Community Development Department
The Covina Community Development Department works to improve the quality of life of Covina’s residents and the appearance of the City. We strive to abate blight and decay by promoting the safe and orderly development and revitalization of the community using acceptable planning strategies and code enforcement practices. The Department consists of the Planning, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, and Special Projects Divisions.
Authenticity is the new watchword for business development and Covina has it in spades. Covina offers retailers and businesses an authentic walkable downtown and is a premier location for unique restaurants and retailers. The community is poised to blossom in the atmosphere of environmental consciousness that is guiding California into the future. For prime community development opportunities, contact Brian K. Lee, Director of Community Development, at Planning@covinaca.gov
Planning
Planning
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Building & Safety
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Special Projects
Special Projects
Public Notices
RFP's, RFQ, and Bids
GIS Map
Covina Opportunity
Authenticity is the new watchword for business development in the 21st century–and Covina has it in spades. While the instant suburbs of the last century scramble to create faux town centers, Covina offers retailers and businesses an authentic, walkable, downtown.
Covina is the premier location for distinctive and unique restaurants and retailers that have made it the entertainment center for the San Gabriel Valley. Nightlife, live theater, and destination shopping combine for a lively and animated ambiance.
This sought-after environment is at the heart of a community with its roots in the citrus boom that made early California the nation’s premier destination. Yet, far-sighted planning means the community is poised to blossom in the new atmosphere of environmental consciousness that is guiding California into the future. The walkable Downtown offers smart growth development opportunities for increased densities with a transit-oriented emphasis adjacent to Covina’s Metrolink station.
For prime community development opportunities, contact Brian K. Lee, Director of Community Development, at Planning@covinaca.gov
Covina Development Updates
Long Range Planning, Infrastructure, and Collaborative Projects.
Rezoning & General Plan Alignment Project
The City is embarking on a rezoning project to align the RD Multifamily zoning districts with the Medium Density Residential and High-Density Residential land use designations of the 2000 General Plan. This rezoning will not affect the current use of any of the properties identified. For further information, click here.
Comprehensive Zoning Code Update & Modernization
The City of Covina adopted its first Zoning Code in 1964, and it has been amended incrementally over the past 50 years. The City proposed updating the Zoning Code to incorporate current best practices, address local zoning issues, and meet current development trends and State planning mandates. Covina aims to modernize the Zoning Code by making the document more user-friendly, protecting the environment, preventing land use conflicts, and balancing business growth with the well-being of our community without creating unnecessary barriers. To learn more, click HERE.
Covina Town Center Pedestrian Bridge Project – Feasibility Phase
As part of the upcoming Covina Recreation Village Park Project, the City is evaluating the feasibility of constructing a pedestrian bridge over the existing rail line in Covina, to improve connectivity between the Covina Metrolink Station (600 N Citrus Avenue), Covina Recreation Village (640-680 N Citrus Avenue), and Downtown Covina via Front Street. In 2025, the City acquired the property at 319 E Front Street through funding provided by a Measure A Land Acquisition grant and the Safe, Clean Water Program. Building on that investment, the City is currently undertaking a five-month effort to prepare the Covina Town Center Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Report and conduct a community outreach program. This work is being funded by Metro, a partner in our community. This project is in the feasibility phase and is in collaboration with the Covina Public Works Department.
Click here to learn more about this potential bridge project, give feedback, and sign up for updates!
Covina Active Streets and Multi-Modal Connectivity Plan
In 2024, the City adopted the Covina Active Street and Multimodal Connectivity Plan, or “CASMCP”. This long-range planning task, in collaboration with the Public Works/Engineering department, focuses on improving the pedestrian and bicycle networks in the downtown and immediate surrounding areas. It identifies opportunities to improve crosswalk conditions, improve and expand bicycle infrastructure, and more. The City recently received a funding award through SCAG for the Downtown Quick Build Project (coming summer 2026). The analysis and project concepts developed through the CASMCP were instrumental in supporting the City’s successful grant application. In addition, preparation of the SCAG Quick Build Program application was funded through LA Metro, which helped minimize the use of local resources in pursuing new project funding.
Click here to access the CASMCP and learn more about how the plan is being used to improve pedestrian conditions in the City.