Land Use Permit Process

There are certain uses of land or types of businesses that may have an impact on their community.  These uses are carefully reviewed through the land use permit process.   Land Use Permits authorize a use and set conditions for its establishment and operation, and are required in addition to Construction Permits.  For more information about how they are processed and approved, click on the User’s Guide below:

Users Guide to the Land Use Permit Process

If you need a Land Use Permit, you will need to provide the information that is listed and contained in this package:  

Land Use Permit Application Package

 

Land Division Process

To learn about how to subdivide a parcel or adjust the lot lines between two or more (up to four) existing parcels, read this guide:

Land Division User's Guide

When you submit an application to the county to subdivide your land or to adjust your lot lines, you will need to provide all the information that is listed and contained in this package:

Land Division Application Package

 

Land Use Element and Land Use Ordinance 

Read about the Land Use Element (LUE) and Land Use Ordinance (LUO), and how they each affect land development and building projects in the unincorporated areas of the

county.

How to Use the LUE and LUO System

Appeals

Any discretionary project or portion of a discretionary project may be appealed.  Read about it here:

Appeals Guide

Ordinance Amendment

Before any portion of the ordinance can be changed, a thorough review of the requested change must be completed. Amending the ordinance is an important decision as it affects the entire county.  Read more about it here:

User's Guide to the Ordinance Amendment Process 

General Plan Amendment Process

Before any portion of the general plan can be changed, a thorough review of the requested change must be completed. Amending the general plan is an important decision. The process is governed by state law that requiries each amendment request to be evaluated by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors at public hearings before a decision is made.  To learn more, read:

General Plan Amendment User's Guide 

Condition Compliance

Conditions of Approval are usually adopted at the time a project goes through a use permit or subdivision process and apply to the subsequent building or grading permits. These conditions may be such things as operational requirements, or requirements for landscaping plans, parking, or road improvements that must be completed before the project may be issued a permit or given its final inspection.  Read more about this process here:

Condition Compliance Guide 

General Guidelines to the Construction Permit Process

A construction permit is needed for almost any project that involves building or altering a structure or its plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems.  Learn more here:

User's Guide to the Construction Permit Process

Any project that includes grading, where soil will be removed and/or filled in, usually requires a permit. For more information, see:

Guide to Residential Grading