The City's Community Development Department includes the Current Planning Division, Advance Planning/Redevelopment Division, Building and Safety, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Office of the Director.
The Current Planning Division reviews and approves all new construction, and improvements and modifications to existing developments (commercial, residential or industrial.) The division ensures compliance with City zoning, development codes and standards before a building permit can be issued. The City has regulations dealing with setbacks from the street and property lines, landscaping, amount of lot coverage, parking, color and design issues, size and location of developments or additions, and environmental protection.
The City has a very knowledgeable and skilled Planning staff who are fully qualified to assist you with whatever questions or needs you may have. Planners are available to answer questions concerning signs, parking, landscaping, setbacks, room additions and home improvement projects such as painting, water heaters, re-roofing or air conditioners, just to name a few. In many cases, consulting with a City Planner before beginning work may save you considerable time and money in the long run. The Planners will explain all relevant City regulations to you and review the project you are proposing to ensure that it meets the City's standards. In addition, the City of Cerritos has a variety of reference materials available to help in all phases of your project, including how to hire a contractor. Use the form below to e-mail questions or comments to the City's Current Planning Division.
Requests received through this website will be responded to within 10 working days. If your request is more urgent, please call the Community Development Department at (562) 916-1201 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
