Zoning and General Plan land use designations vary throughout the city. To find out designations, refer to the Zoning map and General Plan map. You may also visit our interactive E-Zoning map. Using the interactive map, in the upper right-hand corner, search by address or assessor’s parcel number and view information such as General Plan, Zoning, Coastal Zone, Master Plan, Specific Plan, etc.  To learn more on land use, please visit the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. For questions, email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.  

The zoning ordinance outlines the type of uses permitted in various locations throughout the city. A list of permitted uses (by right or conditionally) for each zoning designation is located within the zoning ordinance, master plan or specific plan. You may also visit our interactive E-Zoning map. Using the interactive map, search by address or assessor’s parcel number and view information such as General Plan, Zoning, Coastal Zone, Master Plan, Specific Plan, etc. Once you’ve selected a property click the URL to view Zoning regulations affecting the property. For land use questions, email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.

View the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code.

The majority of new or replacement signage on non-residential use/commercial buildings require two permits. First is to submit for a Planning Sign Permit, which is available via our online permit portal. The application for a Planning Sign Permit is form P-11. Once submitted, Planning will review the sign permit to verify that the proposed sign will comply with the sign ordinance or an applicable sign program. Please refer to the sign ordinance for exempt or prohibited signs. Once a Planning Sign Permit is approved, you may then apply for a building permit, which is also an available on our online permit portal. Questions on the Planning Sign Permit, please , email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours. For questions on the building permit application process, please contact the Building Division at 442-339-2719 or building@carlsbadca.gov.

Developing can be challenging, and every property is unique. First steps are exploring the applicable land use regulations on a property, consider the environmental settings and more.  Depending on the project, hiring a consultant may help in navigating what can be complex regulations, development opportunities and processes.  To learn more on development, review our Development Process Guides.  You can also visit us in-person at the Faraday Center at 1635 Faraday Ave, send an email inquiry to planning@carlsbadca.gov or call Planning at (442) 339-2610. If you have a concept proposal to develop property, consider submitting an application for a Preliminary Review with Planning (Form P-14), noting a processing fee applies.  A Preliminary Review is a great opportunity to present your concept, prior to formal submittal of development permits, and gather feedback from various city departments. To learn more on Preliminary Reviews, refer to Informational Bulletin IB-114.

Please visit our E-Zoning map. On this interactive map, you can zoom in on a property of interest, click the parcel and view information including if the property is inside/outside the Coastal Zone. Find more information on local coastal regulations by visiting our Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program.  For other zoning-related questions, email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.

To operate a business out of your home, a business license is required with the Finance Department.  You can apply online here.   Prior to applying, it’s best to  learn more on restrictions for home based businesses, please review Section 21.10.040 – Home Occupations – in the Carlsbad Municipal Code. For more specific information regarding a home occupied business, please email planning@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at (442) 339-2610 during regular business hours.