The Planning Department guides the planned physical development of the city in a manner that preserves the quality of life for its residents, by ensuring that all new planning programs and development projects comply with the General Plan and the performance standards of the Growth Management Plan. Advice and technical support is provided to the City Council and Planning Commission regarding the compliance of all development proposals with the city's zoning, subdivision and environmental ordinances.

In addition, the Planning Department does analysis and prepares reports dealing with long-range planning matters, such as demographic projections, open space protection and General Plan updates.