Planning & Building Department

The Planning & Building Department guides Jackson's physical development through administration of land use regulations, building code enforcement, and long-range planning. Staff work daily with property owners, developers, architects, contractors, and residents to facilitate appropriate development while preserving the community character and quality of life that make Jackson special.

Development Review

The department reviews development proposals for compliance with zoning regulations, subdivision standards, building codes, and comprehensive plan policies. Development review ensures that new construction and land use changes meet community standards for safety, compatibility, infrastructure adequacy, and environmental protection.

Development review processes include:

• Preliminary Consultation: Staff meet with applicants before formal applications to discuss project concepts, applicable regulations, and process requirements
• Application Submittal: Complete applications include plans, supporting documents, and required fees
• Technical Review: Staff from multiple departments review applications for compliance with applicable standards
• Public Process: Many applications require public notice, neighbor notification, or public hearings
• Decision-Making: Depending on application type, decisions may be made by staff, Planning Commission, or Town Council
• Appeals: Applicants or affected parties may appeal decisions through established procedures

Early consultation with Planning staff helps applicants understand requirements and avoid costly mistakes. Staff provide guidance while maintaining impartial review of applications.

Building Permits and Inspections

The Building Division issues building permits, conducts plan review, performs inspections, and enforces building codes. Building codes protect public safety by establishing minimum standards for structural integrity, fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency.

Jackson has adopted current editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, and National Electrical Code with local amendments. These model codes, developed by the International Code Council, are updated regularly to reflect improved construction practices and safety standards.

Building inspectors are certified professionals who review construction at critical stages to verify code compliance. Required inspections include footings, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, and final inspection. Inspections protect property owners by ensuring work meets recognized standards and identify deficiencies before they become costly problems.

Zoning Administration

Zoning regulations control land use, building placement, height, lot coverage, parking, signage, and other aspects of development. Zoning implements comprehensive plan policies by directing different types of land use to appropriate locations and ensuring compatibility between uses.

Jackson's zoning ordinance establishes multiple zoning districts including:

• Residential districts (various densities)
• Commercial districts (neighborhood and downtown)
• Mixed-use districts
• Public/institutional districts
• Industrial/light industrial districts

Each district has specific standards for permitted uses, building characteristics, and development intensity. Zoning regulations balance property rights with community interests in compatibility, livability, and orderly development.

Planning staff provide zoning information, interpret regulations, review proposals for zoning compliance, and process applications for conditional use permits, variances, and zoning amendments when appropriate.

Long-Range Planning

Beyond day-to-day development review, the Planning Department conducts long-range planning to guide Jackson's future. Long-range planning includes comprehensive plan updates, area plans, transportation planning, housing strategies, and policy development. These planning efforts involve extensive public engagement to ensure community values shape future growth.

The comprehensive plan serves as Jackson's long-term vision, addressing land use, transportation, housing, economic development, parks and open space, community facilities, and implementation strategies. While not a regulatory document itself, the comprehensive plan guides decisions about zoning, capital improvements, and other policies affecting community development.

Long-range planning staff research trends, analyze data, facilitate public processes, and prepare recommendations for Planning Commission and Town Council consideration. Effective long-range planning requires anticipating challenges and opportunities years or decades ahead.

Historic Preservation

Jackson's Western heritage and historic character are community assets worth preserving. The Planning Department administers historic preservation programs including design review for properties in historic districts, documentation of historic resources, and incentives for preservation of significant structures.

Historic preservation balances respect for the past with accommodation of modern needs. Design guidelines help new construction and alterations respect historic character while allowing appropriate contemporary development.

Environmental Review

Development proposals are reviewed for environmental impacts including wildlife habitat, wetlands, flood hazards, avalanche zones, steep slopes, and other natural constraints. Jackson's location within critical wildlife habitat and sensitive mountain environment requires careful consideration of development impacts.

Environmental review incorporates requirements from federal and state agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for endangered species protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for floodplain management. Coordination with resource agencies ensures development minimizes environmental harm.

Code Enforcement

Planning staff investigate complaints about zoning violations, unpermitted construction, property maintenance issues, and other code violations. Code enforcement protects property values and neighborhood quality by ensuring compliance with adopted regulations.

The enforcement approach emphasizes voluntary compliance through education and cooperation. When necessary, formal enforcement actions including citations, fines, or legal proceedings ensure compliance. Most violations are resolved cooperatively without formal action.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is a citizen board appointed by the Town Council to review major development applications, conduct public hearings, and make recommendations on land use matters. Commission service provides opportunity for community members to participate directly in land use decision-making.

Planning Commission meetings are open to the public with opportunities for citizen testimony. The Commission's recommendations carry significant weight in Town Council deliberations on development proposals.

Customer Service

Planning & Building staff are committed to helpful, professional service. Whether answering zoning questions, guiding applicants through development review, conducting inspections, or addressing concerns, staff work to serve the community effectively and fairly.

The department provides:

• Zoning and code information
• Permit applications and status updates
• Development review guidance
• Public records access
• Inspection scheduling
• General planning information

Contact the department with questions about development, zoning, permits, or planning initiatives.

Contact Planning & Building

Planning & Building Department
Town Hall
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Walk-in service is available during business hours. Appointments are recommended for complex consultations to ensure adequate staff time for thorough discussion.