The City of Santee (City) develops and maintains several key planning documents that guide how the community grows and evolves.These include the General Plan, Town Center Specific Plan, and Sustainable Santee Plan.On this page, you will find City plans, municipal code and ordinances as well as frequently asked planning questions.
Town Center Specific Plan
Applications / Handouts
Land Use Element Update
Essential Housing
City Municipal Code/Zoning
Use the City’s Zoning Map to search for a property using the search function in the top left corner. Click within the property boundaries of the searched property and use the arrows in the results box to identify the zoning. You may also select the Legend in the top right corner of the map which will show the map colors and associated zoning.
If your site is located within the Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) area, turn on the TCSP Zoning map layer located on the right side of the map.
After March 4, 1972, through the California Subdivision Map Act, the only way to create new lots is through approval of a subdivision map. While many lots were divided by deed prior to 1972 and may be recognized as legal lots, properties can no longer be divided by deed. Anyone who wishes to split a lot or sell off a portion of property, would be required to go through a formal subdivision process or boundary adjustment process.
For information and copies regarding right-of-way widths and any available subdivision/parcel maps, please contact the Engineering Department 619-258-4100 ext. 167. If additional information is needed beyond what the Engineering Department can provide, a private surveyor should be hired to identify exact property line locations.
There are two types of planning permits: discretionary and ministerial. The differences are listed below:
Discretionary permits require review and approval by a decision maker to allow a specific type of land use and/or to allow for the construction, modification, or use of a property or building. Examples of projects that may require discretionary review/permits include wireless facilities, residential subdivisions, religious assembly structures, and commercial shopping centers. Examples of commonly requested discretionary permits in the City include conditional use permits (major, minor, or temporary), subdivisions (tentative maps/tentative parcel maps), and development review permits.
Ministerial permits, often referred to as by-right permits, are sometimes required for uses or structures being permitted through State mandated streamlining efforts or minor changes to existing entitled projects. Examples of some commonly requested ministerial permits in the City include sign permits, antenna permits, and by-right housing developments.
Discretionary projects are subject to review under CEQA. Upon submittal of an application, the City will distribute plans and associated project documentation to relevant public agencies and City departments for review and comment. Following a completeness determination pursuant to Government Code §65943, the City will assess whether the proposed action is subject to CEQA. If CEQA applies, the project may be eligible for an exemption (statutory or categorical), or it may require preparation of an Initial Study to determine the potential for significant environmental impacts.
Article 18 and Article 19 of the State CEQA Guidelines identify statutory and categorical exemptions. However, Section 15300.2 outlines exceptions to categorical exemptions that must be considered based on the project scope, site conditions, and supporting documentation. If any of these exceptions apply, the exemption cannot be used. All CEQA exemptions must be supported by substantial evidence demonstrating the project qualifies for the exemption and that no exceptions apply. Exemption determinations are retained in the administrative record and posted to the State Clearinghouse within five days of project approval but are not subject to public review or comment periods.
Cannabis Businesses Webpage
Still have questions and want to contact a planner?
Planners can be reached during City Hall business hours by phone, email, or stopping by in person at the public counter. The City Hall hours, address and planning contact information is located below.
Santee City Hall, Planning & Building Department 10601 Magnolia Avenue, Building 4, Santee, CA 92071Hours: M–Th 8:00am-5:00pm, F 8:00am-1:00pm
Phone: 619-258-4100 ext. 167 Email: planning@cityofsanteeca.gov
The Santee Municipal Code (SMC) lists laws that govern Santee.Reference the SMC
Title 13 of the Santee Municipal Code is the City’s Zoning Ordinance and is the primary tool for implementing the General Plan. The Land Use Code provides detailed standards for the development and use of land, including what types of uses are permitted in particular zones, minimum lot sizes, height restrictions, building setbacks, parking requirements, wall heights, sign criteria and other standards.Santee Municipal Code Title 13 Santee Zoning Map
The City of Santee Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance promotes the values and benefits of landscaping practices that integrate and go beyond to in the effort to conserve water and use it efficiently.
Santee Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The City of Santee has several important plans that guide the development and maintenance of our City.
The General Plan serves as a long-term policy guide for physical, economic, and environmental growth. It is a statement of the community's vision for ultimate growth. State law requires that every city prepare and adopt a comprehensive long-range plan to serve as a guide for the development of the community. City actions, such as those relating to land use allocations, annexations, zoning, subdivision and design review, redevelopment and capital improvements must be consistent with the General Plan. The General Plan designates land use categories for the entire city. Each land use category is identified and defined within the General Plan and includes information on the general uses, development, intensity, siting, and compatibility uses.
General Plan Environmental Impact Report
In March 2025, the City of Santee completed a comprehensive update to the Town Center Specific Plan, which includes a reimagined Arts and Entertainment Neighborhood at the core of the Town Center.
Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Subarea Plan Webpage
Active Transportation Plan
Gillespie Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
Safe Routes to School Plan
The Sustainable Santee Plan is the City of Santee's (City) roadmap to greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions to conform to State GHG emission reduction targets. The City is committed to providing a more livable, equitable, and economically vibrant community through the incorporation of energy efficiency features and reduction of GHG emissions. Through the Sustainable Santee Action Plan, the City has established goals and policies that incorporate environmental responsibility into its daily management of its community and municipal operations.
Planning Email
Building Email
Phone: 619-258-4100 ext. 167Hours: M–Th 8:00am-5:00pm, F 8:00am-1:00pm
Santee City Hall, Planning & Building Department10601 Magnolia Avenue, Building 4Santee, CA 92071
City Hall Operational Hours:M-Th 8:00am – 5:00pm, F 8:00am – 1:00pm
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