City of San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Affordable Housing
The City of San Luis Obispo does not directly own or manage affordable housing units and does not place people in housing. Housing units deed restricted for affordability under the City’s program are all privately owned and managed. For more information regarding affordable housing availability, please see the local Multiple Listing Service, local realtor or property management company directly.
When new affordable units become available, they are usually posted on one of the following websites below;
The Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo: https://www.haslo.org/
People's Self Help Housing: https://www.pshhc.org/new-housing/
The City's Third-Party Affordable Housing Administrator, Housekeys: https://www.housekeys19.com/
The City publishes Below Market Rate Housing Standards and Affordable Housing Purchase and Rental Guidelines to assist the public prescreen themselves for program eligibility. These standards and guidelines are also used by the Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo and other qualified non-profit organizations to income certify potential owners and renters for the program
The City offers a variety of incentives to encourage the development of affordable housing. Some examples of incentives include: density bonuses, relaxation of property development standards and waiver of application and development review processing fees. Please the Zoning Regulations for more information.
Affordable housing is housing available to extremely-low, very-low, low, and moderate income persons and households. The City maintains Below Market Rate Housing Standards which show the maximum income for each category to qualify based on household size, and maximum sales and rent prices based on the number of bedrooms in a unit for the various income groups.
New development projects must contribute toward the production of affordable housing, as specified in the Housing Element. Inclusionary housing applies all new development projects.
Building Permits
- See Application Review Procedures page.
The City reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we are committed to processing your plans as quickly and efficiently as possible. The City's goal is to complete the plan checks within the following time frames:
Type of Plan Check
Project Examples
Initial Plan Check (City’s Goal Time)
Rechecks (City’s Goal Time)
Minor Projects
Non-structural tenant improvements, residential remodels and additions, single-family homes
4 weeks
2 weeks
Moderate Projects
Structural tenant improvements, commercial additions up to 5,000 SF, changes of occupancy
6 weeks
3 weeks
Major Plan Check
New commercial buildings
8 weeks
4 weeks
Type of Plan Check
Project Examples
Initial Plan Check (City’s Goal Time)
Rechecks (City’s Goal Time)
Minor Projects
Non-structural tenant improvements, residential remodels and additions, single-family homes
4 weeks
2 weeks
Moderate Projects
Structural tenant improvements, commercial additions up to 5,000 SF, changes of occupancy
6 weeks
3 weeks
Major Plan Check
New commercial buildings
8 weeks
4 weeks
Type of Plan Check
Project Examples
Initial Plan Check (City’s Goal Time)
Rechecks (City’s Goal Time)
Minor Projects
Non-structural tenant improvements, residential remodels and additions, single-family homes
4 weeks
2 weeks
Moderate Projects
Structural tenant improvements, commercial additions up to 5,000 SF, changes of occupancy
6 weeks
3 weeks
Major Plan Check
New commercial buildings
8 weeks
4 weeks
The cost of an application will vary depending on the type of permit or approval needed and the scope of review a project will require. Fees for projects can be found at the following link. This is separate from the fees associated with building permit inspections and plan review. Building review and inspection fees are related to the square footage and type of project. For more information please call the Building and Safety Division at 805-781-7180.
Planning Services Fee Schedule
- This depends to the scope of the project and how existing buildings and lots are configured. Check your zoning, look at the Zoning Regulations, and then contact the Planning Department if you still have questions.
- This means your property has been determined to be a locally significant historic resource because of significant architecture or historical themes. Properties determined to be a historic resource may be eligible for benefits such as the Mills Act. Likewise, building owners of qualified historic properties can follow the more flexible California State Historical Building Code (CHBC). The CHBC’s standards and regulations are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation or change of occupancy so as to preserve their original or restored elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and a cost effective approach to preservation, and to provide for reasonable safety from fire, seismic forces or other hazards for occupants and users of such buildings, structures and properties and to provide reasonable availability and usability by the physically disabled.
Additionally, historic properties are eligible to receive a decorative plaque that can be displayed on their property. More importantly changes to historic properties are guided by the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance. Architectural review evaluates the suitability and appropriateness of individual project design and to help achieve attractive and environmentally sensitive development. Review the City’s Design Guidelines to learn more click here.
