning Ordinance
- Below is a list of amendments that are in effect, but may not be updated in our Code of Ordinances.
- Subdivision Regulations
- Elizabethtown Code of Ordinances
- Official Zoning Map
Plans
Upcoming Meeting Agendas
Boards and Commissions
The Planning & Development Department serves as staff for several Boards and Commissions, including the following:
Planning Commission
Board of Zoning Adjustment
Historic Preservation Commission
Permits and Inspections
Click here for Permit Applications and fee list
The City of Elizabethtown has been granted expanded jurisdiction by the State for building code enforcement. The City performs plan review and inspection of most types of construction and renovation, enforcing the codes adopted by the State. The City also issues permits and performs inspections of electrical work. In addition, the City enforces property maintenance standards that address the condition of existing structures, trash and debris, grass and other vegetation and inoperable vehicles. The Code Enforcement staff support the Code Enforcement Board and the Code Appeals Board, both of which consist of five members appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
The Code Enforcement Board hears appeals of citations for code violations and has the ability to impose fines. The Code Appeals Board hears appeals of any decisions made by a City official in the enforcement of City codes, primarily interpretations of the building code.
In accordance with KRS § 65.8836 and Elizabethtown Ordinance § 24-2016, the City of Elizabethtown is providing information to lienholders who may have an interest in these properties. If you are a lienholder and you would like to take action with regard to a final order associated with a property, please submit the form to us at the bottom of this page.
Plumbing inspectors are housed at the Hardin County Health Department and can be reached at 270-769-3071. HVAC inspections are performed by the State. Information can be obtained by calling 502-382-0551.
Grant Administration
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program Info
The City of Elizabethtown was designated as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program entitlement community, which is federally funded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). The program allows the City to fund a variety of housing and community/economic development projects that benefit previously disadvantaged areas of our community. Information on current and past projects funded, as well as additional program resources, may be found below.
The Community Development Block Grant Program is committed to making a significant difference in our community. As an entitlement grantee, we receive an annual formula grant of approximately $200,000 which is utilized to address community development and housing needs of our community. All of this funding is dedicated to neighborhood improvements in areas that have been targeted for revitalization.
We use those funds to make that difference in several different ways…
- Neighborhood revitalization efforts in areas such as the Haycraft Neighborhood and Glendale Hill Neighborhood.
- Infrastructure improvements including drainage, waterline, street and sidewalk systems, neighborhood pocket parks, and community gardens.
- Create partnerships with non-profit and private developers to expand the availability of affordable housing.
- Administration of other special grants and projects.
To learn more about the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development's CDBG Program, please visit: CDBG Entitlement Program - HUD Exchange.
Upcoming Public Hearing - May 28, 2024
The City of Elizabethtown will hold a public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the City’s 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan which will include proposed activities and expected benefits of the annual CDBG funding allocation of approximately $200,000. Public comments on the drafted 2024-25 Action Plan are welcomed and encouraged.
The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 28th @ 4 PM at City Hall, 3rd floor conference room, 200 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY. The building is accessible for individuals with disabilities as well. If an interpreter and/or other accommodations are needed, please contact the Department of Planning & Development at 270.982.3272 prior to the meeting.
Additionally, the drafted Action Plan will also be available for review at www.elizabethtownky.org. A thirty-day comment period will be open from May 28-June 27, 2024. All public comments are to be submitted electronically during the open comment period to: melissa.harrell-nepi@elizabethtownky.gov.
Safe Streets and Roads for All
The City of Elizabethtown was recently awarded a grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)/Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program for the development of a "Vision Zero" transportation safety action plan. The Action Plan will develop a strategy for eliminating fatal and serious injury crashes, and serve as a guide with future funding of safety improvement projects, policies and strategies.
Click the link for more information on The City's Vision Zero initiative.
https://elizabethtownky.org/vision-zero-elizabethtown/
EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant
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Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant
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Creating Vibrant Communities
Creating Vibrant Communities is a program administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to assist communities in creating an actionable plan to outline a vision, conceptual development plan, and next steps necessary to create a transformative and unique destination for the community. The City of Elizabethtown was one of four communities in Kentucky awarded this grant opportunity in January of 2024.
More information will be available soon. Please click the link below for more information on the Creating Vibrant Communities program.
https://transportation.ky.gov/Planning/Creating-Vibrant-Communities/Pages/default.aspx
FAQ
For a fence, no. For a shed over 200 square feet, you will need a permit. The Planning & Development Department issues permits. They are located on the first floor of City Hall.
All banners require a permit and are limited to 30 days and 50 square feet. There is no minimal required to apply. The Planning & Development Department issues banner permits. They are located on the first floor of City Hall.
Yes. A sign permit is issued for the erection of business signs to assure that they are in compliance with the height, area and location requirements for signs as established in the Zoning Ordinance. The City also inspects any electrical work associated with the sign for safety.
You are free to file a complaint with the department for an inspector to investigate. If the inspector determines a violation of a City ordinance, he will issue a notice which informs the owner of the violation and deadline to have it corrected. If the violation is not corrected, then a citation can be issued by the inspector.
Building setback requirements are established for the protection of all property owners. However, it is recognized that in certain cases these restrictions may not be appropriate. In these instances, the Board of Zoning Adjustment holds a public hearing to determine if it is appropriate to allow a homeowner to vary from the standards in the Zoning Ordinance.
Yes, the procedure for revising any lot within the City limits is to file a subdivision plat. The review by the various City departments is coordinated by department staff and is considered a minor review procedure. The plat is required to be prepared by a licensed surveyor.
The Comprehensive Plan is a planning document prepared by the Planning Commission as a guide for community policies relating to the growth and development of the community. It addresses the areas of transportation, utilities and future land use. Under standards established in state law, the plan is reviewed every five years.
View the Official Zoning Map.