Planning & Development Department
The Planning and Development Department guides the safe and responsible development and redevelopment of property with the goal of efficiently using the community’s resources and preserving its character and quality of life. The department’s primary functions are land use planning, code enforcement and grant administration.
We are located on the 1st Floor, City Hall, 200 West Dixie Avenue.
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m. - 5:oo p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Land Use Planning
Aaron Hawkins
Planner
aaron.hawkins@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-3271
Madeline Drake
Planner
madeline.drake@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-5220
Land use planning includes zoning, subdivision of property, development plan review and commercial design review. The Planning staff administers the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The staff provides support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Commission, each of which consists of citizen members appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
List of the 2025 Public Meeting Dates
Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
- Zoning Ordinance
- Below is a list of amendments that are in effect, but may not be updated in our Code of Ordinances.
- Recent Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
- Subdivision Regulations
- Elizabethtown Code of Ordinances
- Official Zoning Map
Upcoming Meeting Agendas
All information contained in this section is tentative and subject to change
- August 12, 2025 Planning Commission
- August 19, 2025 Code Enforcement Board
- August 26, 2025 Planning Commission
- September 23, 2025 Planning Commission
- October 7, 2025 Board of Zoning Adjustment (No Meeting)
- October 14, 2025 Planning Commission
- October 28, 2025 Planning Commission
- November 4, 2025 Board of Zoning Adjustment
- November 6, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission
- November 12, 2025 Planning Commission
- November 25, 2025 Planning Commission
- December 2, 2025 Board of Zoning Adjustment
- December 9, 2025 Planning Commission
- December 11, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission
Boards and Commissions
The Planning & Development Department serves as staff for several Boards and Commissions, including the following:
Planning Commission
Board of Zoning Adjustment
Historic Preservation Commission
Code Enforcement Board
Planning Applications
Long Range Planning
The Department oversees long range planning efforts to guide the future growth of Elizabethtown. Below is a list of long range plans adopted by the City, or in the process of being developed.
Permits and Inspections
Click here for Permit Applications
Jeff Camp
Building Official
jeff.camp@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-3280
Hadley Ford
Permit Clerk
hadley.ford@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-3266
Cristy Keegan
Permit Clerk
cristy.keegan@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-4225
Tom Williams
Code Enforcement Officer
tom.williams@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-3281
Neil Howey
Residential Building Inspector
neil.howey@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-3267
Randy Ray
Commercial Building Inspector
randy.ray@elizabethtownky.gov
270-268-0480-cell
Todd Vaughn
Electrical Inspector
todd.vaughn@elizabethtownky.gov
270-982-6135
The City of Elizabethtown has been granted expanded jurisdiction by the State for building code enforcement. The City performs plan review and inspection of most types of construction and renovation, enforcing the codes adopted by the State. The City also issues permits and performs inspections of electrical work. In addition, the City enforces property maintenance standards that address the condition of existing structures, trash and debris, grass and other vegetation and inoperable vehicles. The Code Enforcement staff support the Code Enforcement Board and the Code Appeals Board, both of which consist of five members appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
The Code Enforcement Board hears appeals of citations for code violations and has the ability to impose fines. The Code Appeals Board hears appeals of any decisions made by a City official in the enforcement of City codes, primarily interpretations of the building code.
In accordance with KRS § 65.8836 and Elizabethtown Ordinance § 24-2016, the City of Elizabethtown is providing information to lienholders who may have an interest in these properties. If you are a lienholder and you would like to take action with regard to a final order associated with a property, please submit the form to us at the bottom of this page.
Plumbing inspectors are housed at the Hardin County Health Department and can be reached at 270-769-3071. HVAC inspections are performed by the State. Information can be obtained by calling 502-382-0551.
Grants Administration
-
CDBG
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is federally funded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to fund a variety of housing and community/economic development projects that benefit previously disadvantaged areas of our community.
-
Safe Streets and Roads 4 All
The SS4A program through the US Department of Transportation funds local initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
-
EPA Brownfields
The Brownfields Assessment grant is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Brownfield and community revitalization efforts.
-
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant
The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy | State & Community Energy Programs. These grant funds will be used for reducing overall energy use and improving the energy efficiency of multiple City facilities.
FAQ
For a fence, no. For a shed over 200 square feet, you will need a permit. The Planning & Development Department issues permits. They are located on the first floor of City Hall.
All banners require a permit and are limited to 30 days and 50 square feet. There is no minimal required to apply. The Planning & Development Department issues banner permits. They are located on the first floor of City Hall.
Yes. A sign permit is issued for the erection of business signs to assure that they are in compliance with the height, area and location requirements for signs as established in the Zoning Ordinance. The City also inspects any electrical work associated with the sign for safety.
You are free to file a complaint with the department for an inspector to investigate. If the inspector determines a violation of a City ordinance, he will issue a notice which informs the owner of the violation and deadline to have it corrected. If the violation is not corrected, then a citation can be issued by the inspector.
Building setback requirements are established for the protection of all property owners. However, it is recognized that in certain cases these restrictions may not be appropriate. In these instances, the Board of Zoning Adjustment holds a public hearing to determine if it is appropriate to allow a homeowner to vary from the standards in the Zoning Ordinance.
Yes, the procedure for revising any lot within the City limits is to file a subdivision plat. The review by the various City departments is coordinated by department staff and is considered a minor review procedure. The plat is required to be prepared by a licensed surveyor.
The Comprehensive Plan is a planning document prepared by the Planning Commission as a guide for community policies relating to the growth and development of the community. It addresses the areas of transportation, utilities and future land use. Under standards established in state law, the plan is reviewed every five years.
View the Official Zoning Map.
