Planning Services

A division of Development Services

Citizens Self Service Portal

About Us

Zoning, variances, abandonments, plats, short-term rental permits, historic preservation, addressing.

Planning, Inspections and Code Compliance are all divisions of Development Services. The department administers zoning, land use, and subdivision regulations to ensure the orderly, safe, and responsible development of Waco in accordance with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

We assist policy makers, property owners, developers, and citizens in regard to zoning and development, and provides information to the public regarding census and demographic information, and development trends and impacts. We also provide support to the City Council, Plan Commission, and Board of Adjustment. Information on each of these boards and future meetings, public hearings, and agendas can be found on here. The Planning Department provides many services including zoning and development review and comprehensive and long-range planning.

Zoning Enforcement

We are also responsible for ensuring compliance with the zoning ordinance. Our zoning inspector responds to complaints of alleged zoning violations and initiates fair and unbiased enforcement action to correct violations and maintain neighborhood livability.

Permitting

We also process permits for on-site and off-site signs, short-term rentals, Open Air Vending/Food Trucks, Street Furnishing, and Farmer’s Markets

Comprehensive & Long-Range Planning

Planners also develop policy, gather data and analyze trends, initiate and develop area plans and other special studies, and implement the vision put forth in the city’s City Plan. Long-range planning provides an opportunity for the city, in partnership with its citizens, to shape the neighborhoods where we live, work or own property, through consideration of land use, zoning, transportation, and urban design elements.

New Software Citizen Self Service

The Mae Jackson Development Center is excited to bring you a new way of doing business with the launch of a new software system.

Log in today to our customer system called Citizen Self Service which will enable you to create a new account, to apply for all permits and applications, including a way to track and pay online.

Stay tuned for updates, tutorials, and new notifications and resources.