This is the initial stage in the City's review process of your project. During this phase a determination will be made whether or not a public hearing on the project will be necessary.

Following completion of the Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting, the project applicant will be informed how the project will be processed. If a public hearing is necessary, a hearing date will be set. The applicant will receive a copy of the staff report with staff's recommendation and conditions in advance of the hearing. If no hearing is necessary, plans will be reviewed by the planning staff for consistency with the Development Code and DRC comments. 

Upon completion of this Phase, construction plans may be submitted for building plan check. 

 

Flow Chart A: Entitlement Phase for Development Projects
Zoning Clearance Form completed by applicant		Many minor projects are not required to follow this process; per the Planning Department approval, go to the Post Approval Flow Chart
Application submitted to be reviewed for completeness and accuracy (Development Code Article VI discusses specific types of permits)		Required documents when application submitted: 1. Application 2. Plans 3. Fees for Planning Processing
Development Review Committee (DRC) reviews application and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review		The DRC includes all City Departments to evaluate projects in light of their individual requirements. This meeting helps to clarify any conflicting requirements and informs the applicant of the steps necessary to proceed to the Planning Commission or obtain staff approval.
CEQA ONLY Staff determines if any special study reports are needed CEQA ONLY	Within 30 days the applicant is notified in writing if application is complete or incomplete
If application found incomplete revised plans are to be re-submitted to the DRC		Depending on project complexity, time period between DRC and Public Hearing may vary.
Issues outside the DRC that may affect the process (see City's CEQA circulation list) For example, neighborhood meetings, etc.
Notification of other public agencies may be required		Other public agencies may become involved in the process. Please refer to CEQA List maintained by the Planning Division.
Application deemed complete/CEQA Determination/Preparation of CEQA Document		There is a 30 to 90 day period between application being deemed complete and the public hearing.
Conditions for project established from each Department (Goal of 7 days in advance to applicant)
Staff report and recommendations to Commission or Council (Please refer to Table 6-1 in Article VI of the Development Code for Guidance). If approved, see FLOW CHART B.

 

This site has been prepared as an aid to homeowners and builders and should be used as an outline of the City's review process. We have attempted to explain the nuances of the process without overwhelming the user.

This site is not the final word and City staff should be consulted throughout the process. Further, not all projects are subject to steps within this site.

Phase B is the plan check phase of the review process. It involves both internal city departments and external review agencies. Following compliance with the requirements of all City departments and outside agencies, building permits and grading permits (if necessary) will be issued. 

 

Flow Chart B: Post Approval Permit Process (Plan Check)
Applicant discusses approved project with case planner and proceeds as needed	Include process of Condition Compliance and Mitigation Measures
Submittal for plan check Documents submitted to the appropriate department for plan review and correction review. Departments that review include Public Works/Engineering, Planning and Building Services, and Transportation. (See below for department leads and responsibilities in review process).	Plan check fees are due at this time This includes submitting and obtaining documentation of approval from outside agencies listed in Referral Letter.
Referral Letter and/or plan check comments returned to applicant by each department
Applicant revises plans and resubmits to appropriate department	IF CORRECTIONS
Submitted plans reviewed. Applicant notified.	IF APPROVED Depending on complexity and size of project, additional DRC review may be required for condition compliance and mitigation measure compliance.
Final review completed and ready for permit issuance for particular stage of construction. GO TO FLOW CHART C

 

This site has been prepared as an aid to homeowners and builders and should be used as an outline of the City's review process. We have attempted to explain the nuances of the process without overwhelming the user.

This site is not the final word and City staff should be consulted throughout the process. Further, not all projects are subject to steps within this site.

 

 

 

Phase C covers the grading, construction and occupancy phases of the project. During this phase all conditions and mitigation measures will be enforced. It is only after all conditions and mitigation measures  have been fully met can a building  be occupied.

 

 

Flow Chart C: Permit Issuance to Final/Certificate of Occupancy
Determine need for Pre Construction meeting and schedule with project planner
Grading Permit Application	1. Grading Permit fees collected 2. Developer grades property 3. Rough Grading Certification submitted by developer 4. Public Works sign off of Rough Grading for Building
Development Impact and Mitigation Impact fees paid
Building Permit and Related Permits Issued	Types of permitstypically issued include: a) Building Permit/MEP Permits b) Encroachment Permit c) Oak Tree Permit
Construction begins with inspections performed at required intervals (builder responsible for requesting inspections at appropriate times, see appropriate agency if unsure of required inspections) - Typical lead time for inspection is 24 hrs.	Agencies that regularly inspect projects include, but is not limited to, Public Works/Engineering, Planning, Building and Safety, Fire Department, Los Angeles County, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Result of inspections may include approval, correction notice, stop work notice, or revisions required	Mitigation monitoring required throughout life of project and may include post-construction monitoring
Applicant corrects required items and meets Punch List Items for all departments and Condition Compliance Review	Revisions submittal may be required for completion
Each required agency signs off on project when work satisfactorily completed
Certificate of Occupancy Issued