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

• Please contact 209-577-5211 or email Housing.

Economic Development

• Business Advisory Services are available by phone or email and meetings can be scheduled. Call Economic Development 209-571-5566 
  • Planning to go into business in Modesto?  See our New Business Startup Checklist.
• 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.

• You can request an appointment online, by phone at 209-577-5267 or by emailing Planning. 
• We are available to respond to inquiries by emailing Planning, phone and videoconference at 209-577-5267. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Transportation Engineering and Design

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