The Planning and Community Development Department was established in accordance with Section 65200 of the Government Code and is responsible for carrying out State mandated planning functions and facilitating the processing of various land use applications. The Planning and Community Development Department provides staff support to the Planning Commission and is a component of the Development Services Agency.

Fundamental Functions and Responsibilities of the Planning and Community Development Department:

OUR MISSION:	To administer land use programs in a manner that fosters economic vitality, resource conservation, and responsiveness to public needs. Promote customer service and delivery of programs in a responsive and cost-effective manner.
ADVANCE PLANNING/ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION:	Craig Murphy - Division Chief * Plan/Community Development Unit - Supervising Planner (Vacant) This unit is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the various elements of the Kern County General Plan, specific plans and preparing environmental documents. This unit is also responsible for processing major development projects that involve changes to the General Plan. The processing of hazardous waste facility applications is also a responsibility of the unit. This unit is involved in addressing endangered species regulatory issues and special projects that involve State and Federal programs. * CEQA/Home Rule Unit - Supervising Planner (Vacant) This unit is responsible for administering the County's Home Rule Program which involves the monitoring, coordination and commenting on State and Federal regulations that affect County residents.
OPERATIONS DIVISION:	Scott Denney - Division Chief * Permit Assistance Center - Cheryl Casdorph, Supervising Planner This unit is responsible for receiving and reviewing applications for planning related cases. It reviews applications for completeness, collects fees and provides the public with procedural and technical information. This unit reviews ministerial zoning permits and responds to inquiries from the public. This unit is also responsible for providing graphic support to the Department. Its functions include updating of maps and other land use data, development of graphics and administration of the street addressing program. * Land Division Unit - Holly Nelson, Supervising Planner This unit is responsible for the review and processing of parcel maps, tract maps, lot line adjustments and other applications subject to the County's Land Division Ordinance. This unit is responsible to chair the County Subdivision Review Committee and coordinates comments from various agencies related to land division applications. * Operations Unit - Kathe Malouf, Supervising Planner This team is responsible for reviewing and processing general, community and specific plan amendments and zoning applications including conditional use permits, variances, road vacations, street name changes, etc. It administers the Williamson Act Program and the Zoning Ordinance. It prepares staff reports for the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors and responds to public inquires.
ADMINISTRATION DIVISION:	Janet Bowtell - Office Services Coordinator This Division is responsible for administrative, technical support and agenda items. The Office Services Coordinator undertakes various administrative and coordinative functions in support of the Director. * Word Processing Unit - Senior Office Services Specialist This unit is responsible for the preparation of public hearing notices and agenda items for Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and Director's hearings for all planning applications. It is responsible for the typing of staff reports, negative declarations, general and specific plans, ordinances, document duplication, mail services, filing room, and clerical work for special planning projects.