- Once you determine which exception you will need, submit a planning application along with the materials listed on the application checklist appropriate for the type of permit needed for your project. Bring the planning application, the checklist, and the requested materials to the counter when you submit your application. If an application is missing an item required by the checklist, your application will not be accepted.
The first step would be to identify the zoning for the location of your project. With this information you can reference Table 9 of the Zoning Regulations which indicates the land uses allowed by zone. This denotes what type of permit will be required to allow that use in each zoning district if allowed at all.
Business
- Use the GIS Parcel Map to find your zoning.
- This means your property has been determined to be a locally significant historic resource because of significant architecture or historical themes. Properties determined to be a historic resource may be eligible for benefits such as the Mills Act. Likewise, building owners of qualified historic properties can follow the more flexible California State Historical Building Code (CHBC). The CHBC’s standards and regulations are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation or change of occupancy so as to preserve their original or restored elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and a cost effective approach to preservation, and to provide for reasonable safety from fire, seismic forces or other hazards for occupants and users of such buildings, structures and properties and to provide reasonable availability and usability by the physically disabled.
Additionally, historic properties are eligible to receive a decorative plaque that can be displayed on their property. More importantly changes to historic properties are guided by the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance. - Use permits allow flexibility in providing for, regulating, or preventing various uses, so they will be compatible with existing or desired conditions in their neighborhoods. Conditions of approval can be applied to projects to help reduce or avoid their negative impacts.
The first step would be to identify the zoning for the location of your project. With this information you can reference Table 9 of the Zoning Regulations which indicates the land uses allowed by zone. This denotes what type of permit will be required to allow that use in each zoning district if allowed at all.
Code Enforcement
- SLO Garbage Company will pick up bulk items for a small fee. Call them at (805) 543-0875 to arrange for pick up. You can also donate items! View the SLO County IWMA page for local outlets (some provide free pickup).
Cold Canyon Landfill accepts household hazardous materials free of charge. The household hazardous waste facility is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a 15 gallon volume limit per trip. For more information, visit their website.
City residents can report suspected code violations via our website www.slocity.org/Ask, or by calling the Code Enforcement Hotline at (805) 781-7180. Beginning in May 2012, staff will be proactively patrolling to identify violations of property maintenance standards in public view (i.e.: front yard blight).
- City staff is currently working in neighborhoods to inform residents if they have any property maintenance code violations on their property. You will notice that staff has checked one or more boxes on the Notice to Correct indicating any issues observed on your property. This is NOT a citation, it is a formal warning. In May 2012, staff started proactively patrolling neighborhoods and issuing warnings and citations for violations. You can use the contact information on the Notice to Correct form to address any questions you may have about specific violations on your property.
- City staff from the Community Development Department focus on enforcing violations of local and state building codes, the City's Zoning Regulations, and City property maintenance standards. Common code violations in San Luis Obispo are:
illegally converted garages
unpermitted construction
substandard housing (i.e. no heat, plumbing leaks, etc.)
land use or use permit violations
improper storage of debris or materials in yards. - Once City staff has observed a violation on your property you will be given a Notice to Correct. This gives a specific time frame, depending on the violation, in which you are required to bring your property into compliance. If the violation is not corrected within the time frame given, you will be subject to fees and/or citations until compliance is achieved. You can view a Code Enforcement Process flow chart on our website for more details.
- City of San Luis Obispo Code Enforcement staff members are part of the Community Development Department. Code Enforcement Officers and Neighborhood Services Specialists are responsible for enforcing Building Codes and Zoning Regulations to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of all City residents. These codes are different than laws enforced by the Police and Fire Departments, because they mostly relate to property issues rather than issues directly related to a person. However, an individual can be held responsible if their property, whether it is owned or leased, is in violation.
