Community Development

The Community Development Department provides and coordinates development information and services to the public. Specifically, this involves inspection and enforcement of City-adopted building codes, plan checking for code compliance, issuance of City-required permits, record keeping of city maps, and processing of site development plans.

Community Development Mission Statement

To guide the safe and responsible development of the City of Vista thereby furthering the positive image of the community. We do this by providing our customers with clear, concise, and consistent information, while demonstrating a genuine interest in helping others.

• Click here to view a presentation that gives an overview of the Community Development Department.
• Click here to view a draft of the performance audit of the City's development review process.
• Click here to view Vista 2030 General Plan Update project page

Location:

City Hall - Community Development

600 Eucalyptus Avenue
Vista CA 92084

(760) 639-6100

Divisions

Building

The Building Division is responsible for ensuring that structures adhere to minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and the public welfare. This is accomplished through building plan review, issuance of building permits and inspection of buildings to ensure compliance with local and state laws. The Building Division is also responsible for providing staff support to the Building Board of Appeals, which convenes on an as-needed basis to address building issues. Building permits information and handouts are available at the Development Services counter or by contacting

760-726-1340 ext. 1210.

Development Services

Development Services provides one-stop permitting for development customers. The Development Service Center is the initial point of contact for information pertaining to development issues, permit applications and development fees. It is also the final contact for issuance of all permits. This office maintains files of all city maps. (Private Development Notes and Drawings)

Land Development

The Land Development Division is responsible for providing comments on proposed projects for the pre-application process, providing comments on Planning applications, checking grading plans, improvement plans, associated technical reports related to hydrology, water quality and soils, and final maps for private development projects. Customers coming to the permit counter for general engineering information are assisted by staff from this division. In addition, inspection of grading and improvements is provided for private development projects. (Private Development Notes and Drawings)

Planning

The Planning division is tasked with ensuring that land uses in Vista comply with City codes, the General Plan, City Council and Planning Commission policies, and state law requirements. Approval of projects through the planning process is required prior to issuing grading and building permits. The Planning Division handles environmental review of public and private projects. Advanced planning programs provided by the division include a comprehensive General Plan update, preparing and amending specific plans, and conducting special land use studies as directed by the Planning Commission and City Council.