Getting Started

• Visit the Citizens Access Portal website.
• Create an account and log in (enter your credentials to log in to your account).
• Once logged in, click the Planning tab at the top of the page.
• Below the department tabs, click Apply for a Petition.
• Please read and accept the General Disclaimer, then click Continue Application.
• Expand the Planning dropdown and choose a Record Type (application type).
• Click Continue Application.

Step 1 – Property Location

• Enter the House Number.
• Select the Direction (N, S, E, or W).
• Enter the Street Name.
• Leave the Street Type blank (do not enter St, Ave, Rd, Blvd, etc.).
• Click Search.
• Verify that the property information is correct.
• Enter the property owner’s information.
• Click Continue Application.

Tip: When searching, use only the house number, direction, and street name when searching. Do not enter the street type (such as St, Ave, or Rd). This helps match the address in the county’s records.

Step 2 – Applicant Information

• Select the applicant by clicking Select from Account or Add New.
• Enter the applicant’s contact information. 
• Click Continue Application.

Step 3 – Details

For Zoning Applications

Under Usage:

• Click Add a Row.
• In the pop-up window, enter today’s date.
• Select the Type of Usage (Structure or Property).
• Describe the Existing Use (e.g., single-family home, duplex, retail).
• Describe the Proposed Use (e.g., maintain existing use, change to commercial).
• Under Applicant’s Interest, specify your role in the project (e.g., owner, contractor) and provide a brief description of the project.
• Click Continue Application. 

For Appeal Applications

Under Petition Appeal Details:

• Enter the Date of Original Decision.
• Under Decision Being Appealed, briefly explain why you are appealing the decision (you can upload your detailed explanation in Step 4).
• Specify the Original Decision Maker (e.g., Administrative Decision, Commission Decision).  
• Enter the Original Petition Number and Existing Use.

Under Usage Details:

• Click Add a Row.
• In the pop-up window, enter today’s date.
• Select the Type of Usage (Structure or Property).
• Describe the Existing Use (e.g., single-family home, duplex, retail).
• Describe the Proposed Use (e.g., maintain existing use, change to commercial).
• Under Applicant’s Interest, specify your role in the project (e.g., owner, contractor) and provide a brief description of the project.
• Click Continue Application. 

Step 4 – Attachments

• Visit the Planning Applications webpage.
• Download the fillable application form you need.
• Fill out the application form and upload it as an attachment.
• Upload the Submittal Requirements listed in your application form (e.g. site plans, elevation plans, project description, etc.). 
• Click Add to upload each attachment.
• In the pop-up window, click Add to select a file from your computer. Repeat this step until all attachments are uploaded.
• After uploading the attachments, click Continue.
• Choose the document type and provide a short description of each file attached.
• Make sure all files are uploaded correctly, then click Save.
• Click Continue Application.

Step 5 – Application Review

• Review your application to ensure all details are correct.
• Click Continue Application.

Step 6 – Application Fees

• Most applications require a fee. Have your credit card ready for payment.
• Additional fees for notices will be assessed for payment after your application is processed.

Processing Your Application

After you submit your application and pay the fees, a planner will review it. If more information or fees are needed, the planner will contact you. Some petitions may take longer to process, depending on the complexity of the request.

Related

Need Assitance?

For questions, send an email to [email protected].