- The goal of enforcement is to ensure city-wide conformity to Building and Zoning Regulations to maintain safety and enhance quality of life for all residents. The quality of life in San Luis Obispo is tied to the character and conditions of its neighborhoods. Enforcing violations stops unsafe issue from continuing and prevents future violations from occurring. Specifically, enforcing property maintenance standards protects the appearance, integrity and character of the community, as well as helps maintain property values for owners.
Development
- Review hearing agendas on the CDD website and contact the Project Planner via email or phone if you have questions. Submit comments to the Planner or attend public hearings.
- Use the GIS Parcel Map to find your zoning.
Depending on the type of approval you will appeal, the appeal may have to go to hearing. You will have to turn in an appeals form and pay a fee. Learn more here.
Many factors, such as the location or size of the project, can influence the amount of time it will take for your project to get reviewed by staff and taken to hearing for approval.
Once you have identified the type of approval you will need for your project refer to the below table for cycle-times. Click on the each approval type to view a flowchart noting major milestones in the project approval process.
Approval Type
Duration*‡
8-12 weeks
4-6 weeks
Legislative Decision (Rezone, Annexation, General Plan Amendment, etc.)
12-20 weeks
12-26 weeks
8-12 weeks
NOTE:
* Cycle times begin at the time an application has been deemed complete.
‡ If an initial study of environmental review is required, a minimum of 4 weeks is added to the cycle time. If an EIR is required, project timelines will be substantially increased.
- Reference Section 17.16.010 of the Zoning Regulations (p.35-37) to find information about the maximum density (density units per net acre) of development allowed in your zone.
The cost of an application will vary depending on the type of permit or approval needed and the scope of review a project will require. Fees for projects can be found at the following link. This is separate from the fees associated with building permit inspections and plan review. Building review and inspection fees are related to the square footage and type of project. For more information please call the Building and Safety Division at 805-781-7180.
Planning Services Fee Schedule
- See section 17.16.050 (p. 52-55) for height limits on fences, walls, and hedges. Fence height limits are a function of your front property line and minimum required yard. The Community Development Director may grant exceptions to fence height standards subject to a finding that no public purpose would be served by strict compliance with the standards.
- See section 17.16.040 (p. 51-52) of the 2013 Zoning Regulations for building height limits. The height of a building is the vertical distance from the average level of the ground under the building to the topmost point of the roof, including parapets.
- This depends to the scope of the project and how existing buildings and lots are configured. Check your zoning, look at the Zoning Regulations, and then contact the Planning Department if you still have questions.
- This means your property has been determined to be a locally significant historic resource because of significant architecture or historical themes. Properties determined to be a historic resource may be eligible for benefits such as the Mills Act. Likewise, building owners of qualified historic properties can follow the more flexible California State Historical Building Code (CHBC). The CHBC’s standards and regulations are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation or change of occupancy so as to preserve their original or restored elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and a cost effective approach to preservation, and to provide for reasonable safety from fire, seismic forces or other hazards for occupants and users of such buildings, structures and properties and to provide reasonable availability and usability by the physically disabled.
Additionally, historic properties are eligible to receive a decorative plaque that can be displayed on their property. More importantly changes to historic properties are guided by the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance. Although Pre-Application is not required, it may highlight any fatal flaws in your project before submitting a more costly application. Projects possessing one or more of the following characteristics should do Pre-Application review:
-
Residential Projects > 20 Dwelling Units
-
Mixed-Use Projects
-
Commercial Projects > 20,000 Sq. Ft. New Development
-
Projects Located in Annexation or Expansion areas
-
Projects > Three Stories
-
Hillside Development on Slopes > 20%
-
Large Tract Maps > 25 lots
-
Projects Requiring an EIR
-
General Plan or Specific Plan Amendments
-
Rezones
-
Areas not served by Utilities
-
- See section 17.16.10 (p. 38-44) for yard setbacks and 17.16.025 (p. 45-49) for creek setbacks. A yard is defined as an area along a property line within which no structures, parking spaces or parking backup spaces may be located, except as otherwise provided in the zoning regulations. Creek setback requirements apply to all creeks as defined in the Open Space Element and shown on that element’s Creek Map, and only those creeks
Architectural review evaluates the suitability and appropriateness of individual project design and to help achieve attractive and environmentally sensitive development. Review the City’s Design Guidelines to learn more click here.
