Planning and Development
The Planning and Development Department's mission is to enhance safety, livability and resilience in the built environment and to work with the community to promote and protect Berkeley's distinctive neighborhoods, vibrant commercial areas, unique character and natural resources for current and future generations.
The Planning & Development Department consists of approximately 90 career full- and parttime staff, and is organized into five divisions, including the Office of the Director, which all work together to plan, implement and monitor the physical environment of Berkeley.
Divisions
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Office of the Director
The Office of the Director provides department-wide leadership, management oversight, and policy direction for overall operations and implementation. The office oversees information technology projects, special projects and research, budget and fiscal oversight, regulatory compliance and reporting, and purchasing, payroll and accounting services for the entire Department.
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Building & Safety Division
The Building and Safety Division (B&S) reviews proposed construction documents for conformance to the building code and other applicable codes; approves building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits; inspects construction projects to ensure conformance with the approved plans and code provisions; investigates work done without permits; provides code information and interpretation to the public and other city agencies; ensures the safety of Berkeley's rental housing stock; and manages programs to mitigate seismic risk in existing buildings.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 1947 Center Street, 3rd Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 981-7440 TDD: (510) 981-6903 FAX: (510) 981-7505
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Permit Service Center Hours: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Email: buildingandsafety@berkeleyca.gov -
Land Use Planning Division
The Land Use Planning Division (LUP) is responsible for researching and implementing land use policy and regulations for the City of Berkeley.
- Land Use Policy: The land use policy section prepares amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, the General Plan, area plans, and other long-range planning policies that guide future development and preservation in Berkeley.
- Development Projects: The development projects section reviews proposed projects for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance, the General Plan, and other applicable plans, policies and regulations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 1947 Center Street, 2nd Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 981-7410 TDD: (510) 981-6903 FAX: (510) 981-7420
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, PSC Zoning Counter Hours: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Email: planning@berkeleyca.gov -
Office of Energy & Sustainable Development
The Office of Energy & Sustainable Development Division (OESD) develops policies and implements programs to promote resilience and sustainable practices, and to reduce energy and water use and the associated greenhouse gas emissions in both City operations and the Berkeley community.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 1947 Center Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 981-7465 TDD: (510) 981-6903 FAX: (510) 981-7420
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Email: sustainability@berkeleyca.gov -
Toxics Management Division
The Toxics Management Division (TMD) is the City’s regulatory agency and a State-Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), responsible 283 for implementing, inspecting and enforcing California Environmental Protection Agency and hazardous materials codes associated with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and State Fire Marshall within the City of Berkeley. TMD also responds to community complaints, assists the City with toxicological concerns, and inspects industrial sites for storm water pollution prevention.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 1947 Center Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 981-7460 TDD: (510) 981-6903 FAX: (510) 981-7470
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Email: toxics@berkeleyca.gov
Contact
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Jordan Klein
Director of Planning and Development