A pre-application meeting is intended to aid prospective applicants in understanding the required rules and regulations that apply to their project and to reveal potential problems. The goal of providing a pre-application meeting is to make the permitting process as efficient and understandable as possible. These meetings are typically optional. If the applicant chooses to utilize this process, there is a separate fee that must be paid prior the meeting.

Schedule a Pre-Application Meeting.

Complete the Attachments Required for an Online Submittal.

1. To apply online, click Land Use Permit Application
2. Click Apply
3. Log In or Register
4. Upload the Attachments Required for an Online Submittal before clicking Submit.

Planning staff will look over the application submittal package and contact the primary contact with any questions. 

Staff will email the billing contact an invoice. Pay invoice here* on PermitSLO.

Once the invoice is paid, the project review timeline will begin.

Department of Planning & Building staff reviews the application for consistency with applicable land use regulations. An application may be deemed incomplete and require additional information, and an information hold letter will be sent to the applicant, or authorized agent for the applicant. If the application is complete, the application will be accepted as complete for processing.

Environmental Review will occur, and additional fees will be invoiced.

Staff schedules the application for a public hearing called a Planning Department Hearing.

During the public hearing, the hearing body considers the application and reaches a decision to either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application.

Any person can appeal a decision to the Board of Supervisors. Projects located within the Coastal Zone can be appealed to (or by) the California Coastal Commission.

Depending on the conditions of approval, the applicant may be required to enter into one or more legal agreements.

The applicant may apply for a time extension to extend the approval date for one year. The maximum available time extensions are based on the land use entitlement type.

Approval of a land use permit only entitles the use itself. This approval includes conditions (such as requiring additional approvals from other agencies) and possible mitigation measures that the applicant must comply with. Because only the use is entitled with approval of a land use permit, any construction or grading is subject to separate permits.