Planning Applications

About Land Use Permits

What is a Land Use Permit?

A key goal of land use rules is for nearby land uses to be compatible with one another. One way cities and counties do this is to say that certain kinds of uses are allowed only under certain conditions.

If someone wants to make such a use of property, he or she must get a Land Use Permit. Sometimes planners call this a “Conditional Use Permit or CUP.” Other names include “special use permit” or just “use permit.” Zoning rules usually explain when someone needs a land use permit or a minor use permit.

The permit process allows decision-makers to create requirements to avoid problems. These requirements must relate to the expected problems a use will create. The relationship must be backed up with facts presented to decision-makers

Decision-makers must explain their decision with findings. Such findings explain why the decision-maker decided that the permit is or is not justified under the circumstances.

Example

An example is establishing a bar use. Such a use can have negative impacts on neighbors. Common restrictions include limited hours of operation, soundproofing and noise limits, security guards and/or parking requirements.

Key Questions

Is the permit consistent with the general plan, specific plan (if any) and zoning ordinance?

Does the proposed use make sense for the site?
Is the proposed use compatible with surrounding uses?

If not, are there things that can be done to make it more compatible?

Will the project have any environmental effects? What will those effects be? What level of environmental review must occur?

Can the proposed use adequately be served by existing public facilities and services (for example, police and fire protection, parking and roads)?

How will the use, as restricted, affect the community as a whole?

Decision-Making Process

Decision-makers want to hear from those who have opinions or information about whether to approve a proposed land use permit. If you want to share your thoughts, see “Suggestions for Providing Effective Testimony at a Planning Commission Public Hearing”

Application Information

To file an application please take a few minutes to review Development Application and Building Permit Processing Timelines. This document will provide you with an overview our process and processing times. To apply for a Land Use Permit you will need to download the following documents:

Use Permit

Please download the following documents for the select number of Land Use Permit application types that have specific submittal requirements.

Minor Use Permit	Large Family Day Care Minor Use Permit	Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Land Use Permit
Submittal Requirements	Submittal Requirements	Submittal Requirements
Development Application Form	Development Application Form	Development Application Form Application Processing Timeline Questionnaire
Notice Procedures	Notice Procedures	Notice Procedures
Fee Schedule	Fee Schedule	Fee Schedule

We encourage all applicants to contact the Planning Services Division to schedule a meeting prior to filing your application. This will provide us with an opportunity to review the appropriate forms, discuss the process, including environmental review, the necessary committee and commission meetings, projected timelines any potential issues and answer questions you might have. We may be reached at (925) 973-2560.

To Learn More

Planner’s Training Series, The Conditional Use Permit, 2007 available at: