Planning Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Comprehensive Plan?
- The Comprehensive Plan is a document that guides the future development and activities of the city. It is required by Florida Statutes and is adopted by the City Commission and has a 10-20 year planning horizon.
- What are the Land Development Regulations or Land Development Code?
- These are the application tools of the Comprehensive Plan. They are rules and guidelines established by the city to manage the way land is developed. This document covers zoning, building, subdivision, non-conformities, landscaping and buffers, setbacks and height regulations to name a few.
- What is the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB)?
- The Planning and Zoning Board is a citizen board comprised of architects, engineers, landscape architects and other professionals related to the areas of expertise for development. This is a six-member appointed advisory board that makes recommendations to the City Commission regarding the comprehensive plan, action affecting development, development proposals, proposed developments, historic preservation, preliminary plats, capital improvements, and other items.
- Why should I annex into the City?
- Increased voting rights: Vote in both city and county elections
- Emergency services provided by Newberry Fire Rescue
- Maintenance of traffic signs, street markings and street maintenance in neighborhoods
- Maintenance of retention ponds, decreasing flooding potential, and stormwater pipe network
- What is the process for annexation?
- Submit a Petition to Annex application here: City of Newberry, FL Public Portal
- Annexation happens twice a year in January and July. If you are interested in annexing your land, please contact our office and speak with a Planner for more information.
- What are the eligibility requirements for a property to be annexed?
- The property must be contiguous and touch the boundary of the City, and must not create an enclave.
- Can I put another house, trailer, granny cottage (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on my property?
- How do I arrange a meeting with a planner?
- Can I have a business in my home?
- I want to construct a new home and live on my property in a mobile home during the construction of the permanent residence, is this allowed?
- Yes, as long as there is an active building permit for a home and an affidavit is signed certifying that the mobile home will be removed, or the recreational vehicle will no longer be used as living quarters upon certificate of occupancy.
- Is my property in the County or in the City?
- You can search for this information by inputting your address into the map linked HERE. The information is in the left toolbar.
- How do I find my Zoning District for my property and what is the meaning of the zones?
- You can find your Zoning District by visiting this LINK. The meaning of the zones are listed in the land development regulations which are linked HERE.
- Where can I locate the zoning regulations for City of Newberry?
- What type of permit do I need for a special event?
- Here is the link to our online SmartGov portal to apply for a Special Event Permit. Please give up to six weeks prior to the event to complete the application as many departments need to review the application.
- What do I need to do to start a business in the City of Newberry?
- We welcome you! The first thing you need to do is contact a Planner in the Community Development Department at communitydevelopment@newberryfl.gov. They can check your zoning to make sure it is allowable and get in touch with all the various departments that need to be included to assist you in opening your business here in Newberry.
- You also must obtain a local Business Tax Receipt by paying your local business tax. Here.
- How many chickens are allowed on my residential property?
- If you live in an area zoned single-family residential the following rules apply to urban chickens.
- Roosters are not permitted;
- Structures housing chickens, ducks, pigeons and pheasants must be located at least ten feet away from any residential structure on an adjacent lot;
- The keeping of said birds shall not exceed a total of four birds.
- Please refer to the Code of Ordinances Here.
- What are the regulations around having a food truck in the City of Newberry?
- What is the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)?
- The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a public entity created by the City of Newberry in 2021 to implement the community redevelopment activities outlined under Chapter 163 and Chapter 189, Florida Statutes. The CRA Board is composed of the elected city commissioners. Each year, the board elects a Chair and a Vice-Chair.
- More information about the CRA may be found here: Community Redevelopment Agency (Newberry CRA) | Newberry Florida
- What are the tree permit requirements?
- If the tree is 12 inches or more in diameter at a point 4.5 feet above ground level, it may not be removed or relocated without a removal permit, except if they are in an excluded area or otherwise exempt under Florida law. For more information please refer Article III- Tree City Ordinance and Fs. 163.045.
- What are my setbacks?
- Click HERE to open a chart where you can find your setbacks on this based on your zoning designation. If you don't know your zoning designation click HERE.
