Mission
To guide the physical development of Sampson County in a manner that will preserve its unique characteristics and enhance the quality of life for the city's present and future residents.

In July 2004, Sampson County contracted with the City of Clinton to provide county planning services and for nearly 14 years the Clinton-Sampson Planning Department served the citizens of Clinton and Sampson County through planning, development, and zoning practices. As of July 1, 2018, the County began offering planning and zoning services in-house as part of its newly organized Department of Inspections and Planning Services. Through this new set-up, citizens are able to benefit from the “one-stop shop” convenience of co-located Inspections, Planning, and Environmental Health personnel in Building B on the County Complex campus.

Benefits of planning and zoning practices include: 

• Implementation of community goals
• Protection of property rights against negative uses
• Predictable land use patterns
• Establish economic development areas for job growth
• Ensure cost-effective public services to citizens
• Protect against negative environmental impacts
• Set minimum aesthetic and functional standards
• Preserve what is important in your community