Planning & Development

The Planning & Development Department is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality customer service to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Duluth.  In addition to the areas of responsibility below, this department is responsible for:

• Managing applications for land use changes and modifications
• Enforcing city codes and ordinances
• Reviewing Plans
• Issuing Permits
• Conducting Inspections
• Providing  transportation planning management
• Supporting marketing and local events
• Verifying site and hydrology compliance

The Department performs these duties with the assistance of the City’s ordinances and regulations, the elected officials, citizens, developers, builders, city employees and sometimes the expertise of outside agencies. The Planning and Development Department also oversees the City's Comprehensive Plan and coordinates long-range planning efforts with other government agencies at the County, State, and Federal levels.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Duluth Department of Planning and Development is to develop and implement creative community-based strategies to enhance economic opportunity, build strong neighborhoods, and ensure a dynamic framework for quality growth and development.

Areas of Responsibility

• Building Inspection
• Capital Improvement Project Administration
• Code Compliance
• License Compliance
• Engineering
• General Permitting Activities
• Planning
• Redevelopment Administration
• Site Development Inspections
• Stormwater Inspections and Maintenance
• Transportation Planning
• Zoning

Contact Information and Hours of Operation
Contact us by using the email list below or by telephone at 770.476.1790. Visit us in person during regular City Hall business hours, Monday – Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Personnel

Department Administration
Director of Planning & Development: Bill Aiken
Administrative Assistant: Carol Hill

Planning and Zoning Division
Planning Manager: Forrest Huffman
Planner: VACANT
Planning Technician: Wendy Bethancourt

Code Compliance Division
Code Compliance Manager: Marcus Head
Code Compliance Officer: Shelley Shepphard
Code Compliance Officer: Liz Bradshaw
Code Compliance Officer: Kevin McIntire
License Compliance Officer: John Compton

Engineering Division
City Engineer: Margie Shames Pozin

Permitting and Inspections Division
Building Official: Donald Bowers
Permit Technician: Layla Corley
Civil Engineer: Kevin McInturff

Stormwater Division
Stormwater Program Manager: Joshua Arnold
Stormwater Coordinator:  Alyssa Gilhooly

City of Duluth Code of Ethics