Planning Division

The Planning Division plays an important role in maintaining the high quality of life that Carlsbad residents enjoy. The Planning Division guides the city's physical development ensuring that all new planning programs and development projects comply with the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, Zoning and the performance standards of the Growth Management Plan.

As well, the Planning Division provides advice and technical support to the City Council and Planning Commission regarding the compliance of all development proposals with the city's zoning, subdivision, and environmental ordinances.

Planning is also the first division to contact if you are thinking of starting a new business, adding on to your home, or have questions regarding your property's use or zoning. In addition, the Planning Division does analysis and prepares reports dealing with long-range planning matters, such as demographic projections, open space protection, and General Plan updates.

• General Plan
• Information Bulletins
• Village and Barrio Master Plan
• Village, Barrio, and Beach Area Parking Study and Management Plan
• Trails Master Plan and Environmental Documents
• Growth Management
• Zoning
• Coastal Zone Map
• Sea Level Rise, Local Coastal Program, and Zoning Ordinance
• Mills Act Program
• Codes, Standards & Policies
• Applications
• Council Policy No. 84 Development Project Public Involvement
• Agendas, Minutes & Notices
• Landscape Plans
• Q & A

Development Inquiries

The Faraday Center development services team is here to answer development-related inquiries. Walk-in visits to meet with the Building, Planning, and Engineering departments are accepted; however, we recommend making an appointment to limit wait times and queuing. 

You can schedule an appointment for a development inquiry Monday-Friday. Appointments are thirty minutes in length.