A Principal Planner directs the Policy Section. The Section is responsible for the maintenance and update of the County General Plan and Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan (LCP), the preparation of all ordinances and policies to implement it (including the Housing Element of the General Plan/LCP), and providing policy direction and interpretation to Planning staff. This Section also prepares Town/Village/Specific Plans for various communities, implements the Historic Resource Preservation Ordinance, and provides staff support to the Historic Resources Commission.

This Section participates in development of population and employment forecasting by the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments provides basic Census information, works with the California Coastal Commission to implement the California Coastal Act, and works with neighborhood groups to address community issues. This Section supports the Planning Director in the review of administrative appeals and all Notice of Violation Protest requests and includes the duties of the Deputy Zoning Administrator, who acts on Level V permit applications.