For questions regarding permits, please refer to the documents below. Obtain any online permits by visiting the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. If you have additional questions, please contact the Planning Division at (310) 802-5520.

Fees

• Fee Schedule- 07/01/25 - 06/30/2026 (PDF)
• Developer Impact Fees (PDF)

Checklists

• Coastal Development Permit Application Instructions (PDF) - All projects within the City's Coastal Zone must obtain a coastal permit, unless otherwise exempted/excluded
• Minor Exception Application Instructions (PDF) - For limited code-specified circumstances
• Preliminary Planning Review for ROD Projects- Application Checklist- Checklist for affordable housing projects in the Residential Overlay District (ROD).
• Residential Plan Check Correction Checklist (PDF) - Checklist that Planning Staff uses to review residential projects during Plan Check.
• Subdivision Map Instructions (PDF)- Checklist for submitting a tentative map or vesting map.
• Telecommunications Facilities Permit Submittal Checklist- Checklist for applicants proposing new or modifications to telecommunications facilities.
• Use Permit and Variance Application Instructions (PDF)

Development Regulation Handouts

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Handout (PDF) - Guidelines on local (MBMC Chapter 10.74) and state regulations for ADUs and Junior ADUs. 
  
• Basement and Story Handout (PDF) - Guidance for compliance with basement and building story requirements
• Building Height Requirements (PDF) - Guidance for compliance with building height requirements
• Calculating Lot Depth and Lot Width (PDF)
• Driveway Clearances Handout (PDF) - Guidance for complying with driveway clearance requirements when locating a garage in the rear of a property
• Encroachment Standards (PDF) - Summary of construction and landscaping on public property
• Fences and Walls Handout (PDF)
• Gaslamp Neighborhood Overlay District Additional Setback Handout (PDF) - Graphic to understand MBMC § 10.44.030 (e)
• Guest House (Accessory Living Quarters) Above A Garage Handout (PDF) - Guidance for locating a guest quarters (accessory living quarters) above a garage for residential properties
• Open Space Handout (PDF)- Usable open space requirements for applicable residential projects
• Supplemental Setback Handout (PDF)- Guidance on complying with the supplemental setback requirements found in MBMC § 10.12.030 (T)
• Sustainable Landscaping Handout (PDF) per MBMC § 10.60.070

Permits/Applications

• Change of Address (Online) - For adding, changing or removing street addresses
• Density Bonus Application- For projects that are requesting a density bonus under state density bonus law.
• Planning Encroachment (Online) - For private use of public property per MBMC Chapter 7.36
• Encroachment Permit for Sidewalk Dining (Online) per MBMC § 7.36.160
• Entertainment Permit (Online) per MBMC § 4.20.050
• Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF) per MBMC § 10.52.070
• Massage/Bodywork Permit Application (PDF) - Request for Live Scan (PDF)
• Outdoor Facilities Permit (Online) per MBMC § 10.60.080
• Preliminary Planning Review (Online) - Optional procedure applicants may request for complex submittals.
• Reasonable Accommodation Request (PDF) per MBMC Chapter 10.85
• Sign Permit (Online) per MBMC Chapter 10.72
• Temporary Sign Permit (Online) per MBMC § 10.72.050 (A)
• Temporary Use Permit (PDF) per MBMC § 10.84.110
• Tree Permit- Private Property (Online)- See Tree Regulations
• Zoning Business Review (For Commercially Located Businesses) (PDF)

Forms

• Master Application (PDF) - Required for most planning application submittals
• 50% Rule Acknowledgement Form (PDF) - Required for projects when project valuation is less than 50% of the reconstruction cost of the existing structure, where structure non-conformities exist
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Information Form (PDF)
• Building Height Certification (PDF)
• Building Valuation Worksheet (Excel- Download) - Used to calculate the building valuation for remodel projects
• Certificate of Appropriateness (PDF) - Required for alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, construction, relocation, or demolition of a historic or culturally significant landmark
• Environmental Assessment Form (PDF) - Required for all discretionary projects (i.e. Use Permits, Variances, Zone Changes)
• Fence Height Agreement with City(PDF)
• Fence Height Agreement with Neighbor (PDF)
• Historic Landmark Application (PDF) - For historic or culturally significant designation
• Mills Act Contract Application (PDF)
• Owners Affidavit (PDF)
• Partial Demolition Acknowledgement Form (PDF) - Required for remodels with existing non-conformities to remain
• Tree Removal Acknowledgement Form- Form used for neighbors' signatures when neighbor notification is required for the removal of a protected tree tied to a Tree Permit- Private Property Only
• Replacement Unit Determination (RUD) Form (PDF) 
• Self-Certification for Replacement Tree/New Tree Installation (PDF) -Required for required new or replacement trees
• Self-Certification for Pre/Post-Construction Tree Protection (PDF) - Required for trees that qualify for protection during the construction process

Informational Handouts

• Encroachment Permit Requirements for Sidewalk Dining (PDF)
• Encroachment Permit Submittal Requirements (PDF)
• Property Tax Estimation Calculator (Excel) - In relation to Historic Preservation and Mills Act
• Radius Map Notification Instruction Sheet (PDF)
• Sign Program Example (PDF)
• Survey Requirements (PDF)

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