Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

Submit a concept plan showing the footprint of the proposed home and driveway on your property to the City’s online portal. City staff will provide a helpful pre-submittal checklist of application requirements for your project. For many projects, vegetation clearing, grading or fire management zones should be determined before a building permit is submitted.

All applications are received through the City’s online portal.

Every new home construction project is different because every homesite is different. Property Information is available on City GIS maps. While this information is intended to help you understand the process, there is no substitute for qualified professional architects, engineers and contractors who are responsible to help you navigate this complex process. View our guidelines on Who May Prepare Plans.

To streamline the clearing process in compliance with State requirements, the city has adopted a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).  Projects that clear vegetation require a Biological Study prepared by a qualified biologist to determine what mitigation is required. The amount of clearing you can conduct is limited if your property is within the HCP Mitigation Area boundary shown on the City GIS map. Projects that clear vegetation require an Administrative Clearing Permit.

Fire fuel management zones are required for all structures. Projects within the Very High Fire Severity Zone as shown on the City GIS map require a Fire Fuel Management Plan and Landscape Plan. Fuel management zones extend 100-feet from each structure. When siting your home, ensure you have access rights over the fuel management area. Alternatively, mitigation such as a fire wall may be needed.

Nearly all new homes require a grading permit prepared by a qualified Civil Engineer. Projects within RR-A, RR-B, RR-C or RS-1 Zone on the City GIS map, require preparation of a Slope Analysis by a licensed Engineer. The maximum allowable graded area is set based on the slope analysis.  Learn more about the Grading Permit process.

Some projects trigger the need for improvements, including utility extensions, street widening, sidewalks, and lighting. Submitting a concept plan allows staff to evaluate what is needed to serve your project. Please refer to the Improvement Plan Submittal Checklist for a list of requirements. Construction within public right of way such as streets and utility easements require a Right of Way Permit.

Projects within an Archeological Sensitive Area as shown on the City GIS map, require an Archeological Study prepared by a qualified archeologist. This study should be conducted early in the process as you may need to avoid impacting sensitive areas. Projects within sensitive areas require an Administrative Clearing Permit.

After grading, habitat clearing and fire fuel management plans are complete, the building permit application can be submitted online. Additional resources, including Building Permit Application Requirements, Building Review Timeline, Development Resources, and Frequently Asked Questions are available online. At the time of submission of a building permit application, project proponents are required to post a sign at the front of the property notifying area residents of the planned construction.

If you have questions about building a new home, home addition or accessory dwelling unit, please contact the Planning Division at 858-668-4610.