Land Use Entitlements

Land use permits require either a discretionary or a ministerial decision. The following land use entitlements can be processed with a land use permit application:

 

Conditional Use Permit (also called Development Plan)
A discretionary permit, acted on by the Planning Commission, allowing a specific land use.
Minor Use Permit
A discretionary permit, acted on by a hearing officer on behalf of the Director of Planning & Building, allowing a specific land use.
Plot Plan
A ministerial permit, acted on by staff, allowing a specific land use.
Site Plan
A ministerial permit, acted on by staff, allowing a specific land use.
Surface Mining and Reclamation Plan
A discretionary permit, acted on by Planning Commission, allowing the mining of surface materials from a site and requiring the reclamation of the site after the mining is completed.
Variance
A discretionary permit to modify requirements of an ordinance or area plan. A variance cannot reduce the minimum parcel size or authorize uses that are not allowed by Table 2-2 of the Inland Land Use Ordinance or Table O of the Coastal Land Use Ordinance.
Zoning Clearance
A ministerial permit processed and approved as part of the construction permit or business license clearance.