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Planning and development applications in California

Planning and development applications.

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In California, 58 county departments and 1 city government publish 61 official links for this service. Reviewed requirements cover availability notices (28), documents (17), processing time (4) and appointments (1). 42 counties have a page for it below.

Before you start · 2 things to check
  • Start with the jurisdiction of the property. County permit offices may serve only unincorporated areas.
  • Use the official map and confirm project requirements with the planning or building office.

59 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides

Choose a county on the map

Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties
California county mapChoose a county to open its directory. Use the county search and list for smaller counties.Alameda County: open directoryAlpine County: open directoryAmador County: open directoryButte County: open directoryCalaveras County: open directoryColusa County: open directoryContra Costa County: open directoryDel Norte County: open directoryEl Dorado County: open directoryFresno County: open directoryGlenn County: open directoryHumboldt County: open directoryImperial County: open directoryInyo County: open directoryKern County: open directoryKings County: open directoryLake County: open directoryLassen County: open directoryLos Angeles County: open directoryMadera County: open directoryMarin County: open directoryMariposa County: open directoryMendocino County: open directoryMerced County: open directoryModoc County: open directoryMono County: open directoryMonterey County: open directoryNapa County: open directoryNevada County: open directoryOrange County: open directoryPlacer County: open directoryPlumas County: open directoryRiverside County: open directorySacramento County: open directorySan Benito County: open directorySan Bernardino County: open directorySan Diego County: open directorySan Francisco County: open directorySan Joaquin County: open directorySan Luis Obispo County: open directorySan Mateo County: open directorySanta Barbara County: open directorySanta Clara County: open directorySanta Cruz County: open directoryShasta County: open directorySierra County: open directorySiskiyou County: open directorySolano County: open directorySonoma County: open directoryStanislaus County: open directorySutter County: open directoryTehama County: open directoryTrinity County: open directoryTulare County: open directoryTuolumne County: open directoryVentura County: open directoryYolo County: open directoryYuba County: open directory
County directory Reviewed service guides available
Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.
Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

Showing 59 guides as a short list. Choose your county or type a city above to see each guide’s instructions, conditions and sources here.

County government · Alameda

Alameda County Community Development Agency — Planning Department

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Alameda County land-use Planning application forms (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Alameda

Oakland — Planning & Building Department

Planning & Zoning

Oakland planning and zoning application forms (opens in a new tab)

Service area: City of Oakland planning and zoning application resources; confirm project requirements with the City.

Optional preliminary review application

Zoning Pre-application Form(PDF, 328KB) - Pre-applications are optional and allow you an opportunity to submit your preliminary plans for review by an assigned case planner.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Alpine

Alpine County Community Development — Planning Division

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Alpine Planning and development application portal instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Existing Planning application search is separate from new filing

To search for, view, or edit an existing Planning permit application, go to the "Active Planning and Development Application".

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Amador

Amador County Planning — GIS and mapping

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Amador land-use application submission instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Online land-use filing, in-person submittals and project-specific follow-up

Land use applications can be submitted via the link above. Projects will be assigned to a staff planner who will contact you to discuss anticipated processing times and any other information that may be needed for your scope of work. In person submittals are still accepted from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. For additional forms and information that is not provided online, please contact the Planning Department at (209) 223-6380.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Butte

Butte County Development Services — Planning map information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Butte Planning project applications and filing guides (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Planning electronic email and alternative paper submission

Electronic submittals will be accepted by emailing the Development Services Planning Division. If you cannot furnish an electronic copy, you may submit a paper copy via mail or submitted at the Development Services office at:

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Calaveras

Calaveras County Planning Department

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Calaveras Planning application-resource referral (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Colusa

Colusa County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Colusa Planning permits and application portal (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Planning requires online portal submission

All Applications must be submitted through the Online Permit Portal.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Contra Costa

Contra Costa County Planning

County Planning reviews projects only in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Incorporated cities and towns retain their own planning agencies; Building contracts do not change Planning authority.

Contra Costa Planning application routes (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning reviews projects only in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Incorporated cities and towns retain their own planning agencies; Building contracts do not change Planning authority.

Minor Planning applications: ePermit and listed project categories

Minor applications are submitted through the ePermit Center and are often processed administratively, unless a public hearing is requested. Minor Applications are used for Home Occupation Permits or Property Use Verifications, Substandard Sized Lot Design Reviews, and Kensington Design Reviews.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

General Planning application review and project-dependent timing

Most planning permits are submitted as a General Application because they require additional review by a planner. The time to process a project varies significantly depending on the complexity. These projects often require significant backup documentation. Some projects may require a public hearing.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Del Norte

Del Norte County — Planning zoning information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Del Norte Planning development-permit application resources (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · El Dorado

El Dorado County Planning Division

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

El Dorado Planning applications and required submittal forms (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Conditional-use review body depends on project complexity

Conditional Use Permits will be reviewed by either the Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission, depending on the complexity of the project. Click on application link below for more information on process.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Humboldt

Humboldt County Planning and Building — Web GIS

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Humboldt Planning permit application instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Accela pre-application record instructions

Once you have an account navigate to the "Pre-Application" tab (1), check the box certifying you have read and accept the terms (2), and click the "Continue Application" button (3).