- Use permits allow flexibility in providing for, regulating, or preventing various uses, so they will be compatible with existing or desired conditions in their neighborhoods. Conditions of approval can be applied to projects to help reduce or avoid their negative impacts.
- Once you determine which exception you will need, submit a planning application along with the materials listed on the application checklist appropriate for the type of permit needed for your project. Bring the planning application, the checklist, and the requested materials to the counter when you submit your application. If an application is missing an item required by the checklist, your application will not be accepted.
The determination for a traffic impact study will be made at the beginning of the application process. The following are example development sizes that would trigger a transportation impact study. These are just example scenarios, traffic impact studies may be required for smaller projects under special circumstances.
- 100 Single Family Units
- 150 Multi Family Units
- 150 Room Hotel
- 10,000 SQFT Restaurant
- 25,000 SQFT Retail
- 65,000 SQFT Office
- 125,000 SQFT Manufacturing
The City only accepts traffic studies that are prepared independent of the applicant. Studies are administered by the City and paid for by the applicant via a reimbursement agreement. The applicant may hire their own traffic consultant to help develop their project and review the traffic study, however that consultant would be conflicted out of preparing the actual traffic study.
Once the applicant has finalized their project description the City will prepare a scope for the study and submit it to the applicant for review. Then the City will advertise the scope to a list of on-call traffic consultants and award based on the best proposal.
Below is an example time table for traffic impact studies, actual schedules will vary depending on the size of the project and scope of the study.
- Draft Scope & Applicant Review: 1 Week
- Advertise RFP & Select Consultant: 3 Weeks
- Complete Applicant Reimbursement Agreement: 1 Week
- Complete Traffic Study: 10 Weeks
Encampments
Encampments on Caltrans Property are addressed by Caltrans District 5 maintenance staff. To report encampments to Caltrans, please visit: csr.dot.ca.gov or call the District 5 dedicated line at (805) 441-5712.
Encampments on private property are assigned to the City's Code Enforcement Team and trespassing enforcement will be addressed by SLOPD. To report encampments on private property, please submit an Ask SLO request, under topic area "Transient Encampment on Private Property."
In compliance with our CAMP standards, we first ensure encampment inhabitants are provided the opportunity for assistance and access to resources through our Community Action Team (CAT) or our Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU). We then post a Notice to Vacate, which informs inhabitants they are in violation of the law and provides a deadline for inhabitants to vacate the premises. The site is then scheduled for cleanup and will be addressed by our Public Works department. Due to this multi-level process, the resolution of your request may take up to three weeks to be completed. Thank you for your patience in this process.
While the County government is primarily responsible for providing public services to unhoused individuals in our city, we recognize that there are things the City can do to reduce homelessness within our City limits. Here’s what we’re currently doing: First, we’re focused on making it easier to build more affordable and workforce housing here. Second, we are working directly with local non-profit partners and the County to reduce homelessness. And third, we have boots through our MCU and CAT Field Teams on the ground every day connecting unhoused community members with services to help get them back on their feet. To see a more in depth look at what the city is doing to prevent and address homelessness, please see our Homelessness Response Strategic Plan.
Expanded Polystyrene
All businesses in the City of San Luis Obispo including: restaurants, bars & pubs, cafeterias, caterers & event organizers, convenience, & liquor stores, delis & coffee shops, ice cream and yogurt shops, mobile food vendors, grocery and drug stores or retail outlets. City-approved special events within the City of San Luis Obispo must also comply with the ordinance.
- Alternative products include: uncoated paper, coated paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, compostable or “bio-products” and other non-foam, plastic containers with the “chasing arrow” symbol numbers 1–7. Please consult with your packaging supplier for the alternative that is right for your business.
Exemptions are provided for certain products including foam trays for uncooked meats, food prepared or packaged outside of the City, packing materials which have been collected for reuse and when EPS is encapsulated in a more durable material.
Expanded Polystyrene is a white, plastic foam commonly used for disposable food and drink containers such as cups, plates and clamshell containers. EPS is also used to make disposable foam coolers and packing peanuts for shipping.
