Planning and Development Services

The Kinston Planning Department is responsible for long range planning, current development, grant management, civic engagement, and disaster resiliency. Our mission is to facilitate development, engage citizens in the planning process, and implement policies and programs representative of community needs and desires.

We strive toward a built environment that promotes healthy living, economic opportunity, and instills pride in our community.

Needing Zoning Approval?  Please click here for directions or call 939-3271.

Plan Kinston cover page

Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Program

Program Overview

We are pleased to announce that the City of Kinston has been awarded funding from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for the 2027 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Project (ESFRLP27). ESFRLP27 provides home repair assistance through a 0% interest, deferred-forgivable loan. The loan is forgiven in equal portions each year for up to five years, as long as the homeowner continues to live in the home.

Qualifications

To qualify for this program you must:

  • Live in Lenoir County
  • Own and live in your single-family home
  • Have a home that needs at least $5,000 in repairs (up to $70,000)
  • Have a home that is not in the 100-year floodplain (staff will check this)
  • Have a household income at or below 80% of the county’s median income
  • The household fits one of the following criteria:
    • The head of household is elderly (62 years old or older)
    • The household includes a veteran
    • The head of household is disabled
    • A child under age 6 lives in the home and there is lead-based paint

You can read the full eligibility rules and the ranking process in our Assistance Policy (link HERE).

Applications

Applications for this program are no longer being accepted as the deadline was January 16, 2026. 

Questions? 

Further questions regarding the program and its qualifications can be directed to the program administrator, Jordan Kearney, Community Development Planner, at 252-939-4021. 

Kinston 101

Kinston 101 is a program that shares information with citizens about city operations while increasing their capacity to participate in local government. Participants tour the police station, visit city parks, create a mock city budget, see the wastewater treatment plant, and more. Kinston 101 is for any resident (inside or outside the city limits) or individuals invested in Kinston that is interested in how the city works and how public decisions are made! Stay tuned for our next class cycle.  Visit our page at Kinston 101 to learn more or call 252-939-3271.


Community Improvements

Brownfields Assessment Grant

This grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers an initial assessment of properties for potential environmental issues; this grant can help property owners understand their environmental clean-up needs in order to develop their property, and paves the way for future grant funding that may help clean up such properties.  This grant is closing January 2024.  Click below for the final report and presentation.  

                                  Closing Report                     Final presentation by Mid-Atlantic, Consultant

Long Range Planning

Long range planning is a collaboration between staff, elected officials, and residents to plan and implement strategies for zoning, land use, transportation, and future development. See current Planning Documents to the right.

Current Development

Planning reviews all development projects for compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Historic District guidelines, floodplain restrictions, and minimum housing code. To find the forms required for your situation, see the Planning Forms column, go to the Historic District Commission page, or the Permits and Code Enforcement page. 

Advisory Boards and Committees

  • The Planning Board advises the City Council in amending the comprehensive plan, recommending development ordinances, and approving major site plans.
  • The Board of Adjustment hears and decides requests for variances to the UDO, interprets questions regarding the zoning map, and serves as the Housing Appeals Board where people can appeal the decisions of housing inspectors. 
  • The Historic District Commission recommends the creation or amendment of historic districts, consider applications to alter structures within a historic district, and recommend applications for the creation of a landmark to City Council.
  • Other: Planning gathers many temporary citizen committees including for a recent update to the Code of Ordinances to include the Downtown Kinston Social District. Opportunities are advertised on our website and social media.

Disaster Recovery and Resiliency

The City of Kinston, in partnership with Lenoir County and regional authorities works constantly to meet the increasing need for resiliency measures against natural disasters. Our Flood Information page describes the city’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, the impact of Hurricane Matthew on the City of Kinston, Frequently Asked Questions, and potential resources for those who have been affected by natural disasters. Kinston also collaborated with the region to establish the Neuse River Basin Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify and address collective strategies to improve safety and resilience throughout the region.

Call 252-939-3271 with any questions.

NEW MANUAL OF FEES

The City of Kinston Planning Department fee schedule has been updated.  Fees have been added for Zoning Permit applications and Zoning Compliance Inspections. Fees must be paid upon submission.  Click the link below for the entire fee schedule.  For further information, please call the Planning Department at 252-939-3271.

 Revised Fee Schedule

Ongoing Grant Applications - check back for updates 

Fair Housing Policy and Complaint Procedure 

  1. City of Kinston Fair Housing Complaint Procedure