Development Services Department

Development Services Department The Development Services Department plays a central role in guiding growth and development within the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills. The Department is responsible for coordinating planning, engineering, and development review activities to ensure that new development is consistent with the Town's Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code (LDC), and adopted policies. The Department is managed by John Brock, Deputy Town Manager / Town Clerk, and works closely with professional planning and engineering consultants to provide efficient, transparent, and consistent development review services. Planning and Engineering Services To support the Town's planning functions, Howey-in-the-Hills utilizes professional consulting services: Town Planning Services are provided by Parks Consulting Services. The Town's primary planners are Sean Parks, AICP, QEP (CEO, Senior Scientist and Planner), and April Fisher, AICP, (Senior Planner), and Lisa Busto (Project Manager & Graphic Artist) who assist with comprehensive planning, rezoning requests, development applications, and long-range planning initiatives. Town Engineering Services are provided by Griffey Engineer, Inc. Don Griffey, P.E. serves as the Town Engineer and is responsible for reviewing engineering plans related to infrastructure, utilities, drainage, and transportation to ensure compliance with Town, County, State, and Federal standards. Development Review Process The Town's development review process is designed to promote orderly growth while protecting public health, safety, and welfare. The process is guided by the Land Development Code and generally includes the following steps: Pre-Application Review - Applicants are encouraged to meet with Town staff and consultants early in the process to discuss proposed development, applicable regulations, and submittal requirements. Application Submittal and Staff Review - Development applications are reviewed by Town staff, the Town Planner, and the Town Engineer for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and applicable technical standards. Development Review Committee (DRC) - Many projects are reviewed by the Development Review Committee, which provides coordinated technical feedback and identifies required revisions before formal hearings. Planning and Zoning Board Review - Projects requiring public hearings—such as rezonings, planned unit developments, and comprehensive plan amendments—are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board, which makes recommendations to the Town Council. Town Council Action - The Town Council serves as the final decision-making body for legislative and quasi-judicial development actions. Throughout the process, the Town emphasizes transparency, public participation, and consistency with adopted plans and regulations. Contact Information All inquiries related to development applications, zoning, planning, and the development review process should be directed to the Town Clerk, who serves as the Town's primary point of contact and coordinates review with the Town's professional planning and engineering consultants.