The Planning Department is responsible for the administration of land use and community planning activities within Arnold. The department's primary duty is the day-to-day management of zoning and subdivision issues arising from administration of the City's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.

The department is also responsible for review, analysis, preparation and presentation on all rezonings, special procedures, and variances brought before the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and the City Council.

The department provides comprehensive long-range and short-range planning for the City in areas such as capital improvements and land use. The City's Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1985.

The Planning Department also oversees issuing zoning authorizations and occupancy permits for all construction within the city, as well as the regulation and enforcement of the city zoning and nuisance ordinances.