The Department of Planning and Building Permit Center is open by appointment only. A walk-in option is available for customers with questions on Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM. Walk-ins are limited to 15 minutes each in order to accommodate as many people as possible. If you’d like to submit an application in person, please schedule an appointment by calling (805) 781-5600.
To submit electronic Building Permit or Land Use Permit Applications, please visit the Permitting page.
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A certificate of compliance or conditional certificate of compliance is used to establish a legal record officially recognizing that a parcel was legally created, in compliance with the rules and regulations that were applicable at the time of its creation and current case law. Determinations for certificates of compliance are made by Department of Planning & Building staff.
The applicant submits a completed application package and pays all applicable fees.
Department of Planning & Building staff reviews the application and determines if the parcel in question was legally created. If the parcel was legally created, a certificate of compliance issued. If the parcel was not legally created, a conditional certificate of compliance is issued.
Any aggrieved person can appeal a certificate or conditional certificate determination to the Board of Supervisors.
After a certificate of compliance or conditional certificate of compliance is issued, staff records it with the County Clerk-Recorder.
The owner of the subject property or anyone who is given consent by the owner of the subject property may 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.
The State Subdivision Map Act, current case law, and local ordinances are used to determine parcel legality.
No, a certificate of compliance neither ensures that a parcel is buildable nor does it entitle the property owner to a construction permit or other development permits or approvals.
In cases where a parcel was not created legally, the property owner is given the opportunity to apply for a conditional certificate of compliance.