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1. Tips To Save Time and Money.

Consult with City Staff early. Retain the service of a competent, professional design team. Define who will be responsible for the overall coordination of your project and serve as the contact person with City Staff. If the project is publicly sensitive ( i.e., infill project or higher density than surrounding area) meet with neighbors early to receive their input.

2. What is a CUP ?

A CUP is a Conditional Use Permit . A process which provides for public input and review of certain uses which require special consideration because of their unique site development requirements and operating characteristics. CUP is a means of regulating the use of property in a zone where they are not permitted by right. The Planning Commission grants a CUP which is a discretionary permit granted subject to conditions to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses.

3. What is a Development Code / Ordinance Code/ Municipal Code?

A document which contains zoning standards, guidelines and policies regulating the development of the community and implements the City's General Plan.

4. What is a General Plan?

The General Plan is the City's guide for the physical development of the community. The plan's goals and policies address elements such as Land Use, Circulation, Housing and Enviromental Quality.

5. What is a Negative Declaration?

After studies of a project have been completed, a finding is made in regards to its effect on the environment. If the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment, a Negative Declaration is made and filed.

6. What is a Parcel Map?

A minor subdivision involving the creation of up to four lots.

7. What is a Resolution?

A resolution is a written decision of the Planning Commission or City Council.

8. What is a Setback? How do I know what my setbacks are?

Setback is the minimum distance required between a property line and a structure.

Setbacks vary by zone, to confirm your zoning area and setbacks, please contact the
Planning Department at (951)922-3125.

9. What is a Subdivision?

A Subdivision is the legal process of dividing land into separate lots.

10. What is a Tract Map?

Tract Map is a major subdivision involving the creation of five lots or more.

11. What is a Variance?

A Variance is a grant of exception from a specific zonning standard when the Planning Commission finds, in those rare instances, that the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topography condition of the property would result in a hardship upon the owner. There are five legal findings that must be made in order to grant a variance.

12. What is an EIR?

An EIR is an Enviromental Impact Report. A comprehensive study required by CEQA when a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The purpose of the report is to provide decision-makers with detailed information about environmental effects, mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate those effects and analyze project alternatives.

13. What is an Ordinance?

An Ordinance is a law adopted by the City Council

14. What is CEQA?

CEQA stands for California Environmental Quality Act. CEQA is a state law which requires an analysis of potential adverse enviromental impacts prior to final decision on planning and zoning matters.

15. What is Zoning?

The city is divided into zones which are areas with their own regulations for what uses are allowed and the development standards for same. The primary premise behind zoning is the separation of incompatible uses.