Frequently Asked Questions

Before an official application is filed, it is suggested that you meet with a planner to discuss the specific details of your proposed project. In this meeting, a planner will explain zoning requirements applicable to your proposed project and provide you with information with respect to the application process. The Planning Department can assist you to help you better understand the application process. No appointment is necessary to meet with a planner during counter hours which are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

A Variance application is required whenever an aspect of a proposed project does not conform to the development standards for the zone. Variance applications require review by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Certain uses are conditionally permitted in the zone in which they are proposed. A Conditional Use Permit is required to ensure that a proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Conditional Use Permit applications require review by the Planning Commission and City Council.

All new construction and exterior alterations for buildings located in commercial, industrial, or multiple family residential zones require Development Review Board approval prior to obtaining a building permit. The Development Review Board will review the proposal to ensure that the proposed project will not be detrimental to the character of the zone that it is located in and that the exterior architectural design will be consistent with the development already constructed or in the course of construction on or in the vicinity of the site. The Development Review Board meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. Decisions made by the Development Review Board are final unless appealed to the City Council.

Development Standards are established for each zone in the city that provide specific standards such as the required setback of buildings, maximum height, parking, landscaping requirements, and other development guidelines. You may request a copy of the development standards for a particular zone by contacting the Planning Department at 562-865-6262.

A site plan shows all existing and proposed uses and buildings on a parcel of land. A site plan identifies the:

• measurements of the lot
• location and size of existing and proposed structures
• lot coverage
• amount of parking spaces
• landscaped areas
• location of trash enclosures
• loading areas
• fences and walls
• easements

A site plans must be legible, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned.

An elevation plan is a drawing that shows the exterior walls of a building from grade (ground level) to the highest point of a building, and it identifies existing and proposed colors and materials of the exterior of the building(s). Elevation plans must be legible, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned.

A floor plan is a drawing that shows the interior of a building and identifies general room arrangements, room sizes, type and use of rooms, and location of doors and windows. Floor plans must be legible, drawn to scale, and fully dimensioned.

The number of plans that are required depends on the type of planning application you will be submitting. If your proposal can be reviewed administratively and reviewed over the counter by the Planning Department, you will be required to submit a total of three sets of plans to the Planning Department before you apply for building permits.