Approx. Time: 2-4 Weeks*                                               Approx. Fee: $861**

There are several design review districts (see maps here) in the County. In any "DR" or design review district, the design standards of Chapter 8.256.030 of the County Ordinance Code, as they pertain to the specific district and project type, apply.

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Steps in the Planning Permit Process

The Planning Section of the Planning and Building Department processes these permits. In reviewing your project, the assigned planner will generally complete the following steps:

1. Application Review

Ministerial Design Review must be completed prior to issuance of a building permit for a project, either prior to or concurrently with building permit application. The planner reviews your project to determine whether your application is complete. During this stage, the planner determines whether your project conforms with the Design Review standards and other relevant regulations (e.g., ADU Ordinance, Protected Tree Ordinance).  Ministerial review is a pass/fail review and does not involve public notice.

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. Permit Decision

The decision on the ministerial design review is made by staff and is not appealable.  If the project has failed ministerial review, a Minor or Major Design Review Exception may be requested for an additional fee.  An exception is only granted when required findings can be made.

3. Exception (if applicable)

Minor Exceptions: For ministerial design approvals, a minor design exception from the standards in Sections 8.256.180 may be granted by the Design Review Administrator (DRA) upon making the following findings:

That the exception 1) is necessary for compliance with the site planning and design requirements; 2) will not jeopardize public safety; 3) is in substantial conformance with the design review standards; 4) will be compatible with the neighborhood surrounding the parcel, and 5) will not be detrimental to the public welfare.

The DRA may require modifications to the proposal, including design, location, materials, colors, and landscaping requirements. The DRA’s decision on an exception authorized by this Section shall not require a public hearing. The DRA’s decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission, as specified in Section 8.256.045.

Major Exceptions: The Planning Commission, at a public hearing, may grant a use permit to grant an exception which is not a minor design exception, subject to the findings listed in Section 8.256.046.A of the County Ordinance Code.

*

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.