DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
LAND DEVELOPMENT SECTION

The Land Development Division guides the public’s construction of non-building improvements in the unincorporated area of Alameda County, and represents the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District in the Cities as well as the unincorporated areas of Alameda County. We work with individuals or other agencies who wish to obtain access to County rights of way, with Developers or others who wish develop their property, and with private property owners who wish to perform grading or perform work in natural creeks crossing private property. These efforts ensure that satisfactory work is designed and constructed within Alameda County, in accordance with various Ordinances. Additional services include Grading and Permits, Street Light Services, and administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) for the unincorporated area of Alameda County.

Engineers in Development Services also perform development review services for the Cities within western Alameda County that lie within Flood Control District boundaries, including Oakland, Emeryville, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Newark, and Fremont. The Cities of Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin lie within the boundaries of Flood Control District Zone 7 Water Agency, which is a separate agency from the Alameda County Public Works Agency. Review of projects within the City limits by the Flood Control District focuses on consistency with the Hydrology and Hydraulic Review Summary for Western Alameda County, available from the County Map and File room for a nominal cost. Aspects of projects that directly affect District facilities are also reviewed and approved by the Subdivision Engineer, permits are issued, and the construction inspected by Public Works Inspectors.

In addition, Land Development includes the Special Districts Administration unit, who provide technical and administrative services necessary for the Public Works Agency to collect charges, assessments, or fees on property tax bills. For questions relating to any such charges, please call 510-670-5518.

Finally, the Division also participates in the Community Rating System Program (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of the Federal Emergency Management District. The Division's participation in the program beyond the standard requirements of NFIP's Floodplain Management means that Flood Hazard Area residents of the Unincorporated sections of the County have been qualified by FEMA for a 10 percent reduction of flood insurance premium.