The Community Development Department, which was established by the City Council on August 7, 2012, contains three Divisions ready to serve you – Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, and Planning & Zoning.  The Community Development Department is responsible for coordinating the enforcement of the City’s land use, zoning, sign, subdivision, and development ordinances, including nuisance abatement.

The Planning & Zoning Division ensures the orderly and efficient development of the City in accordance with the City’s development policies as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan.

The Building Division provides Building Code enforcement for all construction projects located in the City of El Centro. We do this in a professional, conscientious and customer service oriented manner. We also provide courteous, professional and helpful service at the Building and Safety counter for Architects, Engineers, Developers, Contractors, property owners and the general public.

The goal for the Code Enforcement Division is to improve and preserve all neighborhoods of the City by careful, detailed inspection and record keeping, while working with property owners in a friendly, helpful and compassionate manner.  Maintaining housing stock in an above standard condition is a goal of this division.

Community Development Department -Planning & Zoning’s Land Use Flowchart.

Developers and business owners, please review the Business Guide to learn about City processes and procedures.

Garage Sale Ordinance – Effective July 5th, it is mandatory to obtain a City permit prior to conducting a garage/yard sale.  A violation of the ordinance will result in an infraction and will be enforced through the administrative citation process.  The first citation will have a fine of $100.   No more than four (4) permits will be issued to the same person or for the same premises within any calendar year or within 90 days of a previous permit issued to the same person or premises.The first permit will have no cost.  After the free permit, the cost of the permit is $20.