Metro. Development | Name | Position | Telephone | Tony Foster II | Executive Director | 765-983-7211 |
- Staff Directory - Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Our Mission Statement
The Mission of the City of Richmond Department of Metropolitan Development is to encourage and assist planned growth, safe construction and quality of life improvements for the citizens of Richmond through innovation, partnerships and quality customer service based on the recommendations of the Richmond Comprehensive Plan and guidelines established in the Richmond Code and the International Building Code.
The Department of Metropolitan Development is responsible for preparing, implementing and enforcing plans and regulatory tools that guide future growth, enhancement, and preservation of the community.
The Department consists of the offices of Community Development, Permits and Inspections, and Planning. These offices administer activities including, but not limited to planning, building inspections, code enforcement, zoning, subdivision review, economic and community development, and flood prevention within the City Limits of Richmond.
The Department staffs the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Revolving Loan Fund Committee, Unsafe Building Commission and Implementation Steering Committee.
Departmental Organization
The department is divided into four areas:
Community Development
Community Development staff serve the Richmond community through various functions relating to development, growth and construction. Staff secures grant funding for several city departments, administers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, as well as inform and educate the community about how the City functions and the work of various departments. The City produces a monthly program on the local cable public access Channel 11. WCTV tapes the show ‘City Connections’ and broadcasts the programs at a variety of times and days throughout the week.
Permits and Inspections
Permits and Inspections staff issues permits, reviews development plans, enforces the City’s Building and Housing Codes, performs construction inspections, and provides professional services related to construction and development of the City. As a public safety function, the Building Commissioner and certified building inspectors strive to insure the safety of all building occupants through a rigorous inspection system.
Planning
Planning staff coordinates annexations, zoning of property for residential and commercial use, and site design approval. A professional planning staff reviews all projects for conformance to local ordinances and standards, oversees the implementation of proposed plans and developments and the administration of the existing zoning ordinances of the City. This staff also provides assistance to petitioners through the process of filing documentation for subdivisions, annexations, re-zonings, variances, dedications and vacations of public rights of way.
Economic Development staff work cooperatively with the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County to attract and bring new businesses to the area. The staff oversees the Revolving Loan Fund for small business loans, and tax abatements for business expansions. Staffing is provided to the Aquifer Commission, Community & Economic Development Loan Fund, Economic Development Commission, and the Redevelopment Commission.