Our Mission

The Planning and Zoning Department is committed to ensure safe, healthy, and sustainable growth in the City of Laredo. Our mission is to implement land use policies, zoning regulations, and building standards that support responsible development, protect community well-being, and uphold the public interest. 

Department Overview

The Planning and Zoning Department guides the City of Laredo's physical development through coordinated land use decisions, plan review, and enforcement of development standards. The department is organized into two primary service areas:

• Planning Division | Responsible for long-range planning, zoning administration, and subdivision (platting) review. This includes processing zoning change requests, Special Use Permits (SUPs), and Conditional Use Permits (CUPs); and reviewing plats to ensure compliance with subdivision regulations. The division also provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Historic/Landmark Board.
• Building Development Services Division | Oversees building permits, inspections, and code enforcement to ensure safe, accessible construction. The division reviews construction plans, issues permits, conducts field inspections, and issues Certificates of Occupancy once a building meets all applicable safety and code requirements. It also enforces building codes and accessibility standards under the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), promoting public health and safety.

 For more information, please visit the Building Development Services Division webpage. 

Commission & Boards

The Planning and Zoning Department provides staff support to a commission and two (2) boards that help guide the City’s development and historic preservation efforts. These bodies serve an important role in reviewing proposals, holding public hearings, and making recommendations to City Council on land use and zoning matters.

• Planning and Zoning Commission | reviews zoning changes, subdivision plats, and development proposals to ensure alignment with city plans and regulations. 
• Board of Adjustment | Considers variance requests and appeals to zoning dimensional standards. 
• Historic District/Land Board | Oversees the preservation of Laredo's historic structures and districts through the review of exterior modifications and demolition requests. 

For board structures and member information, please visit the Commission & Boards webpage. 

Laredo & Webb County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Laredo & Webb County MPO is responsible for regional transportation planning and project prioritization within the Laredo urbanized area. While it operates independently, the Planning and Zoning Department coordinates closely with the MPO on transportation-related initiatives to ensure consistency between land use and mobility goals.

To learn more, visit the Laredo & Webb County MPO webpage.