Planning

The Planning Division is responsible for administration and enforcement of the City’s Zoning, Sign, and Subdivision Regulations and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Administration and enforcement are primarily provided through:

• Initial site plan and development plan review
• Zoning review
• Subdivision and Sign Code review
• Planning and Development Application review

Businesses or individuals seeking to locate, expand a business, or develop property in the City of Berkeley are strongly encouraged to contact the Planning Division prior to applying for any Permit, or buying/leasing any building or site, in order to arrange for a preliminary review of their proposal. The preliminary review facilitates the application process by ensuring that all required supporting information is included with the application, and identifies potential conflicts at an early stage, so that they can be resolved before an Applicant gets too far into the entitlement process.

Helpful Links

• Planning and Development Portal
• Planning and Development Application
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Board of Adjustment
• Comprehensive Plan
• Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance
• Zoning Map (2011)
• Any construction above a certain height in proximity to the airport, and in particular the runway protection zones, needs to complete the Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration Form and submit it to the FAA.  Contact this department for more details. There is also an Information Guide to assist all applicants.
• Summary of Economic Development Tools
• Floodplain Development Permit