Planning | National City, CA

National City, CA

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Planning

The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing land development proposals, ensuring compliance with the City's General Plan, Land Use Code, Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, Local Coastal Program Implementation, State Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other applicable local and state regulations.

The Planning Division also provides staff support to the Planning Commission and recommends and implements changes to the land use section of the Land Use Code.

Quick Links

Interactive Zoning Map
Land Use Map
Zoning Map
UPDATE: Per City Council Resolution 2025-62, a new fee schedule is effective as of August 6, 2025.
- Planning Department Fees effective: August 6, 2025.
- Fee Schedule (City-wide) effective: August 6, 2025.
National City Municipal Code

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Density Bonus Process

Permit Applications

Complete the following steps and direct questions to Planning Division staff at (619) 336-4310. Thank you.

Visit Applications and Informational Handouts webpage. to download and complete a Permit Application.
Complete the Credit Card Authorization Form (found here).
Submit files in one of the following ways:

Email ALL files to planning@nationalcityca.gov.
If the files are too large: (1) drop off the printed files to 1243 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950; or, (2) mail the printed files 1243 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.

SideWalk Vending

General Plan

For detailed information on the City of National City's a long-range planning document called the General Plan, visit www.nationalcityca.gov/generalplan. A Focused General Plan Update (FGPU) was partially updated in 2024. Below are the links to the final components from the update and supporting documents.

Land Use Code: Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code is the City’s Zoning Ordinance and is the primary tool for implementing the General Plan. The Land Use Code provides detailed standards for development or the use of land. These standards include what types of uses are permitted in particular zone, minimum lot size, height restrictions, building setbacks, parking requirements, wall heights, sign criteria and other standards.

Environmental Reviews

Transit Oriented Development Overlay (TODO)