Planning and Development
The Planning & Development Department has “Rolled Out the Red Carpet” to serve Fresno residents and businesses by assisting, regulating, and preserving residential and commercial development within the City. Our team strives to maintain the aesthetic beauty of Fresno, as well as the sustainable management of our land and water resources and public infrastructure, while enhancing the quality of life of its residents and ensuring the protection of public health, safety, and welfare within the City.
‘WE WORK FOR YOU’ CULTURE
Planning and Development
Planning and Development Homepage
Building and Safety
Permit processing, plan review, and inspection
Current Planning
Implements the City’s General Plan by utilizing a variety of tools
Long-Range Planning
Long-Range Plans and the Development Code
Homeless Services (HART)
Homeless Services / Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART)
Housing & Community Development
Funding for low benefit and moderate income residents
Historic Preservation
Fresno was founded in 1872 by Leland J. Stanford
Parking
Providing management for city streets
Accela Citizens Access (ACA)
Accela Citizens Access (ACA) Online Applications
ACA “How To Videos”
City of Fresno Accela Citizens Business Videos
ADU Program
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program
DRC Committee
Development Review Committee (DRC)
FAQs
Planning & Development Frequently Asked Questions
GIS, Mapping, Zoning
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides maps to the public
Building Permit Applications, Forms, Fees
Permit applications, forms and fees
Planning Applications, Forms, Fees
Planning applications, forms and fees
Solar App+
Apply for an instantly approved Solar Permit
Starting a Business
Starting a Business in Fresno
SKIP THE LINE!
Skip the line and submit your Planning & Building
applications online, 24/7, through
the ACA (Accela Citizen Access) portal.
PREFER IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE?
Visit us at City Hall on the 3rd floor where
we have Rolled Out the Red Carpet to serve you!
Appointments are available Monday
Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Follow this How-To Guide to get started. If you have any questions regarding
the QLess System please contact Building and Safety Services at (559) 621-8082
or Development Services at (559) 621-8032.
Currently Accepting Applications for:
| Building and Safety | Planning |
|---|---|
| All Permit Types General Information | General Zoning Inquiries General Application Process Inquiries Public Document Review Application Submittal Assistance Zone Clearance Submittal |
Contact Us
Planning and Development
Office: 2600 Fresno Street, Room 3043, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559.621.8277
Contact Us Online
Planning Commission
Planning Commission is an advisory committee, consisting of seven members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The Planning Commission recommends actions on various planning issues, such as Plan Amendments, Rezones, and appeals for Development Permits or Conditional Use Permits. Meetings are open to the public and also air on CMAC. For times, please visit CMAC’s website.
Meetings
The Planning Commission meetings are on the first and third Wednesdays of the month—unless otherwise noted.
City Council Chambers
2600 Fresno Street, 2nd floor
6:00 pm
Meetings are open to the public and air on CMAC.
For additional information, please call:
Planning and Development Process
The City of Fresno’s straightforward approach identifies projects based on their complexity. There are four project levels, each with an optimized process. The more simple a project, the quicker the review—some even approved over the counter. For more complex projects, the developer can meet with the Development Review Committee (DRC) comprised of all of the reviewing departments, to collaboratively discuss the application and receive concise and thorough feedback.
The City of Fresno has established accountability, clear protocols, and authority for decision-making that align with the General Plan, Development Code, and pre-zoning. Improved technology, customer service, and continuous improvement through training and staff development will help us keep the commitment to our standards, to honor developers’ time and budgets, and to work together to “get to yes.”
See our Application Submittal Completeness Checklists for a list of Completeness Checklists the division utilizes in an effort to streamline the application review process.
Surveys and Reviews
Process Reviews and Feedback
Resource Efficiency and Incentive Programs
Fresno Green Incentives
The city is committed to building green; constructing buildings and communities that are sustainable and environmentally responsible. The benefits are immeasurable: cleaner air, pedestrian friendly neighborhoods, support for local business and agriculture, more green spaces, and preservation of natural resources.
Benefits of going green:
- 25 percent reduction on Planning entitlement fees
- 20 percent minor deviation from development standards (i.e., parking, setbacks, etc.)
- Expedited processing
- Recognition
Program Information:
Fresno Green Handbook
Fresno Green Residential Checklist
Fresno Green Nonresidential Checklist
For additional information contact the Current Planning Division as shown below:
