Planning
The Planning Division is responsible for enforcing the City's development standards as identified in the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that all existing and future development is consistent with the City's General Plan, which identifies the City's long-range plans.
As new development is proposed, the Planning Division coordinates the review of land use entitlement applications such as Development Plan Reviews, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, etc. with all applicable City departments/divisions and outside agencies. The Planning Division also ensures that the planning process complies with all State and Federal environmental review requirements and provides general zoning information to the public. Planning Staff serves as the secretary to the Planning Commission.
OpenGov Permit Portal
The City utilizes the OpenGov Permit Portal, a new online portal that allows residents, consultants, and developers to conveniently submit Planning and Zoning applications to the Planning Division 24 hours a day 7 days a week online.
Register for your free user account - create an OpenGovID
Calimesa Development and Capital Improvement Projects
Stay informed about development activity and infrastructure improvements across the City of Calimesa through an interactive ArcGIS Story Map.
Public Hearings
Calimesa Safety Element Update:
The City of Calimesa is currently updating its Safety Element, an important component of the City’s General Plan that guides our long-term vision for the next 20 to 30 years. The Safety Element identifies both natural and human-caused hazards and establishes policies and actions to reduce risks to life, property, infrastructure, and community stability. This includes planning for hazards such as wildfires, flooding, drought, earthquakes, landslides, extreme heat, and other potential emergencies. Community input is a critical part of this update process.
2026 Safety Element Update Survey
Notices Required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Sandalwood Travel Center Project – Public Review Period Now Open
The City of Calimesa is providing public notice that a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration has been released for the proposed Sandalwood Travel Center.
Official Notice of Intent (PDF)
The public review period now through March 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. During this time, residents and interested parties may review the environmental document and submit written comments for consideration as part of the CEQA process.
Documents are available for review at City Hall and online, using the link below. Questions or written comments may be directed to the Community Development Director as outlined in the official Notice of Intent.
Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration - Sandalwood Travel Center (PDF)
Zoning Information
City's Zoning and Land Use Map (PDF)