Current Planning serves to implement the City’s General Plan primarily through the review of specific requests for the use or development of property.  Planning staff will assist the public with questions relating to the Land Use Code, zoning verification, business licenses, permitting, and application processes for zoning changes. The Planning Division provides review and a recommendation on all administrative and discretionary applications, conducts Public Hearings on Discretionary Applications, and administers the Land Use Code (Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code). Development plans are reviewed with the General Plan, applicable Specific Plans, and the Land Use Code. There are various application fees, see fee schedule, for planning applications.

Select link below to find out more information:

• Over the Counter Case Questions
• Administrative Permit Applications
• Discretionary Permit Applications
  

Over the Counter Case Questions
Many requests may be handled at the Planning Counter located in City Hall. ”Over the counter” questions include such items as setbacks, fence and building height, allowable land use, business licenses, development standards, outdoor displays, and general zoning questions.

The Planning Counter is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Administrative Permit Applications
Administrative permits are reviewed by Planning Staff in accordance with the Land Use Code. These applications are not generally completed “over the counter”. Some of these include:

• Building Permits
• Business Licenses
• Home Occupations
• Approval of Plans
• Sign Permits
• Banner Permits

Discretionary Permit Application
Discretionary permit applications are those applications that require review by the Planning Commission  and/or the City Council, at a public meeting.  These include:

• Conditional Use Permits
• Variances
• Planned Developments and Planned Unit Developments
• Zone Changes
• Parcel Maps and Subdivisions
• Mills Act Applications
• Specific Plans
• Coastal Development Permit
• Condo Conversions

An application for a Discretionary Permit is typically processed in three months. Depending how complete the application is when it is first submitted, the time period may be less. For more complex projects, it may be somewhat longer.  For information regarding processing administrative or discretionary permits, please contact the Planning Counter at (619) 336-4310.

Prior to submitting an application, it is encouraged that the applicant request a “Pre-Application Conference” with one of the Planning Department staff. The staff will discuss with you the application, fees and time for processing the application.

Quick Links:

Zoning Map (PDF)
Land Use Code
General Plan (PDF)
Discretionary Permit Application (PDF)
Discretionary Permit Application for Alcohol CUP (PDF)

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