- “Biodegradable” means a product or package will completely break down and return to nature; decomposing into natural elements within a reasonably short period of time.
“Compostable” means a product or package will break down into, or become part of, usable compost (such as mulch) in an appropriate composting program or facility.
“Recyclable” means a product can be recycled as part of the City’s Recycling Program, including uncoated paper, coated paper, cardboard, aluminum foil and other non-foam, plastic containers with the “chasing arrow” symbol numbers 1–7. - January 1, 2016. Warnings will be issued until July 1, 2016.
- EPS products are commonly used once and are not recyclable. When discarded, EPS can be blown from trash receptacles and disposal sites. EPS breaks easily into smaller pieces, does not biodegrade, and can be ingested by wildlife. EPS comprises 15% of the litter found in storm drains and is the second most common type of litter on California beaches. For more information, please read the report to the City Council.
Fee Study
- The basic concept of a User Fee Study is to determine the “reasonable cost” of each service provided by the City for which it charges a user fee. The full cost of providing a service may not necessarily become the City’s fee, but it serves as the objective basis for the maximum amount that may be collected.
- Development Impact Fees pay for a variety of products and services within the City of San Luis Obispo. They keep infrastructure and facilities maintained and ensure our emergency services have funding.
- The reality of the local government fee environment is that significant increases to achieve 100% cost recovery is often not feasible, desirable, or appropriate depending on policy direction — particularly in a single year. The recommended fees identified herein are either at or less than full cost recovery, and are based on the City’s cost recovery policy, outlined in the Financial Plan (starting on p. 538).
- Development Impact Fee revenue is collected and used to cover the cost of capital facilities (e.g., parking structures) and infrastructure (e.g., bridges) required to serve new development in the City. Impact fee revenue cannot be used to cover the operation and maintenance costs of these or any other facilities or infrastructure. Impact fees can only be used to pay for new or expanded capital facilities needed to accommodate growth.
The purpose of the study is to develop an updated schedule of fees that accounts for the true costs of providing user-requested services, and updated fees charged to developers to offset the impact of their projects on existing facilities.
The study has two components:
- User Fee Study: First, it is a review of the City’s existing fees for services excluding Water and Sewer rates (subject to Proposition 218), and Parking and Transit rate-based fees. The study involves multiple Departments and identifies the “reasonable cost” of providing services, as City staff currently provides them, at existing, known, or reasonably anticipated service and staff levels; it then compares the result to the current fee amount to determine whether it’s recovering the full cost of the service provided. The fee study also provides an opportunity to add new fee recommendations or remove outdated fees or services.
- Impact Fee Nexus Study: Second, it is a review of the City’s adopted development impact fees (AB 1600) for transportation, parks and recreation, police, fire, water and wastewater.
- View a PDF file of the current Comprehensive Fee Schedule, updated for FY 2022-23.
Any property owner that wishes to build the following will pay Development Impact Fees:
- Any new residential or non-residential development
- Additions and expansions to existing non-residential development
- Additions and expansions to residential developments that paid discounted impact fees
- Additions, expansions and remodels that result in a change of land use
A fee study is typically performed by local governments every 3-5 years to adjust user fees and charges to changing costs and circumstances. The last fee study the City completed was more than five (5) years ago (in 2017).
In California, user fees are required to conform to the statutory requirements of the California Constitution, Proposition 218, and the California Code of Regulations. The law also requires that the City Council adopt fees by either ordinance or resolution. Any fees set higher than the estimated total cost of providing the related services must be approved by a popular vote of two-thirds of voters because the charge would then be considered a tax and not a fee.
In the interim, user fees were adjusted by annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and impact fees were adjusted annually by the California Construction Cost Index (CCCI) for impact fees, as the City has been impacted by cost increases and inflationary pressures on labor, materials and supplies. Additionally, in rare cases, additional changes have been made to ensure that cost recoveries were more in line with Council-approved guidelines.Scope of the User Fee Study
The scope of the User Fee Study encompasses a review and calculation of the user fees listed in the existing Comprehensive Fee Schedule and charged by the following City of San Luis Obispo Departments, as well as any general government fees charged by various departments (copies, recordings, etc).
