Planning Department

The City of Mt. Shasta’s Planning Department is responsible for the implementation of the General Plan, which involves periodic updates, revisions and amendments. The General Plan is actualized in the zoning code, zoning map, residential objective design standards and citywide design guidelines, which regulates how land and buildings can be used and developed. The management of the Plans and Codes is known as long-range planning and the application of the Plans and codes is known as current planning. Some common current planning activities include:

• Site plan review
• Subdivision review
• Zone changes
• Conditional Use Permits
• Minor Use Permits
• Temporary Use Permits
• Event Permits
• Sign Permits
• Home Occupation Permits

The Planning Department also coordinates closely with the Public Works Department, Building Department, and the Planning Commission.

Planning Director

Under direction of the City Manager, the Planning Director performs a variety of professional planning activities in support of City development projects including project and application review and analysis, environmental and municipal impact studies, and the development of short and long-range plans; provides technical consultation, assistance, and recommendations concerning City plans, development projects, and related land use, environmental, permit, and municipal matters; and performs related duties, as assigned.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is a permanent committee of seven (7) citizens who are appointed by and act as an advisory body to the City Council and reside within the City or Siskiyou County. The functions of the Planning Commission are to review matters related to planning and development, including proposed changes to the General Plan for the physical development of the City; make recommendations on proposed zoning and land use ordinances, and exercise control over land subdivisions and development applications. More information about the Planning Commission may be viewed here.

Current Planning Projects

A list of key current projects is provided here. 

Planning Documents and Maps

All properties within the City of Mt. Shasta are subject to the General Plan and Zoning Code. Depending on location or use, properties may also be subject to additional regulatory documents.

•  Mt. Shasta Municipal Code
  • Title 18 - Zoning Code
  • 2017 Zoning Map
• Citywide Design Guidelines
• Residential Objective Design Standards
• General Plan
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction
  • General Plan Issues and Administration
  • Land Use Element
  • Circulation Element
  • Open Space/Conservation Element
  • Safety Element
  • Noise Element
  • Housing Element
  • Bibliography
  • Draft EIR
  • Final EIR
• Policies and Ordinances (not yet reflected in the Municipal Code)
  • Tiny Homes on Wheels (CCO 25-08)
  • Downtown District Parking Pass (CCO 25-03)
  • Objective Design Standards
  • Outdoor Dining (CCO 24-08)
  • Short-Term Rentals (CCO 24-07)

Do you need a Planning Permit? 

Residents in Mt. Shasta may need a Planning Permit for the following activities:

• New multi-family home
• New accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or Junior ADU
• Demolition of any structure

Businesses may need a Planning Permit for the following activities:

• New commercial development
• Remodel of commercial development
• New tenant operation in existing commercial building
• Demolition of any structure

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of Planning permits that may be required. Please call the Planning Department at 530-408-9258 or email Kim Fowler at kfowler [at] mtshastaca.gov (kfowler[at]mtshastaca[dot]gov) if you think a Planning Permit is needed for your development or activity but are unsure of next steps. 

Ready to submit a Planning application? 

Click here to view the list of Planning applications and forms. 

PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY

The Planning Commission is seeking applications from candidates to fill one vacant seat. Please contact Rachel Agron, Deputy City Clerk, at (530) 926-7516 or ragron [at] mtshastaca.gov (ragron[at]mtshastaca[dot]gov) for an application.