The Land Development Unit (LDU), sets Fire Department conditions specifically with regards to water and access, on every land development issue within Los Angeles County. They provide the plan review for tract and parcel maps, Environmental Impact Reports, Conditional Use permits, zone changes, variances, street vacations, speed hump proposals, traffic calming plans and provide requirements and staffing for the County's Land Development Management Agency. This Unit issues final approval for all Subdivision matters. This Unit maintains the Department's "Strip Maps" which identify all past and present subdivisions and all new hydrant locations County-wide. All response map and hydrant changes from operations are first sent to this Unit for review and updating. Coordination is done with the Mapping Unit on many access, map and hydrant issues.

Two LDU Captains represent the Department on numerous County Planning Commission Boards, such as Regional Planning Subdivision Committees and similar functions with Contract Cities. The Unit Captains analyze legislation pertaining to land development, water, hydrant issues, to evaluate and give recommendations for other water and access issues that come up within the Department. Additionally, the Water Captain coordinates activities with approximately 140 water purveyors in Los Angeles County on issues such as water improvements, requirements, and contingency planning. Any changes with water systems, hydrants and mains are submitted to this unit for approval.