The Current Planning Division is primarily responsible for reviewing and analyzing planning aspects of proposed development projects.

Minor projects such as conforming room additions, patio covers and fences are reviewed administratively by the Planning staff at the Planning Counter, provided the projects comply with the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance.

More complex projects are typically processed through the Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission, with few projects being heard by the City Council, unless appealed. 

As applicants present projects, project planners review and analyze the applications. Meetings are then held between the applicant, the Planning staff, and other City departments to address pertinent issues.   By the time a project reaches the Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission, the majority of issues have been resolved and the project may have been through several revisions. 

Current Planning processes applications consisting primarily of conditional use permits, tentative parcel and tract maps, variances, coastal development permits, sign code exceptions, planned sign programs, and other applications requiring approval of the Design Review Board.

The following table indicates the number of entitlements processed through the Planning Counter in 2004.

                                                      2005 ENTITLEMENTS