Planning & Zoning

About

The Planning Director/Zoning Administrator's primary responsibility is to guide land use development, policy, and growth that best meets the City of Jackson’s goals. This work is steered by City Master Plan, economic trends, initiatives, and community efforts, and/or by changes in state and local legislature. To support this work, the Planning Director/Zoning Administrator is responsible for the following:

• Boards and Commissions: Staffing the City Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
• Zoning Ordinance/Administration: Administering, preparing draft amendments, and maintaining the City's zoning ordinance and development standards.
• Application Review: Review and approval of certain development activities, including site plans, map amendment (rezoning) applications, conditional use permits, and variance applications.
• Long Range Planning: Implementing and updating long-term land use goals outlined in the City Master Plan.

Jackson Master Plan Update (2026–2027)

Help Shape the Future of Our City

The City of Jackson is beginning the process of updating its City Master Plan, a long-term planning document that helps guide decisions about land use, zoning, development, infrastructure investments, and overall community priorities.

Master plans are typically updated every 10–20 years to reflect the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. Jackson’s current Master Plan was adopted in 2016, and the upcoming update will help shape the direction of the community for the next decade and beyond.

Over the next 12 months, the City will work with residents, business leaders, community organizations, and other stakeholders to gather feedback about the future of Jackson. Community input is a critical part of the planning process and helps ensure the Master Plan reflects the shared vision and priorities of the people who live and work here.

Community Participation

Everyone has a role in shaping the future of Jackson. Throughout the planning process, there will be opportunities for community members to provide feedback, share ideas, and participate in public discussions.

One of the first steps in the process is forming a Master Plan Steering Committee. This volunteer group will work alongside City staff and the Planning Commission to help guide the planning process, discuss community priorities, and provide insight as the next Master Plan is developed.

Steering Committee members will meet approximately once per month during the planning process to review progress, discuss ideas, and help shape recommendations for the updated plan.

Apply to Join the Steering Committee

Community members who are interested in helping guide Jackson’s future are encouraged to apply to serve on the Master Plan Steering Committee.

Apply for the Master Plan Steering Committee

View Steering Committee Role Description

Privacy Notice: 

The City of Jackson will never request payment for permits, fees, hearings, or services via wire transfer. Requests for payment will only come directly from the Community Development Department via email or snail mail. City staff have been made aware of fraudulent payment requests from non-City entities. If you suspect fraudulent billing or communication, please contact the City of Jackson Community Development Department immediately to verify the authenticity of an invoice.