Planning

Mission Statement

To collaborate with the residential, business, and development community to plan, promote, and facilitate a vibrant, balanced, and cohesive City for today and tomorrow.

The Planning Division of the Community Development Department operates to assist citizens, businesses, and City departments in managing land to ensure that land use complies with the General Plan and Zoning regulations and meets the needs of the City and its citizens. The Planning Division does this by maintaining records of zoning districts, subdivision maps, site plans, conditional use permits, etc.

Whether you are planning to build or modify your home or business, you will need to work with the Planning Division before proceeding. The Division coordinates with the Planning Commission to process and review site plans and subdivision maps and approves land use and other zoning applications.

In addition, the Division works with the Planning Commission and City Council to modify and update the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The General Plan defines the long-range goals and intentions regarding the nature and direction of future development within the City. It contains elements on land use, transportation, park and recreational facilities, urban design, and housing as well as details regarding the City's zoning districts.

Have Planning Questions? 

  • In-Person Assistance
    • Staff currently accepts walk-ins, no appointment is required.
    • Please visit the public person counter located at the Community Development building at 301 N. Spring St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 
  • Over-the-Phone Assistance
    • You may call us at 951-674-3124
    • If the Community Development Tech is unavailable to answer your call at the time, please leave a voicemail and include name, Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) or address, a daytime phone number, and as many details possible related to your inquiry.
    • Please allow the Community Development Tech 24 hours to respond.

Community Development  - Hours of Operation

Community Development has temporarily re-located during construction of City Hall but will continue to operate under the same hours.

Location: 

  • 301 N. Spring St. Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday - Thursday : 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Friday : 8:00 am to 4:00 pm