Newark, CA
Home MenuPlanning & Housing Division
The Planning and Housing Division, within the Community Development Department, provides guidance on development and growth in accordance with the City’s General Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance and State and Federal laws.
Common questions residents and business owners have are:
- What Zoning District is my property located in?
- What are the development standards (i.e. setbacks, height, etc.) for my property?
- What types of development or businesses require Planning Commission and City Council approval?
- I would like to display a sign for my business. What is the process?
- What is the parking requirement for my business?
- What are the fees from the Planning Division?
Answers to these questions and more can be found in the Newark Municipal Code, by viewing the Zoning Map, or by contacting the Planning Division at 510-578-4330 or via e-mail at planning@newarkca.gov. Inquiries for zoning and general plan information can be expedited if you are able to provide both the street address and assessor's parcel number for the property in question.
Tenant Protections:
City Council adopted Ordinance 561 on January 22, 2026, to protect renters, reduce displacement and homelessness, and clarify the rights and obligations of renters and landlords.
Also known as the Residential Landlord and Tenant Relations ordinance and the Rent Review and Mediation ordinance, Ordinance 561 incorporates several areas of state law into Newark’s code of regulations. In some areas, the Ordinance exceeds what state law requires. In other areas, the Ordinance is silent and defers to state law. The ordinance also establishes new resources and processes for tenants and landlords to address disagreements.
Review Ordinance 561 and visit housing.newarkca.gov for more information.
Inclusionary Housing:
City Council approved Ordinance 560 on January 26, 2026, amending NMC Chapter 17.18 and adding Chapter 17.28 concerning inclusionary housing. The adopted ordinance is supported by the City’s April 2025 Inclusionary Housing Study.
Effective February 2026, developers of residential and mixed-use projects with 10 or more homes (Large Projects) are required to restrict 10 percent of all homes to low- or moderate-income households. Projects of 9 or fewer homes (Small Projects) are required to pay the housing impact fee, which can be found in the City’s Master Fee Schedule.
Review Ordinance 560 and visit housing.newarkca.gov for more information.
For any additional questions or comments, please reach out to the City at housing@newarkca.gov.
Resources
- Zoning Ordinance (PDF Version / Municipal Code Link)
- Zoning Map
- General Plan
- General Plan Map
- Planning Forms
- Common Planning Application Fees
- Development Impact Fees
- Housing Policy
- Building Division
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