Purpose
Housed within the Community and Economic Development Department, the Planning Division is responsible for implementing the County’s adopted land use policies. The Planning Division develops and administers long-range planning documents including the County’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Community Plans. The Planning Division also leads current planning efforts, including processing of land use development applications (i.e. subdivisions, conditional use permits, etc.). Additionally, the Planning Division conducts environmental review for land use developments pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In tandem with the other development service departments, the Planning Division facilitates land use development within the unincorporated County. Through administration and enforcement of the County’s adopted land use policies, the Planning Division guides and influences physical land use, economic development, protection of natural resources, and quality of life in unincorporated Merced County.
The Planning Division also coordinates meetings for various Commissions and Councils, including:
- Planning Commission
- Hearing Officer
- Municipal Advisory Councils
- Airport Land Use Commission
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
Contact
2222 M St.
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: (209) 385-7654
Fax: (209) 726-1710
Our offices are located on the second floor of the Merced County Administration Building. The public entrance to the Administration Building is located on the north side of the building, closest to 23rd Street.