The Planning Division performs a variety of services intended to protect, maintain and develop an attractive, safe, and healthy community. Primary functions address property development and land use activities occurring in the City. It is organized into two branches:

“Current planning” responsibilities include project review of plans for property development, including permitting for both public and private projects. The City has uniform application and filing requirements for development projects. Some projects are required to meet requirements established in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Planning Division is also responsible for the administration of various zoning and land use regulations.  New businesses need to contact the Planning Division to verify the location of their proposed business is an allowed use for that area.  Home based businesses must also contact the Planning Division to see if their home occupation is allowed and if a Home Occupation Permit is required for their business.

The Community Development Department currently does not have a Code Enforcement Division.  Complaints filed with the Planning Division will be reviewed and addressed on a case by case basis with health, safety and welfare issues as the priority.  Examples of violations planning staff addresses include fences, outdoor display violations, signs, un- permitted home occupations and various other violations of the City Code. 

“Long range planning” responsibilities include the preparation and amending of Community Plans, the Comprehensive Airport Land Use Plan (CLUP, and City Code as well as other documents relating to the City's long range development goals. State planning law requires every City in California to adopt and maintain a General Plan which serves as a 10-20 year "blueprint" for the development of its built environment. Additionally, the General Plan’s individual Elements outline policy goals and implementation measures that address all aspects of its development and quality of life. These Elements can include: Land use, Circulation (Transportation), Housing, Conservation, Open space, Noise, Safety, Recreation and Economic Development. The City Council adopted a major update to the City's General Plan on April 13, 1999. The City is currently expected to adopt an updated General Plan in early 2010.