Applications and Information
Common Requests
Fees
Contact Planning and Zoning for the most recent list of fees.
Land Use Regulations
Contact Planning and Zoning for copies of the regulations.
Procedures
Applications
We will accept sketch plan applications and supporting documentation by email. After we have confirmed receipt of your application and provided a file number, you may call to pay with a credit card (fees for credit cards are $1.55 for any transaction $60 and under, and 2.50% for all transactions over $60).
Plats
We will accept draft plats and supporting documentation for review by email as well. Once they have been approved, the final (signed) plats can be submitted to our office in person, or by mail.
Electronic Payments
Paying for Electronic Submittal by Credit Card: If we do not receive payment within five business days of assigning the file number, the application will be rejected and sent back to the applicant.
GIS Data
Contact the Planning and Zoning Department with the details of your request. We will forward the request to the County Commission. If approved, a cooperative agreement will be sent that will need to be signed. Once the agreement is signed and returned, a Commission Order will be executed allowing us to send the data. Once the Commission Order is approved, payment will need to be paid to the Planning and Zoning Department and then the data will be sent.
Note from the Assessor
Due to staffing and technical issues, changes in recorded legal descriptions after January 1, 2025 will be reflected in the 2026 assessment. This will include splits, combinations, new parcels, new subdivisions, etc.
About Us
The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department's mission is to provide professional service to support the present and future citizenry of Franklin County. Services are to be provided in a responsible, cooperative manner while working with others in achieving protection of our public, private, and natural resources. We are responsible for regulating a variety of planning activities in unincorporated areas, including land divisions, lot-line adjustments, zoning districts, address assignments, road naming, and floodplain administration. Related to these activities, we handle the process of surveys and subdivision plats, rezoning requests, conditional use permits, zoning enforcement, requests for variance from zoning regulations, and flood plain development permit requests.
Contact Planning and Zoning
Planning Director
Zoning Enforcement Officer
GIS Map Technician
E911 Addressing Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
400 E. Locust St.
Room 006
Union, MO 63084
Phone (636) 583-6369
The public may request that amendments be made to the Franklin County Unified Land Use Regulations. These requests are reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission for a recommendation and then reviewed by the County Commission for a decision.
You will need to request a copy of the General Application Form.
Decisions made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Planning Director, and the Zoning Enforcement Officer can be appealed to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA).
You will need to request the following two forms.
The Appeal Application Form is needed to start the process.
The Applicant Information Form must be completed and submitted with the Appeal Application Form.
You will need to request the following two forms.
The General Application Form is needed to start the process.
The Applicant Information Form must be completed and submitted with the Appeal Application Form.
Conditional Use Permit Process
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a permit issued by the Franklin County Planning & Zoning Commission that authorizes the recipient to make use of property in accordance with the requirements of the regulations, as well as any additional requirements imposed by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The applicant must first fill out the General Application Form. This form is available in the Planning & Zoning Office (open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
Once the applicant has filled out the General Application Form, they must submit it to the Planning & Zoning Office along with the General Warranty deed, a sketch plan of the property, the Applicant Information Form, and a fee of $650.00 at least thirty (30) days prior to the next regularly scheduled Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (held the third Tuesday of every month). Along with the application, the Planning & Zoning Office would like to receive as much information about the proposed activity as possible. The more information that is provided, the smoother the hearing will be. Please note that, as each situation is unique, the Planning & Zoning Department and/or the Planning & Zoning Commission may require more information to be submitted.
When the application is received, it will be reviewed by Planning & Zoning Staff and added to the agenda for next available Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. After it has been reviewed by Planning & Zoning Staff, public notices will be sent to the property owners within six hundred (600) feet of the property, notifying them of the public hearing. In addition, a notice will be placed in the newspaper.
At the Public Hearing, the Planning & Zoning Commission will hear the testimony of the applicant as well as anyone else in favor of the application. Next, they will ask for testimony of those opposed to the application.
