The function of the Planning & Development Department is to coordinate and administer the planning program for the City of Imperial, in order to solve and prevent development-related problems that adversely affect the quality of life in the City, through a proactive approach to both short and long term planning. The planning program consists primarily of long range (or "comprehensive") planning, current planning, and technical support to the City Administrator.

Downtown Imperial Redevelopment Master Plan & Design Guidelines

The Downtown Imperial Redevelopment Master Plan is the foundation to facilitate positive change within Downtown Imperial. Click here to access the Downtown Imperial Redevelopment Master Plan in PDF format. 

City of Imperial Zoning Code:

The Zoning Code is a tool for regulating the built environment and successfully create functional real estate markets within the City limits.

• Section 24.01 General Provisions
• Section 24.03 Residential Zones
• Section 24.05 Commercial Zones
• Section 24.07 Industrial Zones
• Section 24.09 100 Mobile Home Park Zone
• Section 24.09.260 PUD Zone
• Section 24.09.300 Specific Plan Overlay Zone
• Section 24.09.400 Agriculture Zone
• Section 24.11.120 Temporary Uses
• Section 24.11.200 Home Occupations
• Section 24.11.300 Large Animals
• Section 24.11.400 Small Animals
• Section 24.11.500 Kennels
• Section 24.11.600 Video Game Arcades
• Section 24.11.700 Satellite Dish Antennas
• Section 24.11.800 Adult Businesses
• Section 24.13 Off-Street Parking
• Section 24.16 Signs
• Section 24.17 Nonconforming Uses
• Section 24.19.200 Administration
• Section 24.19.300 Conditional Use Permit
• Section 24.19.400 Variances
• Section 24.19.500 Site Plan Review
• Section 24.19.600 Amendments
• Section 24.20.100 Open Space
• Section IMC.26 Telecomm Systems

SB 9 Fact Sheet

SB 9 contains eligibility criteria addressing environmental site constraints (e.g., wetlands, wildfire risk, etc.), anti-displacement measures for renters and low-income households, and the protection of historic structures and districts. You can access the California Department of Housing and Community Development SB 9 Factsheet [pdf] format.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook - Updated January 2025

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are innovative and effective options for adding much needed housing in California. Since 2016, State ADU Laws have continued to evolve to further lower barriers to the development of more affordable housing as the Legislature works to address the housing crisis across the state. As these laws change, HCD’s goal is to ensure consistency and clarity in the application of these laws through education, technical assistance, and enforcement.

View or download the Accessory Dwelling Unit [ADU] Handbook [pdf] format