About Us

The Planning, Building and Environmental Services Department is available for consultation and permitting services weekdays (excluding holidays). For Permitting hours, see the More Information page.

Planning Division

The Planning Division is charged with charting the orderly growth and development of the unincorporated areas of Napa County, while maintaining its quality of life, agricultural heritage and natural environment. The Planning Division functions as professional staff to the County Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, the Airport Land Use Commission, and other advisory boards and commissions. The Planning Division is responsible for the maintenance and implementation of the County General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, along with local implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Building & Development Division

The Building Division is responsible for enforcing the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical codes in the unincorporated areas of Napa County. These codes ensure that all construction meets the minimum health and safety requirements as determined by the state.  To this end, the Building Division processes and reviews construction applications and field inspects the projects during construction.  

Environmental Health Division

The Environmental Health Division administers the County’s Consumer Protection, Well and Onsite Wastewater Treatment, CUPA/Pollution Prevention and Solid Waste Programs and Services.

Conservation Division

The Conservation Division is responsible for the review and processing of erosion control plans, agricultural preserve (Williamson Act) contracts, mining inspections/permits, lot line adjustments, as well as a number of other land use/planning applications. The Division prepares environmental documents for private projects, implements the Conservation Regulations and assists in the maintenance and update the General Plan. Division staff is additionally tasked with developing and managing the Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) data, graphics and mapping products, and maintenance of county-wide baseline environmental data report (BDR). The Division also monitors State and Federal agency programs and projects that may affect the management and use of the County’s environmental and natural resources, and provides comments and/or staff resources as warranted to protect and guard Napa County’s interests.

Engineering Division

The Engineering Division has primary responsibility for processing grading permits and floodplain management permits, and enforcing Stormwater pollution and prevention measures. We provide information and assistance to the public regarding compliance with various land development and environmental policies and regulations at the federal, State, and local levels. The Engineering Division is also responsible for floodplain management resources, and infrastructure, and Napa County Roads and Streets Standards.

Parks & Open Space District

In November of 2006 Napa County voters approved Measure I establishing the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. The District is authorized to plan, improve and operate a system of public parks, trails, outdoor recreational facilities, and outdoor science and conservation education programs, as well as to protect and preserve natural areas, wildlife habitat and other open space resources. Its jurisdiction includes all of Napa County. The District has no power to regulate private land use, is subject to all applicable city and county regulations, and may only acquire property from willing sellers.

The District is governed by a Board of Directors whose members are directly elected by the public in each of five wards, which boundaries coincide with the County’s Board of Supervisors’ districts. Funding and staffing for the Parks and Open Space District currently comes from the County of Napa, at the level determined by the County Board of Supervisors. The District is also empowered to obtain grants, accept gifts and collect fees for services provided. Subject to voter approval, the District is authorized to raise revenues through some types of property assessments and taxes.