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How do I check the zoning of my property?
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Use the City GIS to search by property address. Open ‘Layers’ and turn on Zoning. Explore other layers to view things like parcels, floodplain, utilities, trails, Growth Designations, and Master Street Plan. Once zoning is determined, use Municode to view zoning standards in Chapter 14 of City Code. Visit with Planning staff for questions.
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What does zoning mean?
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Zoning determines the allowed use of a property, lot dimensions, building setbacks, parking standards, and design standards. Exceptions from certain zoning requirements are called variances. Business licensing and signage are based on zoning.
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When does a project require a variance?
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A project requires a variance when a proposal cannot meet one or more zoning standards due to unique property conditions. They are intended to address unique physical conditions of a property that create difficulties or hardship in meeting zoning requirements. Each request is reviewed by the Board of Adjustment on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the variance criteria are met.
Common types of variances include, but are not limited to:
- Setback (front, side, or rear)
- Building Height
- Parking
- Sign
Variance Steps at a Glance
1. Pre-Application Meeting
2. Prepare Required Documents
3. Submit application online
4. Complete Notification Requirements
5. Submit a survey for review (if applicable)
Variance Application Procedure
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What is the Master Street Plan?
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The Master Street Plan is a document adopted by ordinance and is periodically updated. The most recent master street plan is dated 2/26/2019 (ORD 19-14) and is posted under Plans, Manuals, Ordinances link, and is posted as a layer on the public GIS.
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How do I change the zoning of my property?
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Property owners may rezone their property by making a request to the Planning Commission and City Council. Visit with Planning staff before submitting an application. Rezone Application Procedure
Rezoning Steps at a Glance
1. Pre-Application Meeting
2. Prepare Required Documents
3. Submit application online
4. Complete Notification Requirements
5. Attend Planning Commission Public Hearing
6. City Council Consideration
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Why is there a ‘Notice of Public Hearing’ sign in my neighborhood?
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‘Notice of Public Hearing’ signs are required as part of the public notice process for certain development-related activities. This helps inform potentially impacted neighbors of a pending request and provides information about the time and location of the meeting. Some common reasons for a public hearing are Conditional Use Permit requests, Rezone requests, and Variance requests. More details about a public hearing can be found on the sign or on the Community Development Department webpage.
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How do I find public meeting agendas?
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Public meeting agendas are made available on the board or commission webpage typically within 3-5 days of the upcoming meeting. Staff reports and other agenda items are also posted there. Archived agendas and minutes are kept in the Agenda Center on the City website. Contact Planning staff or the City Clerk for questions about current or archived records.
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Do I need a sign permit?
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All permanent building signage and freestanding signage requires a permit. Temporary signage is limited to a 32 square foot banner and requires a permit. Window signage is limited to under 40% of window area and does not require a permit. Details about the size, quantity, and location of signage may be found in Chapter 44 of the City Code. Sign permit applications may be found on the Community Development Department webpage. Visit with Planning staff for questions about permitting requirements.
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Can I put a shed in my backyard?
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Portable sheds that are no larger than 200 square feet, no taller than 10 feet, and not permanently affixed to the ground may be placed anywhere on a property and do not require a building permit. Other types of accessory buildings that are taller than 10 feet, larger than 200 square feet, permanently affixed to the ground, and/or connected to utilities, require a building permit. Building permits are issued by the Planning and Risk Reduction Divisions. Visit with Planning or Risk Reduction staff for questions about permitting requirements.
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Do fences require a permit?
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The City does not currently require fence permits, though a building permit is required if a fence is over 7 feet tall and/or has concrete footings. Retaining walls over 4 feet tall require a building permit. Visit with Community Development staff if fencing is proposed in a utility or drainage easement. Fences in a front yard should be limited to 4 feet to prevent blocking line of sight and to maintain aesthetics. Fencing cannot be located within a 3 foot radius of fire hydrants. Visit with Risk Reduction staff for questions about permitting requirements.
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Do I need a business license?
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Any business operating at a physical location in Rogers is required to have a business license. Business licenses are issued once the proposed use (i.e. retail, restaurant, office) is verified as permitted at that location. Also, the Risk Reduction Division must perform a building inspection to ensure the premises meet Building and Fire Safety codes. The Planning and Risk Reduction Divisions must issue a Certificate of Occupancy in addition to business license for a business to occupy the premises and conduct business. Visit with Planning staff to verify zoning and permitted uses. Visit with Risk Reduction staff to schedule building inspections.
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Can I operate a business from my home?
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Home-based businesses are allowed in most residential zoning districts and require a Home Occupation permit. The permit is intended to ensure minimal neighborhood disruption and limits things like customer traffic, deliveries, parking, and signage. Visit with Planning staff for questions about permitting requirements.
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How do I start the development process?
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Visit with Planning staff to determine whether the project is a Large-Scale Development, Small-Scale Development, Subdivision, or exempt from review. Housing not exceeding 4 units can be built with a residential building permit and requires only site and building plans. For Large-Scale Developments and Subdivisions, the developer should have a pre-submittal meeting with Community Development, Risk Reduction, and Rogers Water Utilities staff before submitting a project for review. Development submittal checklists can be found on the Community Development Department webpage.
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How do I subdivide my property?
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Visit with Planning staff to determine whether your proposal is a Lot Split, Lot Combination, Property Line Adjustment, or Subdivision, then submit your proposal for review by the Community Development Department and Rogers Water Utilities. Most proposals may be approved by staff. If a proposed split creates more than 7 new lots and/or requires street or utility improvements, the property must undergo the Subdivision process for approval. Contact Planning staff for questions about submittal requirements.
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Do I need a grading permit?
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Grading permits are intended to prohibit excessive clearing and excavation activity that creates flooding and soil erosion problems. A permit is required in the following situations:
- Clearing and excavation activity with a disturbed area over 1 acre
- Large-Scale Development or Subdivision
- 7 or more significant trees are proposed for removal
Significant trees are 8 inches or more in diameter and 4 ½ feet tall. Replacement trees may be required if removing 7 or more significant trees. Visit with Planning staff for questions about permitting requirements.