Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the fees for different Planning Department services?
  2. How do I make a request for project notification?
  3. What is my zoning?
  4. How can I change my zoning?
  5. How do I get a map of my property?
  6. Can my property be subdivided?
  7. Are there any environmental constraints on my property?
  8. What are my building setbacks?
  9. Can I put a Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on my property?
  10. Who is authorized to prepare biological inventories in the unincorporated County?
  11. How do I file a land use complaint?
  12. Is my property in a floodplain?
  13. Can I have animals on my property?
  14. What are the timelines for processing land use permits?
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  1. What is a lot?
  2. How are lots created?
  3. What is a legal lot?
  4. What is an illegal lot?
  5. What does the County do about illegal lots?
  6. What does it mean to own an illegal lot?
  7. Why is the County concerned about illegal lots?
  8. What is an Assessor's Parcel?
  9. How did the County find out about my illegal lot?
  10. Can I be prosecuted for owning an illegal lot?
  11. Why didn't the title company tell me my lot was illegal?
  12. The person who sold it to me is the one who broke the law; what can be done about this?
  13. What can I do to legalize my lot?
  14. Must I file for a conditional certificate of compliance now?
  15. What can a buyer do to avoid acquiring an illegal lot?
  16. Whom should I contact on these matters?
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  1. What is the California Environmental Quality Act and what is its purpose?
  2. Why is CEQA important?
  3. How does CEQA work?
  4. What is considered a project under CEQA?
  5. Does every project require CEQA review?
  6. What is an exemption?
  7. What is an Initial Study?
  8. What is a Significant Impact? How do you decide whether an impact is significant?
  9. What is a mitigation measure?
  10. What is a Negative Declaration or a Mitigated Negative Declaration?
  11. What is an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)? When is one required?
  12. What happens after the environmental document is finished?
  13. Is a public hearing required?
  14. How to citizens get involved? What are the public notice requirements?
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