Downtown Development / Design Guidelines

Want to paint your building? Need a new sign? Start here!

All renovations and new construction in Downtown El Cajon must be approved by the Design Review Commission to be sure they meet the vision for Downtown El Cajon. We also have Business Success Grants and a loan opportunity that can help you get started on your renovation projects. El Cajon CDC supports projects that improve or restore the aesthetic integrity of buildings in Downtown El Cajon through good design and quality construction and materials. All applicants must schedule an appointment with Edith Saldivar, Economic Development Coordinator, (619)401-8858, to process an application.

• Project Application Form (PDF)
• Design and Development Guidelines For Building Façade Renovation And New Building (PDF)
• Downtown Sign Regulations (PDF)

New Project General Information

All renovations and new construction in Downtown El Cajon must go through the Design Review Commission. We also have Business Success Grants that can help you get started on your renovation projects. Projects involving new buildings, expansions of existing buildings, and design or façade improvements in the SP 182 area must:  

Be reviewed by the Downtown El Cajon CDC Design Review Commission (DRC). Contact the City of El Cajon Department of Community Development for questions on zoning requirements, SP 182 requirements such as Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P) and Site Development Plan (S.D.P.), and for general questions.

a.   The Design Review Commission reviews all plans the third Tuesday of the month. Submissions must be received by 5:00 PM the first Tuesday of the month in order to be considered.

b.   A letter of Approval, Approval with Conditions, or Denial will be issued by the Design Review Commission.

c.   The review takes 30 days maximum.

Projects must demonstrate adherence to the Design Guidelines included in SP 182 .

Projects must demonstrate adherence to all City of El Cajon Zoning regulations and conditions of approval of Conditional Use Permit or Site Development Plan.

Once projects have successfully been approved by the DRC, applicants should obtain required permits for project:

1. For a Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.) (if required).

a.   Call Planning first at (619) 441-1742 to ask if a C.U.P. is necessary for your project.

b.   Pick up a 6 page Conditional Use Permit application (C.U.P.) on the third floor, City of El Cajon Community Development Department, 200 Civic Center Way, Downtown El Cajon.

c.   C.U.P. process takes 8-10 weeks to complete including Planning Commission and City Council Public Hearings.

2. For a Site Development Plan (S.D.P.) (if required).

a.   Call Planning first at (619) 441-1742.

b.   Pick up an application for a Site Development Plan (S.D.P.) on the third floor, City of El Cajon Community Development Department, 200 Civic Center Way, Downtown El Cajon.

c.    S.D.P. process takes 6-8 weeks to complete including review and actions by the Planning Commission and City Council, no Public Hearings.

3. For an Encroachment Permit (if required).

a.     Call Engineering Division first at (619) 441-1653.

Design Review FAQ's

• Does every project need to go through the Design Review Commission process?
  All projects for new buildings, expansions of existing buildings or redesigned or new signs must be reviewed by the El Cajon CDC Design Review Commission, a group appointed by the City of El Cajon, to review all design projects in Downtown El Cajon.

• Who should submit the project?
  We find that the most complete and appropriate projects are submitted by architects or other design professionals who have worked with and understand the Design Guidelines. If you are not working with an architect or designer, please ask us for a referral.

• How much does it cost to apply?
  There are no application fees.

• Will you review my project if I don’t have all the submittal requirements?
  No. All applicants are required to have a complete submittal before the project will be reviewed by the Design Review Commission. Submittals are due by the 1st Tuesday of the month. The Design Review Commission meets the third Tuesday of the month at 12:00 pm.

• What if I have a question about the Design Review or want to turn in a submittal?
  Please contact Edith Saldivar, Economic Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858

Helpful tips to spruce up your storefront

1. Wash your windows at least once a week.
2. Wash your front door daily.
3. Polish your brass door handle or scrub your aluminum knob weekly.
4. Scrape off old stickers from windows - Visa, Master Card, etc - it's assumed in today's retail environment you take plastic.
5. Post your hours.
6. Change your window displays frequently. The Gap changes its windows once a week.
7. Replace burned-out light bulbs so your store looks maintained and well lit.
8. Increase the wattage of light bulbs throughout your store.
9. Leave your display window lights on at night.
10. Remove bars on your windows to show shoppers that the neighborhood is safe.
11. Replace your yellowed Plexiglass with clear glass.
12. Ask your customers what they like about the appearance of your business.
13. Go on vacation and come back with a fresh perspective.

Thank you to In Home Construction, a partner in facade improvement

In Home Construction supported the creation of a mural at Main Market and International Foods. Thank you for your help in beautifying Downtown El Cajon!