Department Overview
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.
Planning
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.
Building
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.
Housing
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.
Business License
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 1st of the year; after January 31st,
a penalty is imposed for late renewals. Business licenses are
pro-rated quarterly.
Public Counter Hours
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.
|