Welcome to the City of Burlington Planning and Community Development Department. Here you'll find information about how to build a project in the City.

The City of Burlington launched BurlingtonSmart, online applications portal for permits and licenses in the summer of 2020.  

COVID-19 RESPONSE - outdoor dining

The City will be waiving planning review fees during this time for outdoor dining applications. Please download the proper application for your business and submit to Conrad Olmedo at colmedo@burlingtonnc.gov, 336-513-5416 or drop off by appointment at 425 S. Lexington Ave., call 336-222-5110 to schedule.

• Outdoor Dining Application (for public property locations excluding streets)
• Temporary Use Application (for private property locations)

To expedite your application, please make sure to include all the required application materials, including: property owner approval, a certificate of liability insurance, and sketch plan.

DIVISIONS

• Code Enforcement

  : handles community complaints about properties in the City.

• Community Development

  : works with housing needs and rehabilitation in the City.

• Comprehensive Planning

  : maintains the long-range vision for the City.

• Geographic Information Systems

  (GIS)

  : creates maps to display data and zoning in the City.

• Zoning and Subdivisions

  : reviews development projects for compliance to City regulations.

Unified Development Ordinance (udo)

Boards & Commissions

• Board of Adjustment
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Minimum Housing Commission
• Planning and Zoning Commission