In 2013 the Planning, Zoning & Drainage Department was joined with Emergency Management to create the County Development Department with Robert Hill appointed as Director. As the Zoning Officer, the department head takes applications for building permits and administers the County zoning ordinances. As the Drainage Officer, the department head takes applications for drainage permits and makes recommendations to the Commission for granting or denying the permits. The Emergency Management office maintains the County plan for reacting to emergencies. This office works with other government groups to develop this plan and assists in training others to respond to the emergency. During an actual emergency, the director coordinates the action.