Responsibilities

The Planning Department is responsible for the maintenance and implementation of the County General Plan, Zoning Code, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) The department processes:

• Development applications and permit requests for land divisions
• Use permits
• General Plan amendments
• Zone changes
• Variances

Among other responsibilities, the department process permits and enforces state requirements for the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), administers floodplain development under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program, maintains the master street address guide, assigns and updates situs address records.

Mission

Our mission is to guide land use and development consistent with the general plan, zoning code, and federal and state regulations, by providing accurate, timely, courteous, and professional services to our community; to maintain the county’s unique quality of life, protect public safety and the environment, and promote economic vitality for current and future generations.

The department provides consolidated land use planning and community development for the county’s residents. We fulfill a mission that fosters economic vitality, supports resource conservation, and serves the diverse needs of county residents by working with the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission.