Purpose
To advance the community vision.
Planning, Zoning & Engineering Department major services
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
In collaboration with other City departments, the Planning, Zoning & Engineering Department is responsible for gathering information about all major city projects and the financing, budgeting and scheduling of these projects over time. The Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is the published document into which this information is collected for easy access by staff and the public. The CIP is updated annually and approved by the City Commission. Other capital improvement services include records and assets management, studies and analyses, budget estimating, technical consultations and intergovernmental liaison.
Engineering Services
These services include engineering and construction management for roads and transportation, storm water engineering, environmental engineering, land and property rights, and inspection of public and private sector development for compliance with City code and sound engineering practice.
Environmental Services
The fragility of Florida’s natural environment must always be a vital consideration as the City of North Port develops. Environmental Services is that function of the department that strives always to keep a sharp focus on achieving a successful balance between economic sustainability and environmental stewardship as a guiding principle for the City as it continues to grow and thrive.
Grants
Grants Services secures grant funds for City programs and projects in order to improve the quality of life for the citizens of North Port. Collaborating with other City departments, the grants division finds and analyzes funding opportunities provided by foundations and federal and state government.
Planning Services
The planning function is divided into two areas:
Current planning is concerned with review and permitting of proposed commercial and residential development within the regulatory framework of the City of North Port Land Development Code and zoning regulations.
Long range planning is responsible for updating and maintaining the North Port Comprehensive Plan. This division reviews major development proposals, develops master plans and analyzes other long-range planning issues such as demographics, housing and environmental issues. Because citizen input is essential in planning for the community's future, the division works with local associations, citizens and advisory board members on a regular basis. Planning staff also act as liaison to various regional planning authorities.
Real Estate Services
The Division of Real Estate Services oversees the acquisition and disposition of City property assets and provides specialized real estate expertise and support to the City’s Departments and Divisions. It also has the responsibility for maintaining a database of all City and Special District-owned real property, as well as maintaining a database for easements either granted by the City or granted to the City.
Storm Water Management
The Storm Water Management Division has a dual goal that requires maintaining a delicate balance between two equally important priorities: (1) ensuring that the public and private sectors use the best design and management practices to control the flow of water in the Myakkahatchee Creek and the City's manmade canal conveyance system in order to reduce flooding potential, and (2) preserving and protecting water quality and quantity in this same system to ensure a reliable source of water for the City.
Shared Tasks and Responsibilities
The professional specialists and technicians of the Planning, Zoning and Engineering have many duties in common. Among them are processing development applications and reviewing them for compliance with City code, and providing staff representatives to work with City Commission-appointed citizens serving on advisory boards.
Administrative Staff
Patrick S. Collins, P.E., Director, (941) 429-7080
Brett Harrington, Senior Planner, (941) 429-7157
Cathy Miller, Chief Engineering Inspector, (941) 429-7082
Ben Newman, Project Engineer, (941) 429-7081
Charles Pingree, Real Estate Services Manager, (941) 429-7094
Elizabeth Wong, Storm Water Manager, (941) 429-1475
Other important phone numbers:
Development applications and permits: 429-7201
General staff information: (941) 429-7084