Planning Department

Apply for a Permit - 8

The Planning Department is responsible for the land use management and regulations pertaining to development and growth in the City of Burlington and its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction. Through daily management involving a range of activities, the Planning Department seeks to maximize the health, safety, and economic well-being of Burlington.

Planning Department Divisions

Code Enforcement

Community Development

Comprehensive Planning

Development Review

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Historic Preservation

Current Planning



Boards and Commissions

Board of Adjustment

Historic Preservation Commission

Housing Commission

Planning and Zoning Commission


Burlington's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

On July 16, 2019, Burlington's City Council adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO has been in  effect since November 1, 2019 and has undergone several updates since then. The UDO contains the City's regulations to plan-for, use, and build projects within Burlington.  These regulations also apply to the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of Burlington, which is land located outside of the corporate limits.

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What's Your Zoning? Need a Site Plan?

You can look up the zoning for your property and create a site plan for your property using our online interactive zoning map. Insert an address, Parcel Identification Number (PID), or GPIN in the proper field and you'll be able to find your property.

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Planning Department

 P.O. Box 1358 | Burlington, NC 27216 
 425 S. Lexington Ave. | Burlington, NC 27215 
 P: (336) 222-5110 | F: (336) 513-5410