Appeals

All determinations made by County staff and the various Approving Bodies are appealable.  An appeal is a formal process to obtain a ‘second look’ at a determination or decision that you disagree with.  The Department always recommends that you attempt to resolve the disagreement with the staff prior to filing an appeal.  This is often the easiest course, as an appeal requires additional fees and time.  

Because there are so many different determinations made by staff and Approving Bodies, we have provided specific information regarding the various appeals in three brochures.    

Appeals for Building Permit Applications
For appeals related to Building Permit applications and Building Permits.  Includes appeal to fire agencies regarding their requirements.

Planning Appeals for Discretionary Projects
For appeals relating to the review of discretionary review permits, including completeness determinations, CEQA requirements for an EIR, all decisions related to administrative permits, Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors.

Miscellaneous Appeals or Protests
For appeals from decisions of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission, Historic Resources Commission, and for Coastal Exclusion Determinations.  This brochure also covers information about protesting a  “Notice of Intent to Record a Code Violation”