Gordon Gaste, AICP, Planning Director

Planning is an approach to problem solving, a process to formulate future plans and ordinances, ensuring full public participation, and providing all advisory bodies (e.g., Planning Commission) and the legislative body (City Council) with the necessary information to make intelligent and informed decisions.

Through the California Constitution, the State has delegated the responsibility of implementing local policies and development to each City through the City General Plan.

Some of the specific functions of the Planning Department are to revise the General Plan, made up of seven (7) mandatory elements and one (1) optional element, review of specific plans, amending the General Plan, keeping the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances current through amendments thereto, handling Conditional Use Permits, Specific Plans, Zone Changes, Variances, Major/Minor Subdivisions (Tract Maps/Parcel Maps), Site Plans, Adjustment Plats (Lot Line Adjustments, Lot Mergers) and Certificates of Compliance among others.  The Planning Department also works with other city departments providing administrative and technical assistance with their projects.  The Planning Department is also a key point of contact for Economic Development activities.

Hours of operation:

Mon. – Thurs. 7 am – 5 pm
Fri. 8 am - 5 pm

Hours may vary depending on staffing levels.  Please call to make an appointment if necessary.