The Planning Department works with citizens and community leaders to build a consensus on how the City should live, work and grow. This is accomplished through the coordination of a variety of land planning functions that range from facilitating a vision for the future of Copperas Cove to reviewing all new development proposals to ensure compatibility to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Mission
Our mission is to provide solution-oriented customer services to the citizens we serve which will promote the implementation of sustainable plans; will facilitate economic growth; and will enhance our quality of life for the City of Copperas Cove.

Vision
Our vision is to be a fully integrated engaged team of professionals guided through the use of technology in creative and collaborative methods that will facilitate land use planning decisions and balance the need for economic growth combined with the stewardship of protecting City’s resources.

Goal
Our goal is to process and analyze project applications in a solution oriented “can-do” environment that is fair, efficient, timely, accurate, and provides friendly customer service, to accommodate development within the boundaries of the City’s policies, goals, and objectives.

The Planning Department is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the City’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan, Sign Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance to ensure compatible land uses, future street design network, site plan design, building placement and signage. The Department provides support to citizens, business and development communities, local professionals and stakeholders and to the general public through effective administration of the city’s ordinances. The Department provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment and many other advisory and ad hoc committees as required. And, the Department assists with the facilitation and coordination of development review applications, as well as, timely Plat and Plan Review meetings between applicants and other departments and agencies.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

• Promote and implement the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, including amendments to the Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) map with suitable zoning districts.
•  Improve the quality of life and safety of the community through implementation of City Council development policies for sustainable and compatible land uses and zoning districts.
• Provide efficient and accurate services through user-friendly online tools to citizens, businesses, developers, and stakeholders.
• Support the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment in conformance with the City’s Code of Ordinances, State Local Government Code and Federal Regulations.
• Strive for excellence in daily performance of meeting expectations and customer service needs.

ACHIEVEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

• Updated the city’s GIS maps, which include the future land use plan, zoning, city limits, ETJ boundaries, active residential developments, public facilities, floodplain and street address maps as needed.
• Hired a new Development Liaison in February of 2022.
• Directed user-friendly GIS interactive application layers for public consumption showing future developments within the City limits and ETJ on the City’s home page.
• As of December 2022, newly approved, active and planned residential subdivisions account for an estimated 10,068 new dwelling units for a projected population increase of 26,479 new residents within the city limits and ETJ.
• Continuous improvement of the MyGov Online application processes, planning & zoning requests, building permit reviews, customer payments and timely inspection services.
• Continuous training of front counter staff on building and planning methods and processes to improve customer services.
• Developed and initiated cross-training activities among staff to improve department organization, knowledge and accountability.
• Retained Kendig Keast Collaborative to update, map and rewrite the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
• Implemented the newly adopted Stay Basic Sign Ordinance.
• Implemented the newly adopted Subdivision Ordinance.
• Completed FEMA’s CRS 5-year Cycle Verification program for the City.

GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

• Once adopted, implement the newly updated Zoning Ordinance, which is scheduled for completion in April of 2023.
• Continue refining and implementing the online application and permitting processes through MyGovernmentOnline. This includes applying for building permits, paying online, request for inspections, submittal of documents, download inspection reports and approved plans, checking status of a permit, download permit data, search for permits, manage contractor licenses.
• Continue workshops and training of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment members.