October is Community Planning Month! In celebration with our Planning and Development Services Department, we’re recognizing the importance of comprehensive planning and community-focused initiatives that enhance the spaces where people work, live, and play.

This year’s theme is ‘Planning is Essential to Recovery,’ which focuses on how planning can lead communities to equitable, resilient and long-lasting recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Planning and Development Services Department is “business as usual” when it comes to planning for the Southlake community by providing residents and business access to the services we provide in a safe manner. Residents and businesses can access the EnerGov Customer Self Service portal to request building inspections or permits and to submit plans. Planning applications can also be submitted online. We’ve transitioned to virtual inspections for items such as water heaters, roofs and HVAC units.

For a short period of time, SPIN and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings were held virtually to ensure the safety of staff, elected officials, residents, and developers/contractors who wanted to attend. We are now holding all Planning & Zoning Commission meetings in person with heightened protocols, such as providing hand sanitizer, blocking off seating for social distancing purposes, and requiring masks during meetings, to continue our efforts in upholding a commitment to safety and health during this time. SPIN meetings will still be held virtually for the time being.