The Community Development Department is composed of three divisions: Planning (Current and Advanced), Building & Safety (Building Permits), and Community Preservation (Code Enforcement and Community Development Block Grant). The responsibilities of the divisions are all closely related to the physical development of the City.

La Cañada Flintridge encourages overall development of the community in a visually pleasing manner, preserving and enhances the semi-rural character of the local environment, and protecting the scenic qualities of the community. It is through cooperation between government and the commercial sector the City encourages a thriving, well designed, and aesthetically pleasing commercial area, compatible with the residential nature of the community.