The Advance Planning Division is responsible for maintaining:

• The Comprehensive General Plan
• Processing General Plan Amendments
• Zone Map Amendments
• Zoning Text Amendments
• Environmental Documentation
• Preparation of Various Special Studies of a Public Policy Nature

Advance Planning is typically involved in processing legislative and policy oriented projects to Public Judicial Bodies such as the  Planning Commission and City Council, rather than development projects.

In 2004, Advance Planning was involved in the following projects on-going:

• National Flood Insurance Program
• General Plan Amendments and General Plan Conformances
• Environmental Assistance Committee
• Completion of the Growth Management Element
• Processing affordable housing covenants and monitoring prospective affordable buyers

In 2004, Advance Planning focused its efforts on:

• Completion of the Permit Streamlining Project 
• NPDES General Plan Amendment
• Affordable Housing Ordinance
• Seawater Desalination Plant
• Huntington Harbour Bay Club Specific Plan 
• Timeshares in Coastal Visitor Zone
• Ascon-Nesi Monitoring