The Community Development Department provides development and business services, including planning, zoning, housing, building and business license.   Department personnel consist of the Community Development Manager, two Associate Planners, Planning Secretary/Business License Specialist, Building/Housing Assistant, and Building Inspector.  Together these employees are responsible for the current and long-range community planning functions along with building permit issuance and inspection services, housing rehabilitation services and business license service.

The Department consists of four distinct areas based on function: Planning, Building, Housing and Business License.
 

The Planning program encompasses the City’s General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan and Citywide Zoning and Subdivision Administration.  The Planning Program provides direct assistance to the public in terms of providing zoning and development information.  The Planning Program also includes administration of the City’s Façade Improvement Program and assists in the overall business attraction and retention effort.    

 The Planning Staff prepares reports and presents items to the Planning Commission and City Council.  Certain development proposals require a public hearing before these five-member groups.  The Planning Commission is appointed by the City Council and the City Council is elected directly by the residents in the community.
 

The Building program encompasses Building plan check, permit issuance and inspection services.  The City contracts with Los Angeles County for building and safety services, but operates from City Hall.  Building and construction services are provided over the counter directly to the public.  A Building Inspector is available between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday.  Construction plans may be submitted and permits may be obtained between 7:30 a.m. and 12 noon, Monday through Thursday.

The Housing program consists of creating, formulating and implementing efforts to preserve and improve the City’s housing stock.  Utilizing United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) monies, as well as redevelopment set-aside funds, the program currently offers housing rehabilitation assistance.  Income eligible owner-occupants may receive a loan at a fee-simple rate of 3% a year, with no payments due until the property is sold.  The maximum loan amount at this time is $25,000.  The program makes it possible for lower income households to make necessary repairs, correct code violations and cure deferred maintenance.

The City also offers a Home Improvement Grant of up to $10,000; this program is known as the Handyworker Assistance Program.  The program was created in order to assist low-to-moderate income households (owner-occupied) with needed improvements to non-functioning plumbing, heating, electrical or structural items.
 

The Business License program consists of issuing applicable licenses to business enterprises including commercial and manufacturing businesses, independent contractors, home occupations, specialty businesses and businesses by vehicle.  When appropriate, Fictitious Name Statements, Articles of Incorporation and/or Seller’s Permit may be required as part of the business license application.   Additionally, businesses that employ full-time employees must provide evidence of worker’s compensation insurance. 

 Business licenses are generally valid for one year, with renewals being due by the 1^st of the year; after January 31^st, a penalty is imposed for late renewals.   Business licenses are pro-rated quarterly.
 

The Department’s public counter is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  The Building Department has specific hours and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday through Thursday for permit issuance.   The Building Inspector is available at the public counter from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday.