A discretionary permit, acted on by a hearing officer on behalf of the Director of Planning & Building, allowing a specific land use. The Minor Use Permit review process provides for public review of significant land use proposals that are not of sufficient magnitude to warrant Commission review; and to insure the proper integration into the community of land uses which, because of their type or intensity, may only be appropriate on particular sites, or may only be appropriate if they are designed or laid out in a particular manner.
Link to the complete Minor Use Permit process in the Inland Land Use Ordinance 22.62.050 - Minor Use Permits.
Link to the complete Minor Use Permit process in the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance 23.02.033 - Minor Use Permit.
The County, through adoption of various ordinances, has determined that there are certain types of uses that may have an impact on the area in which they are located. These types of uses require the approval of a land use permit, which sets conditions for the use's establishment and operation. Approval of a land use permit only entitles the use itself; separate permits may also be required for any construction or grading activities.
Step 1: Schedule Pre-Application Meeting (Optional)
Pre-application meetings are 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.
Step 10: Proceed with Entitlement
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.
Step 3: Pay Invoice
Planning staff will email the applicant an invoice, which the applicant can pay online here*.
*Make sure to add INV to the invoice number (e.g. INV2021-01234), when searching for the invoice online.
Once the invoice is paid, the project review timeline will begin.
Step 5: Schedule Hearing
Staff schedules the application for a public hearing called a Planning Department Hearing.
Step 6: Reach Decision
During the public hearing, the hearing body considers the application and reaches a decision to either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application.
Step 7: Appeal Hearing (If Needed)
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.
Step 8: Record Agreements
Depending on the conditions of approval, the applicant may be required to enter into one or more legal agreements.
Step 9: Extend Approval (Optional)
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.
Anyone can use this service.
Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.