Frequently Asked Questions
Planning
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Planning
Generally, for residential properties, fences, walls, or hedges in front yard areas are limited to a maximum height of 42 inches and a maximum height of 6 feet in rear and side yards. However, there can be differences based on zoning or overlay requirements, or for properties considered to be blufftop or ocean-fronting lots. Please review the Fences, Walls, and Hedges document for more information.
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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.Planning
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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.Planning
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Planning
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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.Planning
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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.Planning
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Yes, Planning & Building Division approval is required. Contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 and the Building Division at (805) 773-7040.Planning
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Planning
Zoning information is available on the Planning Division's website at https://www.pismobeach.org/338/Zoning-Land-Use. Zoning differs depending on whether your property is located within the coastal zone (1983 Zoning Code requirements) or outside of the coastal zone (1998 Zoning Code requirements). This website link includes links to both the 1983 and the 1998 Zoning Maps for the City. For more information or assistance determining your specific property's zoning designation, please contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 or email planning@pismobeach.org.
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Planning
Setback information is based on the Zoning designation for your property. This is found in the City’s Zoning Codes and from the Development Standard handouts for the various Planning Areas in the City. Zoning and other development requirements differ depending on whether your property is located within the coastal zone (1983 Zoning Code requirements) or outside of the coastal zone (1998 Zoning Code requirements). The City's Zoning maps are available online here at https://www.pismobeach.org/338/Zoning-Land-Use. For more information or assistance determining your specific property's setback requirements or other development standards, please contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 or email planning@pismobeach.org.
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Planning
See Current Projects of Interest or contact the Planning Division at (805) 773-4658 or by email at planning@pismobeach.org to obtain information on new development within the City.
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Planning
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. More information on fences, walls, and hedges is available online at https://pismobeach.org/DocumentCenter/View/115/Fences-Walls--Hedges-FAQs-?bidId=
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Planning
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