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Apply for Letter of Determination (Determine Project Zoning Conformity)
Developers and business owners may need a formal determination whether their proposed project meets Zoning designations or regulations, or may wish to challenge City interpretation of a project's Zoning conformity. They may seek these by applying for a Letter of Determination with the Zoning Division.
Before you Start
Please review the Letter of Determination Requirements below as these vary from property to property.
Ready to get started? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.
What to Do
Letter of Determination Requirements
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Types of Letters of Determination:
- Burn Down Letter: If you need an official letter confirming the Zoning Designation of a property
- General Plan Determination: If your property's General Plan Designation does not match its Zoning Designation, you may request an official determination to resolve the mismatch
- Determination by Staff (Research): If you need an official record from the City providing the Zoning history for a property and/or what is allowed under the property's Zoning Designation.
- Zoning Manager Review: If you wish to legalize unpermitted units, memorialize condominium credits, memorialize permits on parcels that cut across City limits into other jurisdictions, or issue a challenge to code interpretations that are preventing aspects of your project from moving forward, you may apply for Zoning Manager Review. If you receive a Letter of Determination from the Zoning Manager rejecting your challenge, you may appeal the determination within 10 days.
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- Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
- Owners of a building or their legal representative.
How to Apply
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Step One: Apply Online
- Apply through our Online Permit Center (no login required)
- Fill out all required form fields, select the type of letter requested, and follow step-by-step instructions to submit
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Step Two: Application Review
Once we receive your application, staff will review your documents for completeness. If further information is needed, a planner will contact you at the email address provided. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.
Need to Know
QUESTIONS?
Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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