Welcome to the Apopka Community Development Department. The Community Development Department (CDD) is where  proposed development plans are submitted to the City for review and approval for all new subdivisions, commercial projects, and industrial developments. 

The  growth management and development for the City are guided by a document called the Comprehensive Plan.  It is prepared by the city and must be approved by the state.  The current plan provides growth management polices for the target year of 2020. The Comprehensive Plan is updated and evaluated every five years to ensure adopted policies meet changing development trends, needs, and goals of the City.  While this is a fluid plan, it establishes strong goals to shape Apopka’s future.

The Comprehensive Plan includes the following “elements”:  the Future Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Infrastructure, Conservation, Recreation & Open  Space, Capital Improvements, and Intergovernmental Coordination.  It is the foundation for “what” a property can be used for, such as agriculture, residential, office, commercial, industrial, institutional/Public use, parks/recreation, conservation, and mixed uses.

"How" a property can be used is then determined  through its Zoning.  The city’s Land Development Code  (LDC) provides specific development criteria. The review of development plans, zoning guidelines, sign criteria, variances, landscaping standards, and most other aspects related to the development of property are governed by the city’s LDC.  Additionally, the city’s Development Design Guidelines provide architectural and aesthetic standards.

The Community Development Department serves the City in five functional areas:

• Planning and Development
• Code Enforcement
• Engineering
• Redevelopment
• Annexation

The current Community Development Department staff includes the Community Development Director, two senior planning staff  members, three support planning and zoning staff members, the City Engineer, the Code Enforcement Officer, and three administrative professionals.  These dedicated people are prepared to serve the needs of Apopkans into the coming decades.   By the way, the CDD staff has a cumulative planning experience totaling over 45 years!  This includes three Master Degrees and active memberships in American and Florida Planning Associations.

Please read on to discover how each office helps to make Apopka a great place to live.

 
Thank you for visiting us!

CommunityDevelopment@apopka.net

If you have any comments or questions, please stop by the Community Development Department, located on the 2nd floor of the Apopka City Hall, 120 E. Main Street, or call at 407-703-1712.