Planning Forms & Applications

The City recently updated its ADU Ordinance to comply with recent changes in State law. If you meet the criteria for ministerial approval, you may submit directly to Building & Safety. If your project requires discretionary review (design review and development review), you must submit a Planning Application with the supplemental ADU application below.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Guide
Accessory Dwelling Units Application

A number of minor design review projects may be approved by staff without a public hearing. If you meet the criteria for Administrative Design Review and your project requires a building permit, complete the Administrative Design Review Supplemental Application and submit it directly to Building & Safety along with your building permit application.

Administrative Design Review 
Basic Site Plan
Design Review Checklist

Use these calculators to help determine the allowable residential density on a lot or the maximum FAR.

Average Unit-size Density (AUD) Calculator - Excel File
FAR (Floor to Lot Area Ratio) Calculator - Excel File
Single Family Residence 20 Closest Lots - Excel File

Applicants are encouraged to submit these optional checklists for Full Board/Commission projects to demonstrate how your project meets the City’s discretionary Design Guidelines.

Infill Development Checklist
Outdoor Vending Machines Checklist
Single-Family Development Checklist
Single-Family Hillside Housing
Single-Family Good Neighbor

All discretionary decisions are subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Environmental document preparation and review occurs at the same time and in parallel with all other project review. The following handouts provide information about environmental screening and City-qualified consultants.

Archeological Resource Guide
Certified Arborists List
Environmental Screening Checklist
Historical Consultants List
Large Format Photographic Consultants
Noise Guide
Required Documentation Prior to Demolition
View Dispute Arbitrators List
View Dispute Mediators List

The following handouts provide additional information about specific project types and planning & zoning resources.

Appeal Process
Average Unit-Size Density Program Informational Packet
Building Height - How To Measure
Parking Lot Repaving - Restriping Submittal Requirements
Residential Zoning Standards Guide (Inland & Coastal)
Nonresidential Growth Management Program
Solar Access Height Limitations
Uses Permitted in the Various Zones
Vacation Rentals

Deciding if a project is worth pursuing can be difficult to figure out. The City offers several options to participate in informal pre-application meetings with staff or one of the City’s design review bodies. In general, you can expect a determination letter in 4-6 weeks. 

Housing Development Project
Pre-Application (PRE) Review

All new signs and outdoor vending machines require a Sign Permit. Complete the Sign Permit (SGN) Application and submit it online for review.

Resubmittal Form
Sign Application Guide
Sign Permit (SGN) Application
Start-Up Business Temporary Sign Printers Contact List
Start-Up Business Window Signage Template Examples

Supplemental applications and checklists collect additional information required for project-specific reviews and processes and are a required component of an application.

Affordable Housing Plan
Affordable Housing Plan Template
Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval
Alcoholic Beverage Retail Establishments
Agriculture Use Permit
Coastal Zone Review
Community and Market Gardens
Condo & Hotel Conversion
Density Bonus
Final Approval Checklist
Floor to Lot Area Ratio (FAR)
Hillside Vegetation Removal
Home Occupations
Mills Act Application
Supportive Housing Streamlined Approval
Substantial Conformance
Substantial Redevelopment
Telecommunication Facilities
Temporary Use Permit
Tenant Displacement Assistance
Two-Unit Housing (SB9)
Visual Aid & Story Poles
Zoning Modifications

Information and submittal requirements for trees and landscaping, fences and hedges, and view dispute issues:

Coastal Zone: Fences and Hedges Administrative Review
Coastal Zone: Fences and Hedges Exception Consent Form
Coastal Zone: Fences and Hedges Guidelines
Hillside Vegetation Removal Permit
Landscape Plan Submittal Requirements
Minor Tree Removal Permit
Plant Materials
View Dispute Resolution Process Brochure