Community Services

ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICES

The department has the responsibility to plan, promote, and sustain an attractive and high-quality living and working environment by facilitating appropriate land use and public investment decisions ensuring that the community is developed in a safe, aesthetically pleasing and conscientious manner. The department is a one-stop-shop for residents and businesses by providing business attraction and retention services, small business support, affordable housing initiatives, long-range and current planning, project review, building permitting and inspection, code enforcement, rental housing inspection and licensing, parking management, real estate services, management of city-owned property, and sustainability initiatives. Major Focus Areas for the department include Downtown Westminster, Westminster Station, Historic Westminster, North Huron and the Promenade Areas. The department serves as key Staff to the Planning Commission, Westminster Economic Development Authority (WEDA) and Westminster Housing Authority (WHA).

Today's Inspections

Apply for a Permit or Project

Building Division

Building Inspections

Planning Division

Develop in Westminster

Rental Property Inspections

Parking, Transportation, and Mobility

Code Enforcement

Economic Development

Development Areas

Economic Development

The Economic Development Division is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, attracting private investment, and enhancing the overall economic vitality of our community. The division works hand in hand with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to cultivate a diverse and resilient economy that provides opportunities for all residents, promotes job creation, and improves quality of life. We do this through, business attraction and retention, training, scholarships, and recognition events.

Economic Development also works to ensure access to safe, affordable, and equitable housing for residents. The division works with affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to promote the development and preservation of affordable housing units, and addresses housing affordability challenges for low- and moderate-income residents.

Visit the Economic Development page for more information.

Planning

The Planning Division is primarily responsible for all long-range and current planning activities including the coordination of development review and land use entitlements; the City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan; Specific Plan Districts, and administration of the Planning Commission.

Visit the Planning Division page for more information about the planning process.

Landscape Changes - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The City of Westminster Community Services Department staff regularly assist residents and businesses in Westminster seeking to update their landscaping with lower water-using choices. The purpose of this FAQ is to clarify the process for landscape changes.

Regarding Small Cell Wireless in Westminster

The City of Westminster is getting more interest from wireless carriers who are seeking to place small cell wireless facilities in the city’s public rights-of-way (ROW). Please visit our small cell wireless FAQ page for more information.

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Division is responsible for code enforcement and operations. The division works to preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods, commercial areas, businesses, and the community at large by regulating and controlling the use and maintenance of all properties within the city.

Visit the Community Preservation page for more information.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rental or STR is defined as the use of a residential dwelling unit, or portion thereof, within the City, excluding hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for periods of less than thirty (30) days, including but not limited to a single-family dwelling, duplex, townhome, condominium, or similar dwelling. For more information please visit our short-term rentals web page.

Building

The Building Division is responsible for permit and code information, plan reviews, applications, and fee schedules.

Visit the Building Division page for more information.

Solar Resources

Real Estate Development

The Real Estate Development Division facilitates responsible real estate development projects that contribute to livable, walkable, and inclusive neighborhoods that meet the needs of current and future generations. The division promotes mixed-use development, revitalizes underutilized areas, and serves as project managers for Downtown Westminster, Westminster Station Area, and Urban Renewal Areas.

Visit our Development Areas page for more information on Downtown Westminster, Westminster Station, and our other redevelopment projects.

Sustainability

The Sustainability Office promotes a clean, safe, and environmentally healthy community for current and future generations. Through programs, education, and coordinating external partnerships and resources, the division helps residents, businesses, developers, and City staff enact sustainable practices that improve social responsibility, resilience, and reduce costs.

The SAGE Sustainability Business Program approaches sustainability through a business-first lens that connects businesses to financial resources, technical assistance, and expertise to increase business value through cost reduction, increased community recognition, conservation of resources, and improved competitive advantage over time.

Visit the Sustainability page for more information.