The Planning 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 Department provides staff support to the Planning Commission and is a component of the Resource Management Agency.

Fundamental Functions and Responsibilities of the Planning 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.
SPECIAL PROJECTS DIVISION:	Lorelei Oviatt - Division Chief The Plan Development and Special Projects Planning Division Chief is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) including the preparation of environmental impact reports. The Chief comments on other agency environmental documents and responds for the County on environmental matters. The Chief also manages Plan Development functions. * Plan Development & EIR Unit - Scott Denney, Supervising Planner 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. * Special Projects Unit - Cheryl Casdorph, Supervising Planner This unit is involved in addressing endangered species regulatory issues and special projects that involve State and Federal programs. This unit also responsible for reviewing and developing environmental documents. * CEQA/Home Rule Unit - Craig Murphy, Supervising Planner 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:	Jim Ellis - Planning Division Chief * Counter Operations Unit - Jim Ellis, Planning Division Chief 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. It also determines if an environmental document is necessary and prepares environmental documents. This unit reviews ministerial zoning permits and responds to inquiries from the public. It is staffed with two permanent Planners. * Graphics Section - GIS Specialist (Vacant) This section is 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. Budget preparation provided by the Business Manager in the Environmental Health Services Department. * Word Processing Unit - Senior Office Services Specialist (Vacant) 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.