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Kern

Kern County — Planning map information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Kern Planning application and form directory (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Kings

Community Development Agency

Planning & Zoning

Kings planning-permit applications — county portal referral (opens in a new tab)
County states both building/planning applications use digital submission

The Kings County Community Development Agency has shifted from accepting paper applications for permits to only digital applications. Please use the link above to be taken to the New Online Permit Center to submit new Building Permits and Planning Permits. If you have any additional questions please email kcgc.building@co.kings.ca.us or give us a call at (559)852-2670. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will keep you updated on any further changes.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Planning — GIS-NET Public

Unincorporated Los Angeles County; excludes its 88 incorporated cities.

Los Angeles County Planning — file an application (opens in a new tab)
EPIC-LA account and access instructions

You will need to register in EPIC-LA to apply online or pay fees. Read the registration instructions for more information. Read the add contact instructions if you need to add more people to access a case.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Official submission follows payment; not permit approval

Your application is considered officially submitted once you have paid the fee(s).

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Mariposa

Mariposa County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Mariposa Planning application information and permitting center (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Separate Planning charges and invoice after project submission

The Planning fee schedule below is organized so that each service is charged separately. You will receive a detailed invoice once your project is submitted. If you would like an estimate of fees prior to submittable, please contact our office.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Mendocino

Planning & Building Services

Planning & Zoning

Mendocino Planning inland and coastal application resources (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Planner consultation and pre-application conference options

If you have specific questions regarding a proposed or past project, we encourage you to consider a Planner Consultation Meeting or a Pre-Application Conference.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Merced

Merced County Community and Economic Development — Planning map information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Merced County Planning application and online submission instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Mono

Mono County Community Development — Planning

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Mono Planning land-use application directory (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Monterey

Monterey County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Monterey County Planning application process (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Later condition compliance before ministerial permits

The adopted resolution for the project will include a matrix that specifies Conditions of Approval and/or Mitigation Measures that must be met prior to obtaining ministerial permits and at other stages of the development process. Additional condition compliance application fees will be due at this time.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Placer

Placer County — Planning Services zoning research

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Placer Planning application fees, forms and instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Riverside

Riverside County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Riverside County Planning development applications (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

PLUS Online Planning application instructions

Planning applications may be submitted online through PLUS Online. See instructions HERE.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Sacramento

Sacramento County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Sacramento County Planning applications and email filing (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Most Planning applications use the specified email route

​Submittal - Unless otherwise specified, all applications should be submitted by email to planning-applications@saccounty.gov​.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Existing paid-project resubmittals go to assigned project manager

Have an active, paid project? - ​Any resubmittals and communications for active applications should be sent directly to the assigned Project Manager. Please include the project number (often beginning with PLNP or DRCP) in your email communications.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Bernardino

San Bernardino County Land Use Services — Planning zoning maps

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

San Bernardino Planning application filing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Account required for EZOP records and document submission

An EZOP account is necessary to create a record and submit documents. To register, please access the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal at https://wp.sbcounty.gov/ezop/.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Planning review starts after full documents and fee payment

Once payment and all necessary documents have been uploaded the application will be routed to the Planning Division, it will then be assigned to a Planner. The Review of your application by a planner will not begin until after all necessary documents have been uploaded into the application and the full application fee paid.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Diego

San Diego County Planning and Development Services — zoning information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

San Diego County discretionary Planning permit resources (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Mateo

Planning & Building

Planning & Zoning

San Mateo planning-permit application process (opens in a new tab)
Planning approval and building-permit sequence

You may need one or both depending on your proposed project. If you need both permits, you must get the planning permit before applying for the building permit. Having an approved planning permit does not mean that you can start construction without first getting a building permit.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Planning email/counter filing; only the listed planning categories are online

The county describes email/counter planning submissions and a specific list of planning permits accepted online. Online building-permit filing is a separate process.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Shasta

Shasta County Resource Management — Planning Division

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Shasta Planning application packets and Master Application (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Sierra

Sierra County Planning Department

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Sierra Planning entitlement applications and review process (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Hearing determination, appeal and variable processing time/fees

The staff recommendation is presented in a public hearing before the Planning Commission which will make a for determination to approve or deny the application. The Planning Commission may approve, approve subject conditions, or deny the application. Any decision by the Planning Commission may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors. Processing time and fees differ based on the type of application. For more information, please contact us.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Siskiyou

Siskiyou County — Planning zoning information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Siskiyou Planning applications and accompanying guides (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Solano

Solano County Resource Management — Planning Services

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Solano Planning application submittal resources (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Stanislaus

Stanislaus County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Stanislaus County use-permit application process (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Use-permit hearing may approve or deny the proposal

The Stanislaus County Planning Commission will consider the application at an advertised public hearing. The Planning Commission will either approve or deny the application.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Sutter

Sutter County Planning

County Planning application information; confirm the applicable property and project jurisdiction.

Sutter Planning applications, forms and formal-submittal limits (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Staff-directed upload is not formal application submittal

Submitting documents through this link does not constitute formal submittal of an application. Only use this link if you are directed to by Planning staff. Please ensure that your contact information is on each document submitted.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Tehama

Tehama County Planning Department

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Tehama Planning applications and checklists (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Ventura

Ventura County Resource Management — Planning zoning information

Official county Planning map/information function. County zoning applies to its unincorporated jurisdiction; included city maps, federal/state land and third-party reference layers do not transfer planning authority. Map access, inquiry and partial community-map limits remain stated on each service.

Ventura Planning permit application resources (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Planning application information. Confirm jurisdiction for the property and project; incorporated-city authority is not established by this entry.

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Planning and development applications by county