The Planning Department staff is responsible for both the current and long-range planning functions of the City of Gastonia. These responsibilities encompass zoning, permitting and enforcement, comprehensive and small area planning and design, rezoning and other public hearing processes, as well as, coordination of local historic districts and other design and development review processes. Further, the Planning Department serves as a significant resources to other City departments and divisions in the realm of concept visualization and GIS mapping & analysis.
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
The Unified Development Ordinance is available in the Quick Links section to the right. Users are strongly advised to NOT make any investment decisions based solely on the information in the zoning ordinance. View the ordinance at this link.
Public Hearings
Public hearings are held for rezoning, conditional rezoning, conditional use permits, special exceptions to the flood hazard overlay, variance requests, comprehensive plan amendments, and ordinance amendments. Please contact the Planning Department's main line at 704-854-6652 for more information on these public hearings. View the planning agendas and meeting minutes at this link.
What's Zoning?
Zoning Services include information about land use, zoning permits, occupancy permits, setbacks, sign permits, variances, complaints, and flood plain administration. Any fill within the FEMA regulatory floodplain or floodway requires City Council approval.
Before making any financial decisions, check to make sure that your project meets Zoning Code requirements. The City of Gastonia Zoning Map indicates areas that are zoned for residential, office, commercial, and industrial use. The Zoning Map also indicates historic districts, special corridor districts, and other areas with unique regulations. Additional requirements for the operation of a business, such as parking, drives, and signage, are included in the Unified Development Ordinance. Properties may be rezoned subject to adopted plans, surrounding land use, and development conditions. Most higher density residential projects require that a property be rezoned.
For more information, see the Quick Links section to the right.