Planning Services

The Planning Services Division works with citizens and community leaders to build a consensus on how the County of Santa Clara should grow, both in short term and long term. This is accomplished through the coordination of a variety of land planning functions that range from vision planning to reviewing all new development proposal to ensure that land development conforms with State codes and regulations, the County's General Plan, Ordinance Code and Zoning Ordinance, and Board of Supervisors adopted land use policies and guidelines. 

The Planning Services Division also manages advanced planning efforts by implementing new policies and programs to address community benefits, evaluate policy, conduct environmental analysis, perform research and technical assistance relating to land use, housing, agricultural preservation, sustainability, and historic resources. The Division supports the Planning Commission, Airport Land Use Commission, Historic Heritage Commission, and San Martin Planning Advisory Committee, and administers the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan, Williamson Act, Historic Preservation Ordinance, and Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) for unincorporated areas.