The Planning Division administers and implements the City's land use and zoning functions, processes discretionary land use applications, and assures compliance with conditions of approval through various reviews and inspections. This division also ensures compliance with the Poway Municipal Code, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other state and federal regulations.
Property Information
Zoning information can be found on Poway's GIS site. Click on the "Search" tab and enter your address, followed by the search icon. Click on the "Community" tab, then expand the "Planning Information" data. In addition to the zoning code, you can find information about the zoning, habitat conservation areas, high fire hazard zones and archeological sensitive areas.
Information on development regulations such as allowable uses, setbacks and design standards can be found in the Poway Municipal Code for Residential Properties PMC 17.08 and Commercial Properties PMC 17.10. Properties identified as Planned Community (PC) or Planned Residential (PRD) lie within the boundary of a Specific Plan. The allowable uses, setbacks and design standards are further defined within each Specific Plan. You can find the adopted Specific Plans under Planning Reference Documents.
Planning Permits
All planning applications are received through the City’s online portal. Projects are evaluated by staff to confirm the type of permit required. As of July 1, 2024, Minor Development Review Applications are no longer required for single family homes. Guidance on new home construction.
Vegetation Clearing & Landscaping
Use Permits
Development Review
Subdivisions
Sign Regulations Amendment
Poway's Comprehensive Sign Regulations, Chapter 17.40 of the Poway Municipal Code (PMC), were amended by the City Council in 2012 and 2014 (Ordinance 739) (PDF). The amended sign regulations are intended to serve the needs of the business community while maintaining a high quality visual appearance in the City's commercial areas. The City's Sign Permit Application (PDF) includes frequently asked questions (FAQ) pertaining to general sign regulations. The city's Temporary Sign Permit Application (PDF) includes FAQs for customers.
Use City of Poway Online Services to complete and submit permit applications and plans, search for permit records, and apply for business certificates, regulatory licenses and more. Effective June 1, 2022, only electronic submittals will be accepted.