What will it cost and how long will it take?

How much does it cost? You may have already incurred some cost for plans, maps and other submittal requirements. You may have hired an architect or a permit expediter to assist you. Depending on the complexity of your request, you may also have hired a licensed engineer. The Planning and Development Department collects fees for all of the Departments who must review your application and distributes that money to them. For most permit types, the fee required is a "fixed" amount set by the Board of Supervisors (fees may revised annually). Fixed fees are charged for cases where processing time is predictable. All other cases are a charged deposit; deposits range between $350 and $5,000. Within 30 days of your submittal, a planner will meet with you to discuss the estimate of processing costs which they have prepared. Other departments will also inform you whether they require any additional fees. This will give you an opportunity to include these costs in your project budget (more information on Building & Development Fees). How long will this process take? The California Permit Streamlining Act (PSA) sets elapsed time limits for government action on some types of projects. On average, Planning and Development takes less time than the PSA allows. In general, you may expect that once your application is deemed "complete" it will be through the decision hearing (not including any appeals) in 60 days if your project is exempt from environmental review; 4 months if your project requires an ND, and one year if your project requires an EIR. These times vary depending on project complexity, neighborhood controversy and the degree to which the project mitigates environmental impacts, and conforms with existing regulations & standards. What can you do to save time and money? Take advantage of the Pre-application process; adhere to any Planning and Development recommendations for submittal. Read your application requirements carefully; be sure your submittals are correct and complete. Make sure to submit proof of water & sewer availability. Read the applicable policies and zoning requirements for your project; ensure your project description conforms with these legal standards. Read the County's Standard Conditions and Mitigation Measures and; ensure your project description includes any applicable mitigation measures. Write a detailed project description. Quickly respond to your planner's requests for information; ask for clarification if you do not understand a request. Review the draft environmental document for your project carefully and discuss any concerns with your planner or their supervisor. Review the Conditions of Approval from all departments carefully (they are included in the staff report). You will be required to strictly adhere to these conditions later. If you do not think you will be able to comply, or if there is anything you do not understand, ask your planner and raise it at the hearing. Once your project is approved, comply fully with all conditions, plans and codes.

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