What is the Application Review Process?What type of permits does the Planning Division issue? How do I apply for a ministerial permit? How do I begin the application process for a discretionary permit? Before I begin the discretionary permit process, what information do I need to provide? What Is My Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)? How do I get a copy of the Assessor’s Parcel Map that includes my property? Why is it taking so long for my permit to be processed?
What type of permits does the Planning Division issue?There are two broad types of permits: ministerial and discretionary. A ministerial permit is a permit or permit modification that is granted based upon determinations that the proposed project complies with established standards set forth in either the Coastal or Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinances. The determinations are arrived at objectively, involve little or no personal judgment, and are issued by the Planning Director or his/her designee. This type of permit is commonly referred to as an “over the counter” approval. Examples of ministerial permits include the following: tree trimming/removal permits, film permits, residential/agricultural zoning clearances— for example second dwelling units, detached accessory structures such as pools and patio covers, greenhouses, storage structures, and barns— and commercial/industrial zoning clearances for signs. A discretionary permit is a permit or permit modification granted following determinations that require the exercise of judgment and deliberation, as opposed to merely determining that the permit request complies with a set of standards. Examples of discretionary permits include: Conditional Use Permits, Zone Changes, Variances, Subdivisions, and General Plan Amendments. Most discretionary permit applications require an analysis by the Planning Division and various County Departments and Agencies, as well as a public hearing prior to any decision being made. A decision to approve or deny a permit application is based on the findings of fact contained in either the Ventura County Coastal or Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinances. Findings for subdivision requests are found within the County’s Subdivision Ordinance and are pursuant to the State Subdivision Map Act. To review the development standards and code requirements in Ventura County, please refer to the Zoning Ordinances page. How do I apply for a ministerial permit?For “over-the-counter” ministerial permit applications (e.g. Zoning Clearances), the Planning Division provides walk-in assistance at the Planning Public Counter. The Public Counter provides services between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 800 S. Victoria Ave, Hall of Administration 3rd Floor. Given that some research may be required to review the application and the Public Counter is responsible for providing other services to the public, not all Zoning Clearances can be processed the same day the application is submitted. In addition, the cashier’s station closes at 4:30 p.m., therefore Zoning Clearances submitted after 4:00 p.m. are not likely to be finalized the same day they are submitted. For more information about the Public Counter, please click here. How do I begin the application process for a discretionary permit?The application process varies depending on the type of development proposed. All applicants are encouraged to speak to a Pre-submittal Planner before applying for any permits. The pre-submittal application process provides answers to all of your questions and/or concerns regarding the proposed project. To setup a pre-submittal meeting, please contact the appropriate Pre-submittal Planner:
Before I begin the discretionary permit process, what information do I need to provide?Before submitting an application, you must provide pertinent information regarding your proposed project. To view a detailed description of what you need to begin the application process, click here. Planning staff analysis is based on applicant-provided information and will generally correspond in detail to the level of information provided (i.e., the greater the proposed project detail, the more thorough the analysis). The value of the Planning staff’s response will be directly related to the completeness and accuracy of the materials provided. All applicants are asked to provide the following:
What Is My Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)?The APN can be found on the property tax bill for the property or by clicking here to connect to the Assessor’s Office web site where one can search by the site’s address or owner for the APN. In addition, you may also contact the County Assessor’s office by phone at (805) 654-2181.How do I get a copy of the Assessor’s Parcel Map that includes my property?You can print an Assessor's Parcel Map from the Ventura County Assessor’s website by clicking here and searching by either the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) or by the map book number.Why is it taking so long for my permit to be processed?Decisions and public hearings take place most expeditiously if all of the required information is submitted accurately and completely from the start. Generally speaking, the better the plans and the more complete the project description at the outset, the faster applications can be acted upon.Application delays normally occur due to incomplete application submittal information or changes to the project description. Each subsequent resubmittal to complete the application(s) requires additional staff review time (minimum of 30 days). After the application is declared complete, conditions of approval and, sometimes, staff reports must be prepared. In addition, State environmental review requirements and mandatory noticing periods must be satisfied prior to a public hearing. The noticing period can vary between 20 to 30 days before a completed application may be heard by the decision maker. To determine the status of your project, please contact your assigned Case Planner. |
