The Planning Division provides the community with current and long range planning services to maintain and enhance the City as a safe, vital and attractive community.  It includes development and implementation of policies and standards including General Plan, specific plans, zoning, subdivision regulations and design guidelines. The staff reviews development permit applications which involve environmental and historic preservation reviews, neighborhood contacts, and staff reports to city commissions and City Council. Staff to the Planning Commission. 

General Plan Update 2025-2050

The City of Davis has an exciting opportunity to work closely with the community on the General Plan to plan a safe, fair, healthy and sustainable future for everyone who calls Davis home. The General Plan Update (GPU) offers the City an opportunity to develop a roadmap to make our community the best it can be for our residents, workers, students and visitors. Whether it is creating more housing for all income levels, enhancing parks and open space or improving the local business climate for small, medium and large businesses, our goal is to make Davis a place where everyone has what they need to thrive and succeed.

To create a future for our community that welcomes and serves everyone, we want everyone to be involved in the GPU process. This process is the City’s and the Davis community’s chance to have community-wide conversations about protecting what we love about Davis, collaborating on solutions to the challenges we face and setting the vision for our future, together. We need everyone engaged in sharing their perspectives and unique stories so that, together, we can plan a vibrant future for all.

For information on the process and community engagement opportunities and updates on the status of the plan, see the project webpage at: Davis 2050 General Plan Update. 

Zoning Information

• For Zoning Ordinance, see Municipal Code: Chapter 40.
• For Zoning info on individual parcels, see: Zoning Standards.
• For information on Accessory Dwelling Units or Pre-Designed ADUs.

Planning Documents

General and Specific Plans

• General Plan (2007) (see 2050 General Plan Update process above)
• General Plan Program EIR 
  Downtown Davis Specific Plan and Form Based Code information.
• Gateway-Olive Drive Specific Plan (updated 2022) 
• South Davis Specific Plan

Design Guidelines

• Design Guidelines for Traditional Residential Neighborhoods (Old North, Old East, University Ave/Rice Lane)
• Sign Design Guidelines Citywide 

Housing

• Link to Housing Element Update 2021-2029 (Version 3) information. 
  Link to City of Davis Affordable Housing Program information. 

Sustainability/Climate Action and Adaptation

• Link to 2020 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) information  

Transportation Planning 

• Link to Transportation Planning information. 

Environmental Review

• How to Participate in the Environmental Review Process

General Information

• Core Parking Districts Map 
• Sphere of Influence for the City of Davis approved by Yolo County June 2008