FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2025
Community Development Contact: Kevork Kurdoghlian
Email: KKurdoghlian@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 937-8146
City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations
Email: Communications@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-3342
City of Glendale Reorganizes Planning, Building and Safety Divisions to Improve Permitting Process and Enhance Customer Experience
Glendale, CA – The City of Glendale Community Development Department (CDD) is combining its Planning Division and Building & Safety Division to establish a new Development Services Division.
This new unified and blended team of planners, plan checkers, permit technicians, inspectors and other professional staff will provide a smoother permitting process experience for residents, businesses and building professionals, who are contributing to the maintenance and development of the Glendale community.
“As our community grows and evolves, this innovative reorganization ensures we’re adapting to better capture residents’ vision of an enhanced quality of life in Glendale,” said Glendale Community Development Director Bradley Calvert.
Under a unified Development Services Division, the community can expect continued permitting process improvements, building on three consecutive years of reductions in review periods for various types of permits.
Calvert appointed Erik Krause to the role of Assistant Director of Community Development to lead the Development Services Division.
Krause, a 24-year veteran of the City of Glendale who most recently served as Deputy Director overseeing the Department’s current planning section, worked closely alongside City of Glendale Building Official Ara Sargsyan and Permit Services Administrator Joseph Rodarte to significantly reduce the review period for various types of permits over the last three years.
In part, this outcome is attributable to Permit Services Center staff, who have been intentional in fostering a culture of support and understanding in partnership building and design professionals. Together, City staff and contractors, architects and tradespeople have elevated the standards of professionalism and ethics in the management and preparation of plans.
The new division became effective on Friday, August 1, 2025. Announcements about new process improvements at the Community Development Department are forthcoming. A new Development Services webpage now serves as the hub for permits, planning, zoning, and building topics.
Exemplifying the spirit of constant improvement, CDD initiated another reorganization when it acquired the City’s Homeless Services team. In June, this team was strategically positioned in CDD’s Housing Division, where it can now generate new permanent housing solutions to help prevent and end homelessness in Glendale.
More information about the Community Development Department is available at GlendaleCA.gov/CDD.
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About the Community Development Department
The Glendale Community Development Department is committed to an ongoing dialogue with the community and well-managed development plans to support the community in capturing its vision for its enhanced quality of life. With approximately 150 staff members, the Community Development Department supports safety, economic opportunity and livability through its Development Services, Neighborhood Services, Housing, Economic Development and Administration divisions.
About Glendale
Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.
