The Community Development Department is responsible for the implementation of the General Plan, which involves periodic updates, revisions and amendments. Amendments to the General Plan can be either City-initiated or property owner-initiated.

The department is responsible for all current and long-range planning functions including, but not necessarily limited to:

The department conducts a wide range of services in support of the City Council, Planning Commission, City Staff, and applicants and business prospects.

In addition to planning functions, the Community Development department issues building permits and has one part-time Code Enforcement Officer.

In terms of economic development, the department is responsible for the development and implementation of an economic development business plan and marketing strategy with a particular emphasis on diversifying the region's economy through a business attraction, retention, and expansion program.

Additionally, the department is responsible for the management of the Tehachapi Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and the implementation of the Tehachapi Redevelopment Plan, which emphasizes the revitalization of Tehachapi's traditional downtown commercial and residential districts in collaboration with the Tehachapi's Main Street organization.