Welcome!  The Department of Planning and Community Development provides guidance and regulation for development in the City by long and short range planning analyses. City wide zoning and subdivision administration, soil erosion and sedimentation control administration, Chesapeake Bay Act administration and economic development functions are performed by this department.

The Director of Planning and Community Development, George W. Schanzenbacher, was appointed in December 2003.  He is responsible for managing Community Planning and Building Inspections activities in the City and, in coordination with the City Manager, serves to function as a director for economic development activities.  George is a full member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, (AICP).  He serves as staff support for the City's Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Architectural Review Board, and as the City's liaison for technical planning and transportation issues with Crater District Planning Commission, the Appomattox Basin Industrial Development Corporation and state and federal agencies.

George has held responsible planning and economic development positions in Michigan, New York and Virginia with over 30 years experience working for large, medium and small cities, towns and counties and not-for-profit economic development organizations. Types of work included urban planning, economic development and general management, having held positions as Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Commissioner, Director, Deputy Director and Principal Planner.  His previous position was with Chesterfield County, working on a major commercial corridor, local planning assistance and economic revitalization efforts.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in Urban Planning and Master of Arts degree in Geography from Western Michigan University.

Since being with the City George has:

• Led efforts on implementing Boulevard revitalization-with over 70 projects approved in 6 phases; $1.5 mil in private investment, and $340K in city matching funds. Created Boulevard Revitalization Steering Committee, composed of Boulevard business owners that have assisted in revitalization efforts.

• Launched Neighborhood Planning efforts, created neighborhood districts, which has led to the Community Development Block Grant  program for emergency home repairs and implementing the rental inspection program in four districts.,

• Has led the rewrite of the City’s sign and off-street parking regulations, with the help of a citizen committee

• Coordinated the preparation of a new zoning ordinance which is now being finalized by City Council

• Acted as staff to CHARTS - which has implemented first phase of the trail in 2009, phase 2 to be bid out in 2010 and phase 3 in 2011.

• Written and administered numerous grants for the Appomattox River Greenway Trail and related projects, Boulevard streetscape revitalization, Safe Routes to Schools, Economic revitalization and Chesapeake Bay management.

George lives in Colonial Heights, with his wife Karen.  They have two grown daughters and three grandchildren that live in the greater Richmond area.

The Department of Planning and Community Development maintains demographics and census information, traffic counts, site development standards and plan of development forms. The Director of Planning assists in coordination for Planning Commission and City department review of proposed site plans for new development or redevelopment of existing sites. The department also assists existing businesses and industries located in Colonial Heights with any business related issues.  The Office of Building Inspections is a division of the Department of Planning and Community Development.