Development Review

The Development Review Section is managed by a Principal Planner and consists of three different functions: Pre-Application Consultation, Discretionary Application Processing, and post approval follow-up and monitoring.

Pre-Application Consultation includes a variety of services to help applicants and property owners refine their proposed projects before they are actually submitted for processing. These services include the Development Review Group, Rural Density Matrix, Pre-Development Site Review (PDSR) and Project Consultation. Information about these services can be obtained from the Zoning Counters at any of our permit centers, during their regularly scheduled hours.

The Discretionary Application function is responsible for the review and processing of all discretionary permit applications. Unlike a building permit, which is reviewed for conformance with measurable code requirements, a discretionary permit requires the exercise of professional judgment on the part of both Project Review staff planners and decision makers. Most discretionary permits require consideration at a public hearing before the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors. Projects requiring a discretionary permit range from a coastal permit for an addition to a single- family dwelling to a major subdivision or commercial development. The Development Review planners review applications for conformance with County General Plan policies, code requirements and design guidelines. Their work includes office review of plans, field reviews at proposed development sites and presentations at public hearings. Typical issues involved with the Project Review function include compatibility with other land uses in the neighborhood, physical design and environmental protection. The Design Review process is often triggered by projects being reviewed by the Development Review section.

Post approval follow-up and monitoring includes reviewing building permit applications for conformance with conditions of approval, reviewing improvement plans, monitoring environmental mitigation measures, and other reviews required following approval of a Discretionary Application.