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1. How does someone apply for planning approval?

Typically, an applicant will consult with Planning Staff prior to submittal in order to determine the permit type and process for their project. After an initial meeting with Planning Staff, an applicant should fill out the appropriate application materials and submit a complete application package to the Planning Division. An applicant for a large residential or commercial project should consider going through the Conceptual Review process in order to allow staff/Planning Commission to informally review a proposed development and provide guidance before substantial commitments of time and money are made in the submission of an application.

2. How do I determine where my property lines are?

Your property lines can be determined by a licensed surveyor completing a survey of your property. The City has plans that show your lot dimensions; however, you cannot determine the exact location of your lot lines without a survey of the property. The City does not recommend any specific surveyor or survey company.

Please check your phone book for a list of surveyors.

3. Where can I get a copy of "as-built" plans of my house/site/commercial building?

You may contact the Building Department at (805) 773-7040 or the Planning Department at (805) 773-4658 to find out if we have a set of plans for your house/site/commercial building.

4. Do I need a permit for flatwork or to pave my driveway?

Permits are not required for flatwork or repaving of an existing driveway. However, if you propose to relocate the driveway, you must contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 and the Engineering Division at (805) 773-4656.

5. Do I need a permit to reface my sign?

Yes, Planning & Building Division approval is required. Contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 and the Building Division at (805) 773-7040.

6. What is the zoning on my property?

Please contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 to obtain zoning information.

7. What can I build on my property?

Once you obtain the zoning and General Plan designation for your property from the Planning Division, you can view our Zoning Codes to determine the permitted uses within your zoning district. Zoning Codes

8. I’m building an addition to my Home/office/commercial building. What are my setbacks?

Setback information can be obtained from the City’s Zoning Codes and from the Development Standard Handouts for the various Planning Areas in the City. You must know the zoning designation of your property in order to determine the setback information. Zoning information is available by contacting the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658. Planning Documents/Forms

9. What new developments are going on in the City?

See Current Projects of Interest or contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 to obtain information on new development within the City. Current Projects

10. Do I need a permit to build a fence/wall? Or can I add some lattice above my existing wall or fence?

Building permits are required for all retaining walls. Building permit applications are available online from the Building Division. Generally, the maximum fence height permitted in the City is 6 feet within rear yards and 42-inches for front yard fencing. Building Division

11. How do I file an appeal to the City Council of a Planning Commission decision?

Appeals must be filed in the Office of the City Clerk within 10 working days of the Planning Commission decision. Following receipt of a timely, complete appeal application, the City Clerk will contact you with the appeal hearing date.

For more information, please visit the City Clerk's Appeals Page