Planning and Zoning

Town of Loxahatchee Gorves Planning and Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Division is a vital component of the Community Standards Department, tasked with shaping the future of Loxahatchee Groves through comprehensive urban planning, land use management, and zoning regulation. Our division is dedicated to creating a balanced, sustainable, and vibrant community that aligns with the Town’s long-term vision.
We play a central role in the Town's development and redevelopment efforts, ensuring that all projects comply with Loxahatchee Groves’ Comprehensive Plan and Town Code. Our responsibilities extend beyond technical review and administration—we actively engage the community through public participation, ensuring that development reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, business owners, and visitors alike. By working closely with citizens, developers, and other town departments, we ensure that growth is managed responsibly, preserving the character and integrity of Loxahatchee Groves while promoting economic development and environmental sustainability.
 
Core Services
 
Comprehensive Plan & Unified Land Development Code Management
We oversee and update the Comprehensive Plan and Town Code, ensuring they reflect the Town’s long-term development goals. These essential documents guide land use, zoning, and urban design, helping to promote sustainable and responsible growth that benefits the community.
 
Public Participation & Outreach
We facilitate public engagement through neighborhood participation meetings, workshops, and formal public hearings. Our division ensures that residents, business owners, and other stakeholders have a voice in shaping development projects, fostering transparency and building community trust. Outreach is conducted through mailings, press releases, advertisements, and virtual platforms.
 
Development Review Committee (DRC) Administration
We coordinate the Development Review Committee, which involves a thorough technical review of proposed development projects. The DRC assesses projects for compliance with City regulations and provides feedback to developers, ensuring that new developments meet the City’s standards for safety, aesthetics, and community impact.
 
Technical Assistance to Boards & City Commission
Our division serves as a liaison to keyboards such as the Planning and Zoning Board, and Unified Land Development Committee, providing expert planning advice and support. We also prepare and present planning and development proposals to the Town Council, ensuring that they are informed by technical expertise and community input.
 
Project Reviews & Approvals
We conduct comprehensive reviews of both commercial and residential development projects. This includes assessing site development plans, plats, land use plan amendments, rezonings, conditional uses, variances, and business licenses. Our goal is to ensure that all projects are compatible with surrounding land uses and comply with the Town's policies and regulations.
 
Zoning Confirmation & Compliance
We provide Zoning Confirmation Letters upon request, which confirm the zoning status of a property and ensure that it complies with the Town's zoning regulations. This service is crucial for property owners, developers, and businesses needing formal documentation of a property's zoning compliance. 
The Department, in fulfilling its responsibility, is charged with developing and maintaining two of the Town’s regulatory documents: 
These documents are designed to ensure the protection and preservation of the quality of life of the residents of and visitors to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.
 
Committees & Boards
The Planning & Zoning Division works closely with several keyboards and committees that play a significant role in shaping the future of Loxahatchee Groves. These boards facilitate public participation and ensure that decisions align with the community’s long-term vision.
Planning staff also serves as liaison to the:
  • Unified Land Development Committee 
  • Planning and Zoning Board  (the Town’s local planning agency) - This Board reviews land use plans, rezonings, and development proposals, providing recommendations to the City Commission. The board ensures that projects align with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code, helping guide the City’s growth. (Planning & Zoning Committee)
  • Development Review Committee (DRC) - The DRC is an internal, multi-departmental committee responsible for the technical review of development projects. It ensures compliance with city regulations, provides feedback to developers, and helps streamline the review process for new developments. (Development Review Committee) 
Each of these boards plays an integral role in achieving the goals that are set forth by the Town Council.

Ask a Planner on Call
A consultation with a member of the Planning and Zoning Division is often the first step in the permitting or development petition processes. Planning review is required for most types of physical development to a property.
There are two ways to seek your development answers:
  1. Contact the Planner on Call. The Planner on Call can help you with general questions about zoning, setbacks and basic procedures. The Planner on Call can also refer you to additional departments or agencies for assistance.
  2. Obtaining a Zoning Confirmation Letter. This letter is a formal request for written information and verification from the town on zoning and land development regulations, data associated with real property, or the applicable process for development or redevelopment. For specific, please go to the Zoning Confirmation Letter site to the left.
*Florida Statute 166.0451 regarding the Disposition of Municipal Property for Affordable Housing*
The Town of Loxahatchee Groves has reviewed its real property inventory to comply with the Live Local Act and Florida Statute 166.0451 regarding the Disposition of Municipal Property for Affordable Housing. The Town has determined that none of the Town-owned properties are suitable for affordable housing development at this time.
 
Planning and Zoning Division Contact Information
Phone: 561 807-6670
Email: planneroncall@loxahatcheegrovesfl.gov