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About Planning & Development

 
 
Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for land use planning, zoning and land subdivision administration, on-site wastewater management, community development, and enterprise GIS planning and development.
 
Land Use
The Land Use division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of land use regulations. This includes the comprehensive plan, zoning, land use permits, and the subdivision of property. The county has land use authority outside of all municipal boundaries except in five townships that have land use authority.
 
On-Site Wastewater
The On-Site Wastewater division administers the on-site wastewater permitting and regulation of individual subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) and small community systems generating less than 10,000 gallons of wastewater per day. This includes oversight of Point of Sale Program intended to ensure that upon property transfer failing systems are upgraded to meet standards and administration of a septic loan and grant program.
 
Community Development
Community Development administers state and federal community development and housing programs primarily outside the city of Duluth. This division also administers St. Louis County Housing and Redevelopment programs and works with communities in addressing blighted tax forfeited properties. In addition, it administers the state funded Aquatic Invasive Species Program. 
 
Enterprise GIS
The Enterprise GIS division facilitates and coordinates the enterprise planning, development, utilization, and integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the entire county.