The New Development Engineering Division is responsible for plan review, map checking, and inspection of all private site development (residential, commercial, and industrial) that occurs within the City of Walnut Creek. The New Development Engineering Division reviews and approves all  Subdivision maps, issues  Site Development Permits for grading, drainage, retaining walls, other improvements on private property, and issues Encroachment Permits for all work in the public right-of-way.

The  Subdivision of land into two or more lots for sale, lease, or financing and Lot Line Adjustments are regulated by Title 10, Chapter 1 of the Walnut Creek Municipal Code and the State Subdivision Map Act. The City of Walnut Creek requires a Tentative Map for both Major Subdivisions (5 or more lots) and Minor Subdivisions (4 or fewer lots). A Planning Application is required for all Tentative Maps. 

 A Site Development Permit is required for:

• Any grading over 50 cubic yards, fill over 1 foot deep under structures, over 3 feet deep outside structures or cuts over 3 feet in vertical height, 
• Retaining Walls over 3 feet in height above lowest adjacent grade or retaining walls supporting a surcharge,
• Alteration of any drainage course between properties,
• New or Modified Commercial Parking Lots including paving, curb, sidewalk, drainage facilities, lighting, signing, and striping, or
• Landscaping and Irrigation as required by the Design Review Commission.

An Encroachment Permit is required for any work performed in the public right of way. For example: installation or repair of sidewalk, curb and/or gutter, driveway approach, installation of sidewalk underdrain, installation of sewer lateral, and any construction or staging requiring traffic or pedestrian control. Click here for an application form.