The application may be moved to “Unfinished Business” and voted on the same night. If the application is not moved to Unfinished Business that night, it will be Unfinished Business at the following month’s Planning & Zoning Meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission will vote on whether or not to approve the CUP and which conditions, if any, will be imposed.
Temporary Seasonal Fireworks stands are permitted in certain districts in Franklin County (see Article 7 of the Land Use Regulation). Please see Article 17 of the Land Use Regulation for a list of all items that are required to be submitted with the application form. Because the application fee is based on the date that a COMPLETE application is submitted to our office (missing none of the required items), we recommend submitting the application at the beginning of May to allow ample time for processing and review. Contact Planning and Zoning for copies of the required forms and copies of the Land Use Regulations.
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Fireworks Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Fireworks Application Instructions - Instructions on how to apply for a permit to sell Fireworks.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Fireworks Application Form.
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Driveway Access Statement - This form is required if using an existing already-approved commercial entrance.
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Development in the floodplain may require review by the Franklin County Floodplain Administrator and the outside contracted engineer. Review times on Floodplain applications may take longer review times. All of the forms required are located on the state website here.
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SEMA Floodplain Development Permit Application - This is the application required to begin the process. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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FEMA Elevation Certificate - If the SEMA Floodplain Development Permit Application is being completed in conjunction with the construction or placement of a structure, an Elevation Certificate will also be required and must be completed by an engineer.
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FEMA Confirmed LOMAs/LOMRs - June 6, 2020
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Information regarding qualifications for a Medical Hardship Agreement can be found in Article 10, Section 231 of the Land Use Regulations. Contact Planning and Zoning to get a copy of the Land Use Regulations. The forms below are required. Contact Planning and Zoning for copies of these forms.
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Temporary Medical Hardship Application - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the five pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Temporary Medical Hardship Application.
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Medical Marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, dispensaries, and testing facilities are permitted in certain districts in Franklin County (see Article 7 of the Land Use Regulations). For a copy of the regulation contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
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A Zoning Permit/Verification is for anyone wishing to receive verification of the zoning district of a specific property, as well as anyone wishing to receive verification that a specific use is permitted.
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Zoning Verification (Medical Marijuana) - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the two pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for a copy of this form.
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General Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the four pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business. Please contact the Planning and Zoning department for a copy of this form.
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Justification for Rezoning - This form must be completed and submitted with the General Application Form. Please contact the Planning and Zoning department for a copy of this form.
Rezoning Request Process - A brief article explaining the Rezoning Request application and review process.
Rezoning Request Process If a property owner wants to change the current zoning of their property, they must submit a Rezoning Request.
A zoning change requires two separate public hearings – one before the Planning & Zoning Commission and one before the County Commission. The Planning & Zoning Commission will vote to either recommend approval or denial of the application. The County Commission will then make the final decision.
The applicant must first fill out a General Application Form. This form is available at the Planning & Zoning Office (open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
Once the applicant has filled out the General Application Form, they must submit it to the Planning & Zoning Office along with the Justification for Rezoning application supplement, the Applicant Information Form, a copy of the general warranty deed of all affected properties, a sketch plan of the properties, a legal description of the properties (if different than the legal description found in the general warranty deed), and the fee of $750.00 at least thirty (30) days prior to the next regularly scheduled Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (held the third Tuesday of every month). Please note that, as each situation is unique, the Planning & Zoning Department and/or the Planning & Zoning Commission may require more information to be submitted.
When the application is received, it will be reviewed by Planning & Zoning Staff and added to the agenda for the next available Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. Public notices will be sent to the property owners within six hundred (600) feet of the property. In addition, a notice will be placed in the newspaper.
At the Public Hearing, the Planning & Zoning Commission will hear the testimony of the applicant, as well as anyone else in favor of the application. Next, they will ask for testimony of those opposed to the application. The application may be moved to “Unfinished Business” and voted on the same night. If the application is not moved to Unfinished Business that night, it will be Unfinished Business at the following month’s Planning & Zoning Meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission will vote to make a recommendation to the County Commissioners in favor of the rezoning or against the rezoning. The upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission meeting agendas are posted on our website at franklinmo.gov.
