What is this service?
Site Plan Review is required by this Title for projects more intensive than those requiring a Zoning Clearance. Site Plan Review considers the greater effects these uses may have upon their surroundings, and characteristics of adjacent uses that could have detrimental effects upon a proposed use. Like the Zoning Clearance, a Site Plan Review is also a ministerial land use permit. When Site Plan Review is required, application preparation and processing shall occur as follows.
Link to the complete Site Plan Review process in the Inland Land Use Ordinance 22.62.040 - Site Plan Review.
There is no Site Plan Review in the Coastal Zone.
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 2: Submit Application
The applicant submits a completed application package.
*Digital Copies are now required with submission
Apply for a Minor Use Permit with the Planning & Building Department.
- Go to Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Permit Portal
- Click on Home on the top tool bar
- Click on Apply on the third tile on the top
- Click on Apply next to Land Use Application
- Click on Register, and completed the application online
- Upload a complete application package, plan sets, and supporting documents
Step 3: Pay Invoice
Staff will look over the application submittal package and contact the primary contact with any questions. Staff will email the primary billing contact an invoice, which can be paid here*. Once the invoice is paid, the project review timeline will begin.
*Make sure to add INV to the invoice number (e.g. INV2020-01234), when searching for the invoice online.
Step 4: Environmental Determination
Where a Site Plan Review application is required by Drainage or Combining Designations to include a drainage plan, or where Standards for Specific Land Uses otherwise require an environmental determination, the determination shall occur.
a. If an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required, the project shall be processed and authorized only as a Conditional Use Permit.
b. Where no EIR is required, processing shall be as described in Step 4 through Step 5.
Step 5: Review and Approval
The Director shall approve a Site Plan Review application if the proposed project satisfies all applicable provisions of this Title. Where a negative declaration on a Site Plan Review identifies necessary environmental impact mitigation measures, they shall apply to the approved Site Plan Review as conditions of approval. The approval shall become effective for the purpose of building or grading permit issuance, or establishment of a use not involving construction, on the date of approval of the Site Plan Review application unless an appeal is filed
Step 6: Appeal of Site Plan Review decision (If Needed)
Any aggrieved person may appeal a Site Plan Review decision as stated in Section 22.70.050 (Appeal) within seven days of the decision; provided the only basis for an appeal, or action on an appeal by the appeal body shall be whether the proposed use satisfies all applicable provisions of this Title.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: 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.
Who can use this service?
Anyone can use this service.
Is there a charge for this service?
Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.
When and where is this service offered?
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.