Planning & Building

To ensure the continued health and well-being of our customers and our employees during the COVID-19 crisis, we encourage you to contact the Planning and Building Department staff remotely. Please know that we are still open for business; however, you can conduct many of your regular business needs by phone or email.  Please be specific in your inquiry, provide detailed information, and include an address or location. A staff member will assist you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Responsibilities

The Planning and Building Department provides services designed to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Comprised of current and advanced planning, building and safety services, code enforcement, and housing and community development, the department focuses on the future as well as the present in its mission to ensure orderly development throughout the city.

Advanced  & Current Planning

Advanced Planning coordinates the long-range planning and development of the city in conjunction with the General Plan, specific plans, annexations, and environmental documentation. Another long-range function of this division is to monitor local and regional growth/air quality programs and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legislation.

Current Planning provides the City Council and Planning Commission members with background data, recommendations, and conditions of approval, enabling informed decision-making regarding agenda items such as zoning/land use requests and environmental documentation.

Staff also provides development coordination between city departments and assists project applicants with petition processing.

Building & Safety

Under the direction of the Planning Director, the Building and Safety Division ensures that the construction of all buildings and structures within the city are built in compliance with applicable codes and standards. This division is responsible for permit issuance, plan review, and inspections.

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement ensures compliance with municipal and other related codes, including property maintenance, housing, zoning, public nuisances, and business license.

Housing & Community Development

With a variety of programs related to physical housing and neighborhood preservation, Housing and Community Development helps shape the city’s economic future and fosters a better quality of life for the citizens of Fountain Valley.