- Community Development
- Public Works
- Parks & Recreation
- Police
- Fire
- Finance
- City Clerk
- Utilities
Scope of the Impact Fee Study
The scope of this study encompasses a review and calculation of the development impact fees listed in the Comprehensive Fee Schedule, including:
- Transportation Impact Fees
- Parkland Impact Fees
- Police Impact Fees
- Fire Impact Fees
- Water & Wastewater Impact Fees
Flood Control Program
You should contact the Development Review Division by calling 781-7015.
General Plan Updates
- A General Plan can be described as the "blueprint" for the City's Future. It represents the community's vision as goals and policies to direct decision-making. California state law requires that each city adopt a general plan addressing seven mandatory components or "elements": Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and Safety. The City of San Luis Obispo also has a Water and Wastewater Element.
- The Circulation Element includes goals and policies relating to how people, products and visitors move around San Luis Obispo. This includes cars, bicycles, pedestrians, air transportation, as well as public transportation such as buses and shuttles.
- The Land Use element designates the general location and intensity of housing, businesses, industry, open space, education, public buildings and grounds, waste disposal facilities, and other land uses. It helps guide future development and preserve environmental resources.
Historic Preservation
- Use the GIS Parcel Map to find your zoning.
- This means your property has been determined to be a locally significant historic resource because of significant architecture or historical themes. Properties determined to be a historic resource may be eligible for benefits such as the Mills Act. Likewise, building owners of qualified historic properties can follow the more flexible California State Historical Building Code (CHBC). The CHBC’s standards and regulations are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation or change of occupancy so as to preserve their original or restored elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and a cost effective approach to preservation, and to provide for reasonable safety from fire, seismic forces or other hazards for occupants and users of such buildings, structures and properties and to provide reasonable availability and usability by the physically disabled.
Additionally, historic properties are eligible to receive a decorative plaque that can be displayed on their property. More importantly changes to historic properties are guided by the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Permit Process
- Review hearing agendas on the CDD website and contact the Project Planner via email or phone if you have questions. Submit comments to the Planner or attend public hearings.
- Use the GIS Parcel Map to find your zoning.
Depending on the type of approval you will appeal, the appeal may have to go to hearing. You will have to turn in an appeals form and pay a fee. Learn more here.
- See Application Review Procedures page.
Once you determine what exception is allowed for your project, according to the Zoning Regulations submit a planning application, the application checklist for your type of exception, and pay the associated fees.
Many factors, such as the location or size of the project, can influence the amount of time it will take for your project to get reviewed by staff and taken to hearing for approval.
Once you have identified the type of approval you will need for your project refer to the below table for cycle-times. Click on the each approval type to view a flowchart noting major milestones in the project approval process.
Approval Type
Duration*‡
8-12 weeks
4-6 weeks
Legislative Decision (Rezone, Annexation, General Plan Amendment, etc.)
12-20 weeks
12-26 weeks
8-12 weeks
NOTE:
* Cycle times begin at the time an application has been deemed complete.
‡ If an initial study of environmental review is required, a minimum of 4 weeks is added to the cycle time. If an EIR is required, project timelines will be substantially increased.
