Development Process
We’re thrilled that you want to be in Pearl River!
The tabs below provide an overview of the process for different types of development activity in Pearl River. Click here for a printer-friendly version of this information.
We’re here for you! Join us at a Development Meeting.
Before opening a business, occupying a building or site, or starting any type of development, we encourage you to meet with us to discuss what will be required. A Development Meeting is your opportunity to meet with representatives from several town hall departments and receive guidance on the Town’s process and requirements. It is required for new commercial construction and encouraged for all development.
Fill out a Request for a Development Meeting (pdf; 0.2MB) and submit it to the Planning Department. The more information you provide in the request, the better we can assist you. If you have questions, please ask a planner for assistance by calling 985-863-5800. Development meetings are generally scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and must be scheduled at least a week in advance.
Is what I want to use the property for permitted?
To find out, ask a planner by calling 985-863-5800. Each property in Pearl River is located in a zoning district. Each zoning district permits certain uses, allows some uses under certain conditions and with legislative approval, and prohibits others.
What types of approvals might be required?
Depending on what you are doing, you may need one or more approvals from the City of Slidell (listed below). Please note that in addition to City approvals, you may also need approvals from other agencies, such as the State. City staff can help find out what other approvals you need, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the required approvals.
- Businesses in the city must have an Occupational License.
- You must get a Certificate of Occupancy before moving into any existing commercial or industrial space, or any newly constructed residential space.
- A Building Permit is required for new construction and maybe for any change to an existing building, such as additions, alterations, or repairs.
- You may need a Demolition Permit to demolish an existing structure or a portion of the interior of a building.
- A Fill Plan is required if fill will be brought to the site.
- A Tree Removal Permit is required to remove trees or clear land.
- A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) may be required.
- A Sign Permit is required for a new sign or changes to an existing sign.
- A Fence Permit is required for a new fence and may be required for modifications to an existing fence.
- A Paving Permit is required for new or expanded paving.
- If you are installing subsurface drainage in the right-of-way, you will need a Culvert Permit.
- A Certificate of Appropriateness may be required if the property is in the Olde Towne Preservation District. (informational sheet)
- If your project cannot meet all the requirements of the zoning code, you might request a Variance.
- If your desired use is not permitted, you may want to petition for a Zoning Map Amendment, also known as “rezoning.” (informational sheet)
- Some uses are only allowed with a Conditional Use Permit. (informational sheet)
- You will need a Subdivision if you want to make any changes to property boundaries, such as combining lots, moving an internal property line, or creating new lots. (informational sheet)
- If your property is not currently within Slidell’s city limits, you may want to petition for Annexation. (informational sheet)
How do I apply for Town approval?
Applications are handled by different city departments, as shown in the table below. Click on each type of approval for the application form, or contact each department.
When completing an application, be sure that you have filled in all the information and have attached all the required documents. If you have questions about the application form or the required documents, please contact the department that handles the application.
Application Fees
Most applications have an application fee; some are collected at the time of application, and others are collected when the permit is issued. Click here for Planning Department fees.
| Type of Approval | Department | Review Process |
| Annexation | Planning | Legislative |
| Building Permit | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Certificate of Appropriateness | Planning | Legislative |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Conditional Use Permit | Planning | Legislative |
| Culvert Permit | Engineering | Administrative |
| Demolition Permit | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Fence Permit | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Fill Plan | Engineering | Administrative |
| Occupational License | Finance | Administrative |
| Paving Permit | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Sign Permit | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Subdivision | Planning | Admin/Legis |
| SWPPP | Engineering | Administrative |
| Tree Removal Permit | Building Safety | Administrative |
| Variance | Planning | Admin/Legis |
| Zoning Map Amendment | Planning | Legislative |
What is the review process? How long will this take?
There are two types of review processes – legislative and administrative.
Legislative reviews require public hearings. The public must be provided notice of these hearings, which adds time to the process. The quickest is the Certificate of Appropriateness, which takes at least two weeks. Subdivisions and variances take at least one month. All other legislative reviews take at least three months. For more information about each legislative body, including application deadlines if applicable, click below:
- City Council
- Planning & Zoning Commissions (P&Z)
- Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA)
- Olde Towne Preservation District Commission (OTPDC)
Administrative reviews are entirely at the staff level. Staff review the application and approve it if it meets all applicable regulations. Staff may also suggest modifications to help meet code requirements. Administrative review can be done in as little as a day or may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project, staff workload, and the applicant’s responsiveness to requests for information.
