About Planning & Development

Mission & Overview

Department Mission

The mission of Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is to work with the residents of Providence to create the vision for the future of the city by developing and implementing plans and programs that will make all of Providence’s neighborhoods great places to live, work and play.

Overview

The DPD fulfills many roles within the city, but its fundamental responsibility is to plan the city’s future and develop the rules, regulations, and funding sources to carry out those plans.

Additionally, the city charter and ordinances, as well as state law and federal regulations direct the department to:

Advise the Mayor on any matter affecting physical development;
Assist the City Plan Commission in the development of all city plans;
Review and make recommendations regarding proposed action by the city council, the Providence Redevelopment Agency and other city agencies regarding implementation of city plans;
Develop and periodically review the five-year Capital Improvement Program and annual capital budget;
Provide staff services to the city plan commission;
Prepare rules and regulations to govern subdivision of land;
Develop and maintain the Zoning Ordinance;
Oversee all matters which lead to improvement in:

The type, distribution, intensity and treatment of land and building use;
Traffic circulation;
The organization and effectiveness of economic activities and social systems;

Manage and monitor entitlement programs in accordance with regulations.

To achieve these responsibilities, the Department has established the following objectives:

Create a progressive and responsive process that will provide expert planning and implementation skills to advance the vision of the City’s future and to provide thoughtful and creative strategies for the revitalization of its neighborhoods.
Provide expert advice and guidance to boards and citizen groups who seek to develop and improve housing, commercial or industrial development through new construction, historic restoration and neighborhood improvement.
Streamline the permitting processes to ensure timely review and response to applications.
Promote neighborhood revitalization, job development and business expansion by getting federal funding for developments that will positively impact the city’s neighborhoods.
Use the tools of planning to insure that Providence is a thriving urban center in which a diverse population can earn a living, have a home and enjoy a rich cultural life.