Planning Permits

illustration of architect's tools

Use our online permitting system to submit applications, upload plans and supporting documents, pay fees, and track application status from anywhere. The system helps property owners, applicants, architects, and developers manage Planning reviews more efficiently while reducing the need for in person visits.

Protect Yourself from Scams! The Planning Division does not request wire transfers nor payments prior to a project being reviewed by the City Planning Commission or City Council.

Effective August 10, 2026, all Development Application and Administrative Permit submittals must be submitted electronically. Paper plans and physical submittals are no longer accepted.

 

For submittal checklists and guides, please visit our Planning Applications & Forms

 

Online

Step 1.Create an Online Account

To apply for permits online, you must first create an account through the Citizen Access Portal. Please refer to the Accela Citizen Access User Guide for Building Permits before creating your Citizen Access Portal Account. ACA Manual Guide(PDF, 4MB)

Create a Citizen Access Portal Account

If you already have an account, continue to Step 2.

Step 2.Submit a Planning Application Clearance

A Planning Application Clearance helps Planning staff review your proposal and identify the appropriate application process and submittal requirements.

Provide a project description and supporting documents showing the proposed work. Planning staff will review the information and direct you to the appropriate Planning application.

Planning Application Clearance

Step 3.Submit a Planning Application

After Planning staff identifies the required review process, submit either an Administrative Review or Discretionary Review application through the Citizen Access Portal. A cleared Planning Application Clearance is required as part of an Administrative Review or Discretionary Review application.

Submit a Planning Application

Returning Applicants and Resubmittals
Do not create a new record for an existing application. Sign in to the Citizen Access Portal, open the existing Planning record, and upload revised plans, response letters, and other requested documents. 

Which Planning Record Should I Use?

Planning staff will identify the appropriate record type during the Planning Application Clearance process.

The table below provides general guidance for common Planning applications.

Record Type  When to Use Common Applications

Planning Application Clearance

Use for initial Planning Review when you are preparing a new application or need confirmation of the required Planning Process. 

This is not an entitlement application

  • Project screening and clearance
  • Application requirements
  • Required entitlement identification
  • Submittal guidance

Administrative Review

Use when Planning staff identifies your application as an administrative action reviewed by the Community Development Director or Planning staff.

  • Administrative approvals
  • Other applications specifically identified by Planning staff as Administrative Review

 

Discretionary Review

Use for applications requiring discretionary review or action by the Planning Commission, or City Council.

Multiple entitlements associated with the same project should be submitted under one Discretionary Review record.

 
  • Conditional Use Permit
  • Precise Plan
  • Development Permit
  • Division of Lot
  • Variance
  • Modification
  • Planning Commission Review
  • Waivers
  • Related environmental review