The Preliminary Development Process has been developed to help local landowners, architects, engineers, developers and other interested parties understand all phases of the development review process in the corporate limits and extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Creedmoor. With the numerous codes, policies, and procedures involved in securing development approval, this guide is designed to make the development process more understandable while providing staff adequate opportunity to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

The numbered sections below correspond to each section of the Process Flow Chart above; follow each link for additional information. 

Successful Outcome

Your Business Idea
Your thought, inspiration, plan or suggestion regarding the use of land, starting a business, construction or renovation of a structure or building or any other type of development proposal that includes real property.

Consult Available Online Resources  
Google, Granville County GIS online mapping, Granville County Register of Deeds, City of Creedmoor website, City Plan 2035, Code of Ordinances, Creedmoor Development Ordinance, Technical Standards and Specification Manual.

Contact Planning Department  
Call or email questions about the relevant policies or ordinances or your specific set of circumstances. Make an appointment and schedule to meet with the correct professional (i.e. planner, stormwater administrator, building inspector, etc.). 

Pre-Application Meeting
All relevant parties agree to a date and time to get together and discuss development options. Interested parties may include: property owner(s), developer(s), applicant(s), professional engineer, buyer’s and/or seller’s real estate agents, attorney, planner, stormwater administrator, SGWASA/public utilities representative. This meeting could take place in the Planning Department or on site.

Creedmoor Development Processes
The four major processes summarized below each include a pre-application process that must be followed prior to actual submission of an application. These will be covered in detail during your Pre-Application Meeting. The Building Permit Process has its own review & inspection requirements but, with the exception of most single-family residential remodeling projects or expansions, is always preceded by a Zoning Compliance Permit. 

Creedmoor Development Ordinance Amendment
Depending upon the details of the situation and the potential consistency with the City’s Land Use Plan, the applicant may choose to propose an amendment to either the City of Creedmoor’s zoning map or development ordinance text.

Subdivision
Depending upon the details of the property or properties in question, it may be in the best interest of the property owner or developer to subdivide or recombine parcels utilizing the exempt, minor, or major subdivision process.

Zoning Compliance Permit
In all cases an applicant completes a City of Creedmoor form stating all of the relevant details of the proposed use and location. The decision making authority lies with the Community Development Director or their designee. Decisions made by the Community Development Director may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.

Building Permit
Depending upon the details of the situation, the current existing conditions of any structure or building on site, and/or the proposed change in use, a building permit issued by the City of Creedmoor Inspections Department may be necessary to complete the project. Building Permits follow their own review process and all work must comply with the North Carolina State Building Code, as interpreted.

Successful Outcome
Applicant’s decision point on how to move forward, based upon known regulatory and ordinance facts, existing environmental conditions, and economic realities which could be foreseen and have predictable outcomes.

Next steps could include:

• Drafting a Site Plan;
• Designing a Subdivision;
• Submitting a Permit Application;
• Submitting a Building Permit Application, or;
• The decision to take no action at this point in time.