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.  

As of January 20, 2023 the City of El Centro has approved a new ordinance with changes regarding garage sales.

• Residents are still required to obtain a permit to hold a garage sale. The permit is free of charge.

• No more than one (1) permit will be issued to the same person or for the same address within any calendar month. You can have 12 garage sales a year.

• Garage sales may take place over two (2) consecutive days.

• Signs advertising a garage sale shall not be posted on public property, public right-of-way, utility poles, or street sign poles.

• Sale of items purchased for the purpose of resale are prohibited. Other restrictions apply.