The final decision for a rezoning must be made by the County Commission, no matter what the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends. There will be a public hearing before the three County Commissioners. Notices will again be sent to those within a 600-foot radius of the property and a notice will be placed in the newspaper. It is not typical for the County Commissioners to make a decision the day of the public hearing. Their decision will generally take place at one of their regular Tuesday morning meetings. The upcoming County Commission agendas are posted on our website at franklinmo.gov.
The result of the final decision will be mailed to the applicant.
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Information regarding qualifications for a Second Dwelling Agreement can be found in Article 10, Section 231 of the Land Use Regulations. Copies of the Land Use Regulations are available on request from the Planning and Zoning Department.
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Second Dwelling Agreement Application - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the four pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Second Dwelling Agreement Application.
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Special Occasions are permitted in certain districts in Franklin County (see Article 7 of the Land Use Regulations) and require a Special Occasion Permit (SOP), which is reviewed by the Planning Director. Copies of the Land Use Regulations and the necessary forms are available from the Planning and Zoning Department.
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Special Occasion Permit Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process for all special occasions. In addition to submitting the General Warranty Deed for any property involved, please see Article 10, Section 237 (E) of the Land Use Regulations, for a list of information that should be submitted. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Special Occasion Permit Application Form.
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To create a subdivision or divide existing parcels, contact the Planning and Zoning Department to get the required forms and permits.
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Subdivision Application Form - This form must be completed for land divisions or adjustments.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Subdivision Application Form.
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Road Sign Request - All road names must be approved by the Franklin County Addressing Authority.
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Escrow Form (with instructions) - This form is only completed when Escrow is required or requested.
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Escrow Release - This form is used to request a release of the Escrow.
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Subdivision plats may only be vacated with the approval of the County Commission. Information regarding qualifications and the vacation process can be found in Article 8 of the Land Use Regulations. To get a copy of the Land Use Regulations or the required forms, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
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Plat Vacation Form - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the four pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Plat Vacation Form.
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Allowed in all districts, for a period not to exceed one (1) year, in conjunction with a valid building permit. For copies of the required forms of the Land Use Regulations, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
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Temporary Mobile Storage Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the four pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business. For more information see Article 10, Section 231 of the Land Use Regulations.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Temporary Mobile Storage Application.
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Requests for variances from requirements in the Franklin County Unified Land Use Regulations are reviewed by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA). For copies of the forms, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
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Variance Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the four pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. If applying as a business rather than an individual, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the Variance Application Form.
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Please note: New towers and Tower Zoning Permits are prohibited from being submitted electronically due to sets of plans being required.
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General Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process for all tower permits. Please see Article 19 of the Land Use Regulations for a list of information that should be submitted with each type of permit, in addition to the items listed on the form. Except in the case of a Zoning Permit, we will require documentation showing the signer’s authority to sign on behalf of the business.
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Applicant Information Form - This addendum must be completed and submitted with the General Application Form, except when applying for a Zoning Permit.
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Tower Application Supplement - This form must be completed and submitted with the General Application Form, only when applying for a Zoning Permit.
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Anyone who witnesses a violation of the Unified Land Use Regulations and wishes to report such activity can do so by contacting the Planning and Zoning Department.
Contact Us for the Witness Report Form
A Zoning Permit/Verification is for anyone wishing to receive verification of the zoning district of a specific property, as well as anyone wishing to receive verification that a specific use is permitted.
If the verification is for a Medical Marijuana facility, please see Medical Marijuana (above).
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General Application Form - This is the application required to begin the process. Please note the four pieces of information listed at the top of the form that are required upon submittal. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department for a copy of this form.
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GIS integrates hardware, software, and data and is used to capture, store, analyze and display information or data identified by location. Data and Maps are stored as layers of information which makes it possible to perform complex analyses. Franklin County uses this software to maintain property information. GIS can relate unrelated information by using location and is a major tool used in dispatching and emergency services.
You can now access our GIS Maps online with this link.
To reach one of our GIS Map Technicians, please call the Planning & Zoning Department at (636) 583-6369.