Planning & Development

The City of Duluth Department of Planning and Development strives to maintain and promote the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity, and general welfare of the present and future citizens of the City. The Department performs these duties with the assistance of the City’s Code of Ordinances, the elected officials, citizens, developers, builders, city employees and sometimes the expertise of outside agencies. In order to maintain the flavor of “old” and “new” Duluth, various professional and technical tools are employed. A great deal of coordination and cooperation is involved to handle delicate issues and situations the Department faces on a daily basis. The Department must make difficult decisions while ensuring domestic tranquility for the citizens of the City. The objectives of the Department include maintaining a balance between controlled growth, balanced development, a favorable quality of life; while instilling community pride.

In addition, the Department enforces zoning laws, administers applications for land use changes and modifications, insures site and hydrology compliance, conducts public hearings and meetings, conducts building inspections, provides customer service, and handles development related issues with developers, engineers, architects, builders, and the general public. The Department coordinates efforts with other government agencies at the county, state and federal levels. The Department also oversees the City’s Comprehensive plan and is in the process of implementing the GIS mapping program.

2030 Comprehensive Plan Document

Agendas & Minutes of 2013 Planning Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings
Meeting Schedules and Deadlines for 2013 Planning Commission and Zoning Board Appeals meetings

Interested in Annexing into the City Limits??

Boards and Memberships

Building Inspections

Building & Site Plan Review Process

Code Enforcement
Request for Service (non-emergency)

Community Betterment Grant Program

Current Zoning Cases and Activity

Demographics of the City of Duluth

Drainage Assistance

Economic Development