Planning

The Planning Division of the Development Services Department is responsible for the long- and short-range thinking that shapes the physical form of the city.  The City’s Comprehensive Plan 2050 was adopted in 2020. A Comprehensive Plan is a tool for providing a long-range (10 to 20 years) vision of future development.  The City’s Zoning Ordinance, adopted in 2015, is a regulatory framework that guides private sector investment to desired locations and, through the use of design provisions, ensures that new development adds to the unique history, climate, and economy of the City of Decatur.

 The Planning Division takes pride in providing supportive information and timely reviews to assist property owners and applicants through the City's planning and permitting processes as we plan for and ensure that the City’s natural and built environments adhere to the community's vision as expressed in our Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision, and Zoning Ordinances.

Development Services offers a free service to residents and developers called Design Studio, which is a pre-application meeting. The purpose of conducting a pre-application meeting is to assist the applicant in the best possible way in deciding if the proposed development meets guidelines in accordance with the Zoning, Building, and Subdivision Codes prior to submitting any development application. To request a Design Studio appointment, please contact the Development Services Coordinator at kcarter@decaturtx.org or (940)393-0250.