As a newcomer to Georgetown, it is apparent why this community consistently ranks among the fastest-growing U.S. cities—development is happening on multiple fronts across the city.


While reporting this month on new multifamily housing projects in Georgetown, a question arose regarding who oversees the process that developers must follow if a proposed project requires changes to a property’s zoning or land-use designation.


According to Georgetown Planning Director Sofia Nelson, the process generally plays out in three stages: First, a developer must ask the city to change a property’s zoning designation; second, the developer needs to submit a site plan for review by city planners; and third, the developer can begin building following approval.


The process is guided by City Council, meaning decisions on whether a project requiring zoning or land-use changes receives approval are made by Georgetown’s elected council members.







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