Community Development

Forms & Applications

Community Development provides a number of Planning and Building and Safety services. Below is a list of forms and applications related to those two main services that can be downloaded online.

If you have questions about a building permit, please call our office at 562.570.PMIT (7648).
For questions regarding planning/zoning, please call the Planning Bureau at 562.570.6194.

Building and Safety Bureau

Planning Bureau

Some projects such as new buildings, signs, wireless telecom towers, sensitive uses (like bars or clubs), or projects located in Planned Development Areas must go through a review process to receive a planning "entitlement" or planning permit before receiving a permit to build or operate. Planning entitlements are not building permits, but they are often required before a project is eligible for building permits. These types of approvals are discretionary actions.

Examples of planning entitlements include: Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Administrative Use Permit (AUP), Site Plan Review (SPR), Local Coastal Development Permit (LCDP), Sign Program, SPR for Wireless Telecom, etc. These projects may also need additional forms. To understand which forms and permits you need for your project, chat with a planner by contacting the Planning & Zoning hotline at 562.570.6194. You can learn more about the planning review process on our Entitlement Process Page.

Supplemental Applications

Some projects, such as minor land or building expansions, those exempt from coastal permit requirements, or certain home businesses may only need review for compliance with code and standards. These types of approvals are ministerial actions.

The state requires that cities review all projects for environmental impact under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Some projects (such as major developments or those with potential significant environmental impacts) may require environmental studies, while some projects (such as minor alterations to existing buildings or small infill projects) may qualify for a listed exemption. Staff will review and determine the appropriate level of environmental review.

The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) reviews all projects at Historic Landmarks sites and in Historic Districts. The CHC reviews all changes to a property's exterior. CHC also reviews interior changes at certain landmarks with designated interior features. You can read more about requirements on our Historic Preservation page.

These applications and filing requirements are for projects related to subdivisions (such as lot mergers, lot splits, condominium conversions, etc.). These processes shall be submitted along with a completed Planning Permit Application and CEQA Environmental Intake Form.

Any aggrieved person may appeal a decision that went through any of the following:

  • Site Plan Review Committee
  • Zoning Administrator
  • Planning Commission
  • Cultural Heritage Commission

Appeals must be filed within 10 days after the decision is made.

An "aggrieved person" is either someone who spoke or had a representative speak about their concerns during a meeting, or who informed Community Development staff of their concern in writing before the hearing.

These applications and checklists are for other processes and procedures within the Planning Bureau that do not fall within the categories above, such as fair housing reasonable accommodation and zoning confirmation letter requests.