Interactive Permit Guide
Navigate the permit process for accessory dwelling units, utility requests, HVAC and more!
System Maintenance 06/26/2025 to 06/30/2025
Please be aware that Accela Citizen Access (ACA) will not be available from 5 p.m. on 06/26/2025 through 06/30/2025. This downtime is necessary to upgrade the software. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please note that our internal staff will also not have access to Accela during this time.
In preparation for this, please consider doing the following prior to the scheduled maintenance:
If you need assistance, please call 209-525-6557.
Notice of Holiday Closure:
Our office will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of Independence Day.
Appointments for all in person assistance is highly recommended.
Contact us for more information, including how to schedule an appointment. Contact Us
6th Cycle Housing Element Update
Information on the County's Housing Element Update process currently underway.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
ADUs are an accessory beyond traditional construction in California homes providing a solution for additional housing needs for families.
Online Permitting & Research
With Citizen Access you can apply for certain permits, research permits and research planning projects. Learn more about online services.
Active Planning Projects
Listing of all planning project referrals active in the Planning Department.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA):
View filed and posted notices on the Clerk Recorder website.
Housing Stanislaus Initiative
Creating a unified vision for stimulating affordable and market rate housing throughout Stanislaus County
View Information
South 9th Street Corridor Plan
Information on the development of the South 9th Street Corridor Plan currently underway.
Notice of Funding Availability
About Us
Who We Are
The Planning and Community Development Department is focused on promoting a built environment supporting a healthy economy, community wellbeing, and resource protection.
What We Do
The Planning and Community Development Department has three primary divisions, each performing different but interrelated functions:
- Building Permits
- Construction permits; floodplain administration for construction permits; and abandoned and dangerous building abatement.
- Community Development
- Stanislaus Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) fund administration; and Stanislaus HOME Investment Partnership Program fund administration.
- Planning
- General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance administration and implementation; California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act) administration; and State Mining and Reclamation Act administration.
The Planning and Community Development Department also serves as staff to the:
- Stanislaus County Airport Land Use Commission; and
- Successor Agency to the former Stanislaus County Redevelopment Agency
