About Us

The Community Development Department focuses on creating a livable community that balances the needs of residents, property owners, and businesses, and is comprised of four Divisions:

Planning Division

The Planning Division is responsible for preparing and implementing the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code. The Division processes and reviews all applications for additions, new development, site modifications, and new or modified land uses on private property, in addition to overseeing the preparation of long-range plans regarding growth, sustainability, and housing. This Division holds meetings on proposed projects and long-range planning projects through the Development Review Committee, the Administrative Zoning hearings, and the Environmental Planning Commission.

Building Inspection Division

The Building Division reviews all construction plans to ensure compliance with Building and Fire Codes and inspects buildings under construction to ensure they comply with the adopted codes.

Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division manages programs to expand the local economy and is a liaison between businesses and the City organization. The Division provides business attraction and retention services for new and expanding companies, hosts events to support the local business community, and guides the redevelopment of city-owned land at City Council's direction.This Division is responsible for staffing the Downtown Committee and Visual Arts Committee.

Neighborhood & Housing Division

The Neighborhood & Housing Division handles a variety of neighborhood and housing-related programs, including the Below-Market-Rate (BMR) affordable housing program, a volunteer mediation program for neighborhood and tenant/landlord disputes, and a neighborhood grants program that provides financial support to create strong neighborhood associations. This division also administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Federal funds. This Division is responsible for staffing the Council Neighborhoods Committee that holds neighborhood meetings throughout the City and the Rental Housing Committee, who is tasked with implementing and administering the Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (CSFRA).