City of Ames, IA
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The City of Ames works with developers, designers, owners, and contractors to help many types of development to happen. It begins with the Development Review Committee (DRC), made up of City staff in eight departments. For subdividing land and development of sites for commercial, industrial, multi-family residential, and other uses, the DRC is a one-stop shop so that development customers do not need to contact and work with each staff member individually. DRC members seek to understand the customer’s objectives and also consider the development project with respect to their areas of expertise and the City codes, standards, and policies they are charged with implementing. DRC members coordinate with each other and with customers to develop in a way that is consistent with the City’s codes and plans.
Learn how a Kick-off meeting can help you |
For definitions of terms in the flow chart |
Once DRC has reviewed the items below, they are sent to a Board or Commission according to the type of development.
Minor Site Development Plan: | Approval by Staff (Director of Planning & Housing) |
Major Site Development Plan: | Recommendation by Planning & Zoning Commission, Approval by City Council |
Master Plan: | Recommendation by Planning & Zoning Commission, Approval by City Council |
Plat of Survey: | Approval by City Council |
Preliminary Plat: | Recommendation by Planning & Zoning Commission, Approval by City Council |
Final Plat: | Approval by City Council |
Special Use Permit: | Approval by Zoning Board of Adjustment |
Conditional Use Permit: | Approval by Zoning Board of Adjustment |
Development Applications can be found on the Planning Applications page
Business Development Toolkit (click here for more information)
View the Mission and Purpose Statements for the Development Review Committee here.