Applying Online
Fredville takes development applications online through its permitting portal.
Online Portal Guides
- Setting up a login for the online permit portal (PDF guide)
- Video walkthrough of the portal for Planning Division applicants
- Viewing Development Review Committee comments in the portal (PDF guide)
Development Guide
Before building any structure that needs a building permit, a property owner must first receive approval from the City of Fredville. For a small project such as a room addition, that process is usually quick. For a large shopping center or industrial warehouse, it can involve many more steps. The city's Development Guide (PDF) walks through the full process.
Steps in the Development Process
The steps below are recommended for anyone pursuing a platting, zoning or exception case.
Step 1. Schedule a Pre-Application Meeting
At a pre-application meeting, applicants sit down with city staff to talk through a project before filing it. Staff help prepare the application for the Planning Division and point out major issues the project could run into after it is submitted.
The Planning Division does not accept an application until the applicant has completed a pre-application meeting.
Meetings take place on Thursdays between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m., and each one is booked for 30 minutes.
Demand is high and openings are often booked several weeks out, so plan ahead.
To request a meeting, contact the Planning Division.
Step 2. Review the Development Calendar
The development calendar lists the date and time of every public hearing, along with submittal deadlines, staff meeting dates and property owner notification (PON) dates for each development cycle.
Development Calendar (PDF)
Step 3. Submit Your Application
Every development application must be filed in the city's online permit portal by the deadline shown on the development calendar.
Help with the portal:
- Watch the 12-minute video on how to submit an application.
- If you need more help with the online application, Planning Division staff can assist at (555) 010-8724.
Submittal requirements for each type of application are listed on the Development Applications page.
Step 4. Development Review Committee
The Development Review Committee (DRC) brings together representatives of several agencies and utility providers, including the electric utility, the natural gas utility and telecommunications companies, along with city departments such as Planning, Building Inspections, Transportation, Engineering, Fire and Police.
Committee members go over new submittals with planning staff at Pre-DRC meetings, which usually take place about a week after each submittal deadline. Every department prepares written Pre-DRC comments on each case. Planning staff pass those comments along to the applicant and make sure the applicant understands what has to happen to move toward approval. Planners then write recommendations that go to the Planning & Zoning Commission at a public hearing.
Only staff attend DRC meetings.
On request, staff are glad to sit down with community representatives to talk through concerns about any development application. To arrange a meeting, phone (555) 010-8724 or email [email protected].
Ahead of the DRC meeting, applicants must upload revisions that respond to the Pre-DRC comments through the online portal. The revised plans are then reviewed by staff during the DRC meeting itself.
Step 5. Planning & Zoning Commission
The Planning & Zoning Commission advises the City Council and makes recommendations on rezonings, site plans, specific use permits, amendments to the zoning ordinance and exception requests. Under state law and at the direction of the City Council, the commission also has sole authority to approve or deny every plat submitted to the city.
The commission's nine members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Members may not do business with the city as a vendor or supplier. The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. twice each month.
Step 6. City Council
Fredville operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Council is the legislative body and the link between residents and their city government. By adopting ordinances, resolutions and orders, the council represents the interests of the community while making sure public services and resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Step 7. City and County Filing Requirements
These steps apply to plats only.
- Before a plat can be filed with the county, the applicant needs city approval along with the Planning Division's signatures.
- After county filing, and before final addresses and building permits are issued, the applicant must give the city one reproducible 24-by-36-inch black ink mylar bearing original signatures from the engineer or surveyor and from the county.
Fredville is a demonstration city built by Talk to Fred. Names, numbers and details on this page are sample content.