Community & Economic Development

Our department staff's commitments are to provide friendly professional services that support economic vitality, and ensure that new development achieves a balance between the economic, social, environmental and quality of life goals for the City of Modesto.

Building Safety and Neighborhood Preservation

The Building Division is open Monday through Thursday 8:30AM to 4:30PM.  Fridays are available for appointments - please use the Online Appointment Form or call to speak with a Department representative. 

  • To apply for over the counter permits, go to Building Safety and Neighborhood Preservation and click on "Online Services" on the red menu bar to the left.
  • To apply for a plan review, please come in during walk in hours or call 209-577-5232 extension 1 to schedule a Friday appointment.
  • We provide requested building inspections on a daily basis.
  • Code enforcement officers respond to complaints received from the community. Call, email or use the GoModesto app for Apple or Android phones.

Community Development

Economic Development

  • Business Advisory Services are available by phone or email and meetings can be scheduled. Call Economic Development 209-571-5566 
  • Entertainment Permit assistance is available, appointments are recommended.  Call Economic Development 209-571-5566.

Land Development and Engineering 

  • Land Development and Engineering (LDE) assists the public with permitting and understanding development codes.
  • LDE can help you with permits in the road and City right of way, permits for water and sewer connections to the public utility, and transportaton (Over Sized) permits.
  • We provide permitting and development review services by phone, email and video conference. Please make an appointment to set up in-person meeting.
  • Please submit your permit application online.
  • Reach Land Development Engineering by email..

Planning

The Planning Division is open Monday through Thursday 8:30AM to 4:30PM, appointments are not necessary.  Fridays are by appointment - please use the Online Appointment Form or call to speak with a Department representative. We encourage you to use the online appointment form to schedule meetings by phone or videoconference.

Transportation Engineering and Design

  • Transportation Engineering and Design is available by email. Please contact Phillip Soares.

Department Publications

Economic Development OverviewCommunity and Economic Development Overview Brochure

Modesto is a great place to live, work and visit, and the business community is both vital and supportive.   Businesses that come here stay here and prosper in an excellent regional market.

Modesto's high quality of life, affordability, and "Magic 90 Minutes" location is a winning formula for a growing, diverse business community.

View Economic Overview Brochure (PDF)

Modesto Economic Indicators ReportEconomic Indicators Report (Click for PDF)

Modesto continues to experience steady economic growth creating both employment and development opportunities.

The Economic Indicators report summarizes key economic factors and conditions, including Employment; Retail, Commercial and Industrial Real Estate; Building Permit activity; Household Income and Housing markets; and Government performance.

View Economic Indicators Brochure (PDF)