Department of Environmental Services Director: Peter Lyons
Location: 3855-A Alamo Street Simi Valley, CA 93063 (805) 583-6769enviroservices@simivalley.org
Planning Division
The Planning Division of the Environmental Services Department provides information, technical assistance, and project review of development proposals. The Division provides staff support to the City Council, Planning Commission, and various City committees. In addition, the Planning Division coordinates with other City departments, agencies, organizations, and individuals to broadcast information on urban planning and environmental issues of local and regional importance. Responsibilities are generally divided among the Division's three Sections as follows:
The Division’s General Plan Section prepares updates and amendments to the General Plan, which serves as the “blueprint” and City’s vision for future development of the community. This section is also responsible for coordinating the implementation of the General Plan policies within new development projects and researching and analyzing population/growth forecasts.
The Division's Environmental Planning Section conducts environmental reviews of all development activities within the City, and prepares environmental documents for General Plan implementation measures and other City-initiated projects.
The Division's Current Planning Section processes applications for residential, commercial, and industrial development through a formal review and public hearing process. Applications are reviewed for consistency with the General Plan, compliance with the Municipal Code, conformance with City design guidelines and policies, and agreement with accepted planning practices. Guidance is provided to applicants and the public to ensure that all proposed development meets community standards and fulfills all legal requirements. This Section also performs plan checks and site inspections on approved projects, staffs the Planning Services Counter, reviews Landscape Plans, provides small business assistance, and coordinates code enforcement matters with the Community Services Department's Compliance Division.