Planning And Building Services

To effectively manage existing and future development by facilitating the availability of adequate services and facilities, advocating the wise use of our natural resources, promoting an awareness and consideration of cultural resources, and facilitating the protection and enhancement of the quality of life in Mendocino County. While recognizing it is not always possible to reconcile the often-diverse interests of our clients (private applicants, interested citizens, general public, decision-makers, other agencies) we will strive to:

1. Provide precise, up-to-date and innovative advice and technical expertise.
2. Be problem solvers seeking solutions to issues within the framework of the regulations.
3. Treat all members of the public, applicants, decision-makers and co-workers in a courteous, respectful and professional manner.
4. Improve and maintain effectiveness and efficiency by forging working relationships within, and external to the County organizations.
5. Develop and maintain a work environment that strives for excellence and exemplary customer service through teamwork, continuous training, career advancement, innovation, and a culture that encourages creative change.

• Interim Department Director: Richard Angley
• Interim Assistant Director:Gretchen McLaughlin
• Building Official: Richard Angley
• Code Enforcement Manager: Gretchen McLaughlin
• Chief Planner: Vacant

The Department of Planning and Building Services is comprised of four Divisions: Planning, Building, Code Enforcement and Cannabis.

The Planning Division is responsible for preparing, updating, and implementing plans and regulations that guide local development. These include the County General Plan, Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, Inland & Coastal Zoning Code, Building Code, Subdivision Ordinances, and Surface Mining Act regulations, ensuring compliance with state requirements. Additionally, it offers services such as mapping/cartography, GIS, addressing, and census data.

The Building Division is responsible for issuing construction permits, overseeing Flood Plain policy, reviewing permits for stormwater runoff compliance, and enforcing additional green building codes.

The Code Enforcement Division safeguards the health and welfare of the community by responding to citizen complaints, conducting Cannabis enforcement, managing the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program, as well as nuisance abatement projects.

The Cannabis Division is responsible for issuing

cannabis cultivation licenses in accordance with regulations as approved by the Board of Supervisors and ensure that all licensed cultivation sites comply with all applicable environmental, community safety, and regulatory performance standards.

Primary Responsibilities

The Planning and Building Services Department's primary responsibilities are to:

• Administer, implement and enforce state and local building construction regulations in the unincorporated area of the County and the cities of Fort Bragg and Point Arena;
• Administer, implement and enforce state and local land use planning and zoning laws;
• Prepare, revise, update, implement and administer the County General Plan, Local Coastal Program and Airport Land Use Plans.
• Coordinate the abatement of abandoned vehicles in the unincorporated area of the County and the Cities of Willits, Fort Bragg and Point Arena.
• Coordinate preparation and dissemination of mapping and population information.

Additionally, the department pursues grant opportunities related to planning, building, and housing.

More detailed information on the functions of the department can be found in the pages of this website.

Please Note: The Division fees listed in the Master Fee Schedule represent only a portion of the fees that may be applicable to a permit or project. Other Departments, such as Environmental Health, Assessor, Department of Transportation and Clerk of the Board fees may apply. Permits and projects are subject to the current fee schedule at the time of issuance.

eTRAKIT application fees represent only a portion of the total cost for Department staff to process, review, issue, and perform inspections associated with the building permit(s). Any corrected fees and/or the balance due must be collected at the time of building permit issuance.

• Master Fee Schedule - Effective June 22, 2026
  • Planning and Building Services Fees as posted in the Master Fee Schedule(PDF, 171KB)

Applying online does not guarantee that a permit will be issued. Applicants must receive notification from staff that their permit has been approved and is ready to issue before work can commence. Please note, regardless of whether they are submitted online, by mail, or in-person, incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. Our current plancheck process takes 6-8 weeks to complete.

Please Note: eTRAKIT application fees represent only a portion of the total cost for Department staff to process, review, issue, and perform inspections associated with the building permit(s). Any corrected fees and/or the balance due must be collected at the time of building permit issuance.

• How to Schedule an Inspection(PDF, 723KB)
• Guidelines of Online Permit Applications in eTRAKIT(PDF, 174KB)
• Permit, Project & Property Info
• The "Over the Counter" Permit Process from the staff side(PDF, 592KB)
• CalApp Solar Online Permitting; Contractors only How to Apply(PDF, 835KB)