Approx. Time: 2-4 Months*                                                                                           Approx. Fee: $2,400**

Coastal regulations are designed to balance the desire of property owners to develop their property within the coastal zone with the protection of the coastal environment. A CDP can be processed at the staff level when the project is not located within the Coastal Commission Appeals Jurisdiction (see the layer in Planning GIS map). A Biological Impact Form is required in addition to the required forms when it is determined by Planning Staff that the project has the potential to impact sensitive habitats or protected plants or wildlife.

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Steps in the Planning Permit Process

If a planning or zoning permit is required, it generally needs to be processed prior to the application of a building or construction permit. The Planning Section of the Planning and Building Department processes these permits. When multiple permits are required (e.g., Coastal Development Permit and Design Review Permit), the longer permit processing time and higher level decision-making body would apply to the concurrent processing of associated permits. In reviewing and processing your permit application, the assigned planner will generally complete the following steps:

1. Initial Application Review

The planner reviews your project to determine whether your application is complete. During this stage, the planner:

  1. Determines whether your project conforms with the County's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other regulations.
  2. Solicits comments and recommendations from review agencies (relative to their regulations) and applicable homeowners associations or community groups.
  3. Discusses your project with a development review committee of senior staff members.

The County has 30 days after receiving your application to notify you if you must provide any additional materials or information before your application can be processed.

2. Environmental Review

This review ensures that your project complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and evaluates its potential impact on the environment; additional reports/information may be required to complete this review. If the project does not qualify for an exemption, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration must be prepared, additional fees are required, and an additional 2-3 months should be added to estimated permit processing times. For projects with complex or unmitigated environmental impacts, an Environmental Impact Report may be required, additional fees are required, and an additional 6 -12 months should be added to estimated permit processing times.

3. Public Notification

A public notice is mailed to owners of property within a 300-ft. radius of the property.

4. Permit Decision

A staff-level decision is required.

5. Appeal Period

Once a decision is made, both you and the public can appeal most permit decisions to a higher authority within 10 business days of the decision date. Zoning Hearing Officer decisions generally can be appealed to the Planning Commission. Planning Commission decisions can be appealed to the County Board of Supervisors. A decision by the Board of Supervisors on a Staff-Level Coastal Development Permit is not appealable to the Coastal Commission.
 

*

Approximated Time provides an estimated duration for processing of the specified permit only and does not include processing of any appeals. It is not intended to represent an exact timeframe for a specific project, which may be more or less than the time provided. Required permits and processing times vary depending on project complexity and location. For projects requiring multiple permits (e.g., Design Review Permit and Coastal Development Permit), please use the highest of the estimated times for each required permit. These times do not include processing times for non-Planning permits which may be required for the project, such as permits from the Building Inspection Section, Department of Public Works, Environmental Health Division, sewer or water districts, or state or federal agency. To obtain an estimated processing timeframe for a specific project, please call or visit the Current Planning Section and speak with a Planner to identify the required permits and reviews for your project.
 

**

Approximated Fees provide an estimated rounded fee total based on the permit fee and other anticipated review costs of the adopted Planning Service Fee Schedule and do not represent an exact fee amount for a specific project, which may be higher or lower than the fee provided. Required permits and fees vary depending on project complexity and location. For projects requiring multiple permits (e.g., Design Review Permit and Coastal Development Permit), please use the highest of the estimated permit fees and add on the established fees of other required permits from the Planning Service Fee Schedule, to obtain an estimated fee total. Other department review fees, including those of the Geotechnical Section, Department of Public Works, Environmental Health Division, and the applicable fire department, may also apply. To obtain an estimated fee total for a specific project, please call or visit the Current Planning Section and speak with a Planner to identify the required permits and reviews for your project.