Community Development Department

Please note that while the Community Development Department continues to operate with modified procedures, the Department intends to pause all time-limits and deadlines associated with ongoing notices, application reviews, enforcement activities and other matters for the duration of the shelter at home order.

We will continue to process Building and Planning permits during the shelter at home order. If you have specific questions about how the order affects your project, please contact us at community@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Please visit www.el-cerrito.org/covid19 for the latest updates.

The mission of the Community Development Department is to deliver services, projects and programs that provide a safe, connected, environmentally-focused and high quality of life in El Cerrito. The Department achieves this mission through planning and implementing programs and private and public development projects that promote community, environmental quality and
economic vitality.

Department Overview

The Community Development Department provides the community with innovative and practical solutions to enhance a prosperous, healthy and sustainable city through the following divisions and programs:
  • Affordable Housing: high quality affordable housing development; affordable housing opportunities; housing policy and programs.
  • Building: plan review and inspection services; community outreach and education; enforcement of State building regulations.
  • Code Enforcement: ensure that building and zoning ordinances are followed by responding to citizen complaints and proactively investigating violations.

  • Economic Development: development services; job creation; private investment and small business support.
  • Planning: development review process; City codes, plans and regulations; long-range planning efforts.

CURRENT events

New COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FEES

Effective July 1, 2020, a New City-wide Master Fee Schedule went into effect. The 2020-21 Master Fee Schedule may be found here. 

All Planning and Building Permit fees for Accessory Dwelling Units are discounted by 50%!
And, further discounted 5% more if the design implements Universal Design Elements!

In addition, all Building Permit fees for multiple Electric Vehicle Commercial Charging Stations are being subsidized by the City of El Cerrito to encourage and facilitate their numbers growing, citywide.