The Planning Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for planning for the future development of Manteca. Examples of the division's work include: reviewing and approving land-use and development proposals, implementing the City's General Plan, administering the Zoning Ordinance, processing  updates and amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, creating master plans, ensuring compliance with State and Federal mandates regarding development, land divisions, and environmental review, and acting as staff for the City's Planning Commission.

The day-to-day functions of the Planning Division include: providing information to the public concerning zoning and land-use regulations, development standards, flood-plain designations, and demographics, processing applications for Temporary Use Permits, Home Occupation Permits, and Large Family Day Care Permits, as well as authorizing zoning clearances for business licenses.