There has been long-standing citizen involvement in planning in the City of San Diego, and the recommendations of the Community Planning Groups (CPGs) are integral components of the planning process, and are highly regarded by the City Council and by staff. CPGs are citizen organizations that are "officially recognized" by City Council to advise the City on land use-based community goals and development proposals. CPGs provide important feedback to the City about future growth and community needs. CPGs generally have between 12 and 20 voting members who are elected by eligible members of the community.

Through CPGs, citizens have an opportunity for involvement in advising the City Council, the Planning Commission, and other decision-makers on general or community plan amendments, rezonings and public facilities for planning areas. CPGs generally focus on issues and projects within the boundaries of the community. The City of San Diego is divided into more than 50 planning areas. Each CPG sends a representative to sit on the Community Planners Committee to address issues of citywide concern. CPGs also review the more complex development proposals which include those requiring discretionary City approval for conformance with community plan goals and policies.

All community planning group meetings are open to the public. Each CPG sets its own monthly agenda and posts their meeting notice at the meeting locations. CPGs also provide their agendas to the Planning Department for posting onto the web. For more information regarding a particular planning group meeting agenda, please refer to Community Plans.

The Planning Department conducted an online survey from Dec. 16, 2019 until Jan. 31, 2020 to gather public input on Community Planning Groups (CPGs). The purpose was to determine how to enhance community engagement on land use matters. The results of the online survey are available for review.