Planning & Development

John Zeanah, Director

Our Mission


The Division of Planning and Development (DPD) is a joint agency that serves both the City of Memphis and Shelby County government. Its mission includes the development of plans and programs that result in thriving and livable neighborhoods, predictable and transparent land use permitting processes and enhanced economic development opportunities. View an organizational chart of the Division's seven departments.

Responsibilities & Services


The agency deals with public policy issues that include residential, commercial, and industrial land use development standards; transportation and service delivery; and capital improvements. Work performed by DPD involves the collection and evaluation of data, research and analysis of options and alternatives, and the selection and implementation of projects and programs.

DPD also makes recommendations and suggestions to the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Board of Commissioners, citizen advisory groups, and other agencies on comprehensive land use policies and plans, zoning recommendations, special permits, hazard mitigation, and subdivision regulations. The division is also directly responsible for the administration of the Unified Development Code (the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations), special use permits, site plan approvals, and street mapping.

Additionally, the division staff provides assistance to other city and county departments to aid in developing service delivery strategies and needs assessments for future plans. These include transportation plans, solid waste plans, commuter services programs, and geographical information system management. Community development grants, housing programs, and water quality initiatives are also administered.

Departments