Waxhaw Happenings August 2019 | Page 5

DEV ELOPMENT SERV ICES & PL A N N I NG DE PA RT M E N T For years the Development Services Department has existed as the umbrella department for planning and other town divisions that include engineering, building inspections, downtown development, and code enforcement. As Waxhaw has grown so has Development Services with the addition of talented, experienced employees helping to plan for Waxhaw’s future. To manage the growth, the Planning Department has now been set up as a distinct and separate department under the experienced leadership of Director Jeffrey Wells. Mr. Wells explains, “The Planning Department is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing programs, policies, and plans to help guide the growth and development within the Town of Waxhaw. These comprehensive planning processes guide planning staff and the Board of Commissioners on implementation of the town’s growth and development through processes such as rezoning, subdivision regulation, and site plan review.” The services under the Planning Department also include zoning, sign permit review, change of use permits, and GIS mapping. Max Hsiang, the town’s GIS Planner, has spent time creating GIS maps as a resource for residents to quickly and easily find information. Residents and developers alike can use these interactive maps to find out if their property is within the Waxhaw Town limits, to view their zoning district, to view areas where development and road projects are happening, and more. GIS Maps: http://townofwaxhawncmaps-waxhaw.opendata.arcgis.com/ Development Services will continue to house the Engineering, Building Inspections, Downtown, and Code Enforcement Divisions under Director/Town Engineer Matt Hubert. To learn more about the Development Services Department and the Planning Department, please visit www.waxhaw.com.