Welcome to the Town of Franklin's Planning Department.
Justin Setser is a native of Macon County. Upon graduation from Franklin High School Justin attended Haywood Community College, receiving an Associates Degree in GIS/GPS Technology in 2006. Justin was the former GIS Analyst for Macon County. Justin is a Franklin Fire Department Captain and served on the Town Planning Board and Board of Adjustment prior to his appointment as Town Planner. Justin is a North Carolina Certified Zoning Official (CZO). Justin is a 2018 graduate of the Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI) and has complete the County and Municipal Administration course at the UNC School of Government. Justin is proud to be an Eagle Scout.
What We Do
The Town of Franklin Planner / Land Use Administrator is responsible for the over site and enforcement of the Town of Franklin Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Flood Ordinance, and Wireless Telecommunication Ordinance.
The Town Planner also serves as the IT Director for the Town of Franklin.
For Sign permits, Minimum housing complaints, Nuisance complaints and Abandoned & Junk Vehicle complaints please top or click the link below to be redirected to the Code Enforcement Page.
- Link to Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
- UDO Text Amendments for 152.070, 152.162 and 152.163
- Full Code of Ordinances
Clay Macon Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
Clay County and Macon County, along with their local municipalities, are working together to become less vulnerable to natural disasters, and your participation in the process is important to us!
These counties, local jurisdictions, and other key partners are currently updating the previous Clay Macon Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan ahead of its 2026 expiration. This plan identifies and assesses the region's various hazard risks and identifies mitigation strategies designed to best minimize or manage those risks.
This survey is an opportunity for you to share your opinions and participate in the mitigation planning process. The information you provide will help both (1) inform local hazard planning and (2) develop targeted mitigation actions to lessen the impacts of future hazard events.
Tap or click the link below to start (a new window will open).
Adopted Whitmire Property Master Plan
The Whitmire Property Master Plan provides the framework for guiding Franklin’s efforts to develop this historic location into a great park for the residents and visitors of Franklin. The proximity to downtown Franklin, the Little Tennessee River Greenway, and Wesley’s Park will provide park users access to all that the Town has to offer. The master plan included a careful study of the site, the surrounding area, and its history.
- View / Download Whitmire Property Master Plan
- View / Download Whitmire Property Final Concept Drawing
The planning phase also included a robust public input process. Public input was an important factor in developing plan recommendations. Community input was solicited throughout the entire planning process as was information from local leaders and Town staff. Public meetings and a recreation survey were used to gather essential information that aided in the planning process. The contributions and materials received from community participants were essential for producing a master plan that will benefit the community for generations to come.
The master plan analyzed the information gathered for the conceptual development of the Whitmire Property. Final recommendations and conceptual designs, which were drawn from these collaborative efforts, will be discussed further in this document in detail. It is intended to develop the type of location that fosters community spirit and bonding between local citizens.
This map (click here for PDF) shows the jurisdiction the Town of Franklin has in Macon County. If you live or own property in the two colored areas on the map then direct your development and ordinance questions to the town offices. Just as a note, just because you have a Franklin address that doesn’t necessarily mean the property in question is located in the Town city limits or Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
Town of Franklin CIP Final
View the Final Town of Franklin Sidewalk Capital Improvement Plan & Condition Survey. Click here for a PDF Document. Please note this is a large file (12 mb). Depending on your connection speed, may take sometime to load.
Schedule of Fees for Zoning & Signs
- If work is commenced before obtaining the proper permits the permit fee doubles.
- Square Foot Area is gross area of building or sign, no exclusions.
- Applicants are responsible for all advertising and administrative costs.
| DESCRIPTION | FEE |
|---|---|
| Annexation - Satellite | $500.00 |
| Sign Permits | $40.00 + 25 cents per square foot |
| Single Family Detached + Additions | $50.00 |
| Accessory Building on SF Lot up to 12' x 12' | $20.00 |
| Multi-Family (per unit) | $25.00 |
| Apartment Buildings (per apartment) | $15.00 |
| Commercial C-1 Downtown | $75.00 |
| Commercial C-2 Other Area | $100.00 |
| Commercial C-3 Highway | $150.00 |
| Industrial | $200.00 |
| NMU, IND, & MICR per commercial unit | $75.00 |
| Zoning Compliance Letter | $25.00 |
| Preliminary | $100.00 |
| Final | $100.00 |
| Minor - Residential 2 Lots | $100.00 |
| Major - Residential 3 to 25 Lots | $250.00 |
| Major - Residential 26+ Lots | $250.00 + $15 per lot >25 |
| Commerical / Industrial | $300.00 |
| $75.00 |
| R-1 to R-2 | $50.00 |
| NMU, TND, MICR, PUD, & UV | $150.00 |
| C-1, C-2, C-3 or I-1 | $200.00 |
| Special Use Permit | $500.00 |
| Conditional Use Permit | $500.00 |
| Temporary Use Permit | $50.00 |
| Variance | $300.00 |
| $50.00 |
| 5 cents each |
| $10.00 |
| $500.00 |
| $50.00 |
| $5,000.00 |
| $1,000.00 |
Planning Board & Board of Adjustment Members
The Planning Board is an advisory board to the Town of Franklin, NC Franklin NC Town Council. The planning board reviews rezoning requests, text amendments and special use permits that require planning board comments.
The Board of Adjustment preforms quasi-judicial hearings for variance and appeal requests for Town of Franklin ordinances.
MEMBERSHIP: Seven total members; five (5) Town (T), and two (2) ETJ (E), plus one (1) alternate each.
Download Town of Franklin Planning Board / Board of Adjustment Rules of Procedure
MembersTown Planning Board/Board of Adjustment Vacancies
Town Planning Board/Board of Adjustment VacanciesPlanning Board Meetings
Planning Board MeetingsBoard of Adjustment Meetings
Board of Adjustment MeetingsPolicies
PoliciesForms, Permits & Applications
Forms, Permits & ApplicationsOther Downloads
Other Downloads- Application for Conditional Rezoning
- CZ Rezoning Process
- Application to Amend UDO Text
- Petition for Rezoning
- Petition for Annexation
- Annexation Notary Page
- Land Development Permit
- Flood Development Permit
- Minimum Housing Complaint Form
- Special Use Permit Application
- Street Light Request Form
- Wireless Telecommunication Application
- Variance Application
- Application for Appeal
- RV Temporary Use Permit Form
- Updated! 2025 Zoning Map
- Franklin Town Limits & ETJ
- Clay Macon Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Feasibility Study of former Angel Medical Center building
- Comprehensive Land Use Plan
- Principles of Growth
- Franklin Parking Study
- Downtown Master Plan
- BikeWalk Franklin
- Adopted Whitmire Property Master Plan
- Whitmire Property Final Concept Drawing
- Franklin Sidewalk Capital Improvement Plan