The Planning Division serves as the professional and technical advisors to the City Planning Commission/Site and Architectural Review Board and the City Council on policy matters and issues concerning land development and land uses within the community. In addition, the department handles administrative actions that do not require actions by the Planning Commission or City Council and assists new relocating and expanding businesses. The Division provides both current and advanced planning services, , and business assistance.
Current Planning involves the review and processing of land development applications that result in the construction or use of a parcel of land or a structure. The review of specific projects typically involves Design Review, Technical Review, Environmental Review, Plan Checking and Inspection.
Advance Planning involves long range planning including the administration and update of the City's General Plan, the review of Specific Plans, administration of the City Zoning Ordinance, and other special studies or land use ordinances as directed by the City Council. The Department is committed to providing accurate and timely response to questions from the general public and to review individual development projects in a timely and fair manner.
Development Activity current development projects in the City of Grand Terrace, click below for list:
Planning Project List - June 2025
Contact Planning for more information.
City Plan Submittal Process – What to Expect
When submitting plans for a project (such as a new home, addition, or ADU), there are a few key steps and departments involved. Understanding the process upfront can help your project move more smoothly and avoid delays.
1. Planning Review & Entitlements (First Step)
Before construction plans are reviewed, your project may need Planning approval to ensure it meets zoning and land use regulations.
This may include:
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Zoning compliance (setbacks, height, lot coverage)
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Use approval (e.g., ADUs, multi-family, commercial use)
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Design review (in some areas)
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Special approvals or permits (entitlements)
⏱ Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks (may vary depending on project type)
2. Building Plan Check (After Planning Approval)
Once Planning approval is complete (or confirmed not required), you can submit for Building plan review.
This review ensures:
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Compliance with building codes
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Structural safety
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Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems meet code
⏱ Typical timeline: 2 weeks depending on project size and completeness
3. Review by Other Agencies (As Needed)
Depending on your project, additional approvals may be required from outside departments or agencies:
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Fire Department – access, fire safety, sprinklers
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Water Department/District – water service, meters, capacity
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Public Works/Engineering – grading, drainage, right-of-way impacts
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Sewer/Sanitation District – sewer connections
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County or Regional Agencies – environmental health, flood zones, etc.
These reviews may happen concurrently with building review or be required before permit issuance.
4. Corrections & Resubmittals
Most projects will receive plan check comments. You (or your designer) will:
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Address comments
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Revise plans
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Resubmit for approval
Multiple rounds may be required.
5. Permit Issuance
Once all departments approve your plans and fees are paid:
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Your building permit is issued
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Construction can begin
Grand Terrace Active Transportation Plan
Grand Terrace Active Transportation Plan - Oct 2018 Appendices
Grand Terrace Active Transportation Plan - Oct 2018
Planning Documents
Housing Element Update 2021-2029
State HCD comment letter received February 10, 2022
Housing Element and response to comments matrix
Grand Terrace Revised Housing Element May 2024The revised Housing Element was available for public review from May 16th through May 23rd, 2024. Revisions were made in response to the comment letter received from HCD in February 2022 and are shown in red underline.
Housing Element Workshop April 2024 (
English,
Spanish)