The City reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we are committed to processing your plans as quickly and efficiently as possible. The City's goal is to complete the plan checks within the following time frames:
Type of Plan Check
Project Examples
Initial Plan Check (City’s Goal Time)
Rechecks (City’s Goal Time)
Minor Projects
Non-structural tenant improvements, residential remodels and additions, single-family homes
4 weeks
2 weeks
Moderate Projects
Structural tenant improvements, commercial additions up to 5,000 SF, changes of occupancy
6 weeks
3 weeks
Major Plan Check
New commercial buildings
8 weeks
4 weeks
Type of Plan Check
Project Examples
Initial Plan Check (City’s Goal Time)
Rechecks (City’s Goal Time)
Minor Projects
Non-structural tenant improvements, residential remodels and additions, single-family homes
4 weeks
2 weeks
Moderate Projects
Structural tenant improvements, commercial additions up to 5,000 SF, changes of occupancy
6 weeks
3 weeks
Major Plan Check
New commercial buildings
8 weeks
4 weeks
Type of Plan Check
Project Examples
Initial Plan Check (City’s Goal Time)
Rechecks (City’s Goal Time)
Minor Projects
Non-structural tenant improvements, residential remodels and additions, single-family homes
4 weeks
2 weeks
Moderate Projects
Structural tenant improvements, commercial additions up to 5,000 SF, changes of occupancy
6 weeks
3 weeks
Major Plan Check
New commercial buildings
8 weeks
4 weeks
The cost of an application will vary depending on the type of permit or approval needed and the scope of review a project will require. Fees for projects can be found at the following link. This is separate from the fees associated with building permit inspections and plan review. Building review and inspection fees are related to the square footage and type of project. For more information please call the Building and Safety Division at 805-781-7180.
Planning Services Fee Schedule
- This depends to the scope of the project and how existing buildings and lots are configured. Check your zoning, look at the Zoning Regulations, and then contact the Planning Department if you still have questions.
- This means your property has been determined to be a locally significant historic resource because of significant architecture or historical themes. Properties determined to be a historic resource may be eligible for benefits such as the Mills Act. Likewise, building owners of qualified historic properties can follow the more flexible California State Historical Building Code (CHBC). The CHBC’s standards and regulations are intended to facilitate the rehabilitation or change of occupancy so as to preserve their original or restored elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and a cost effective approach to preservation, and to provide for reasonable safety from fire, seismic forces or other hazards for occupants and users of such buildings, structures and properties and to provide reasonable availability and usability by the physically disabled.
Additionally, historic properties are eligible to receive a decorative plaque that can be displayed on their property. More importantly changes to historic properties are guided by the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance. Although Pre-Application is not required, it may highlight any fatal flaws in your project before submitting a more costly application. Projects possessing one or more of the following characteristics should do Pre-Application review:
-
Residential Projects > 20 Dwelling Units
-
Mixed-Use Projects
-
Commercial Projects > 20,000 Sq. Ft. New Development
-
Projects Located in Annexation or Expansion areas
-
Projects > Three Stories
-
Hillside Development on Slopes > 20%
-
Large Tract Maps > 25 lots
-
Projects Requiring an EIR
-
General Plan or Specific Plan Amendments
-
Rezones
-
Areas not served by Utilities
-
Architectural review evaluates the suitability and appropriateness of individual project design and to help achieve attractive and environmentally sensitive development. Review the City’s Design Guidelines to learn more click here.
- Use permits allow flexibility in providing for, regulating, or preventing various uses, so they will be compatible with existing or desired conditions in their neighborhoods. Conditions of approval can be applied to projects to help reduce or avoid their negative impacts.
- Once you determine which exception you will need, submit a planning application along with the materials listed on the application checklist appropriate for the type of permit needed for your project. Bring the planning application, the checklist, and the requested materials to the counter when you submit your application. If an application is missing an item required by the checklist, your application will not be accepted.
The first step would be to identify the zoning for the location of your project. With this information you can reference Table 9 of the Zoning Regulations which indicates the land uses allowed by zone. This denotes what type of permit will be required to allow that use in each zoning district if allowed at all.
Railroad Safety Trail
- Walking over the tracks through the fence is unsafe and is due to the hazardous nature of crossing railroad tracks at grade. Union Pacific Railroad's policy prohibits trespassing on the rail road tracks.
Storm Emergency Response PW Projects
Multiple severe storms struck the City between December 2022 and March 2023. The January 9th storm was considered the most impactful, with the March 14th event considered severe as well.
Straws Upon Request
- Take-out food orders are exempt from this ordinance.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers age 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 18 need a parent or guardian's signature.
Yes, and in some cases a background check may be required.
- Registered volunteers are covered by an Accident Medical Expense Insurance Policy of $50,000 per injury. For details please call 805-781-7250. Volunteers are not city employees and are not covered by the City’s Workers Compensation package.