The Planning Division seeks to ensure that San José is a great place to live, work, and play through two key functions:

1. Review of development proposals for consistency with zoning codes, the General Plan, and land use regulations and environmental review processes. Staff hold community meetings as required or appropriate and shepherd proposals with a recommendation for action for consideration by the relevant decision-making body (Planning Commission, City Council, or Planning Director's Hearing).  

2. Long-range city planning through regular public review and amendments to the Envision San José 2040 General Plan, other area plans, and ordinances/policies. Through this process, we determine where and how the City will grow in future years. Long-range planning activities include:

• Maintaining the Envision San José 2040 General Plan
• Preparing the Diridon Station Area Plan
• Developing Urban Village Plans
• Developing Land Use and Environmental Policies
• Monitoring and forecasting development activity

See our Planning Division Org Chart to understand how we are structured. 

Staff Support to decision-makers 

Planning Commission. Planning staff support the Planning Commission, which acts on conditional use permits and environmental impact reports; is the appeal body for development permits; makes recommendations to the City Council on rezonings and General Plan amendments; and reviews redevelopment plans and the Capital Improvement Program. Staff ensure that commissioners receive the necessary information and analysis for carrying out their responsibilities. Staff administer the Commission's schedule, communicate Commission actions to the City Council, and prepare study sessions on items of special interest.

Historic Landmarks Commission. Planning staff also support the Historic Landmarks Commission and oversee the City's Historic Resources program. Staff evaluate the City's historic resources through review and update of the Historic Resources Inventory, which catalogs nearly 4,000 historic structures, the designation of City Landmarks, and review of Historic Preservation Permits.

Policy Studies

Policy studies focus on a particular issue and engage the community in identifying policies to address the issue. Once adopted by the City Council, a policy study may be used in evaluating development proposals for compliance with the policy. The North San José Area Development Policy is an example. 

Updating Codes & Ordinances

Planning staff regularly review the  Zoning Code (Title 20 of the San José Municipal Code) and other codes to ensure compliance with new state laws and to reflect the changing values of the community towards land use. See our Ordinances & Proposed Updates page to learn more.