Planning

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What We Do in the Planning Department

Lead state mandated environmental review for all development applications
Provide support and act as the liaison to the Planning Commission and other City committees
Review and analyze applications for Planning Permits including Site Development Permits, Use Permits, and Sign Permits
Issue building permits and enforce compliance with applicable codes and regulations
Conduct code enforcement functions

The Planning Department provides for the orderly growth, development and redevelopment of the City through the application and implementation of design guidelines and related policies and procedures including:

Pacifica General Plan
Local Coastal Land Use Plan
Housing Element of the General Plan (2023 - 2031)
Pacifica Zoning Ordinance (Pacifica Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 4)
Building Regulations (Pacifica Municipal Code Title 8)

Resources

SB 9 Interim Guidance, Rules, and Regulations
Active Planning Applications - see what applications are currently being processed.
Symbium - learn instantly if you can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property.
Preliminary Application Package - optional application for housing development projects.
Development Application & Checklist- required for any proposed development project.
Master Fee Schedule - current master fee and charges schedule, adopted June 26, 2023.
Agreement for Reimbursement of City Costs - the City operates on a deposit system.
Landslide Preparedness - know the warning signs and be prepared for a landslide.
Hillside Preservation District Fact Sheet - understand certain basic information about the general review process in the Hillside Preservation District (HPD).
Development Review Process Fact Sheet - understand certain basic information about the Development Review Process in Pacifica.

Looking for something else? Scroll down to view other major work plans and policies managed by the Planning Department. Any questions about the Planning Department or a project may be directed to (650)-738-7341 or permittech@pacifica.gov.

Planning Commission & Notice of Public Hearings

Public Hearing Notices- View an archive of past Notice of Public Hearings posted in local newspapers

Archived Agendas and Minutes - view an archive of past Planning Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Planning Commission Resolutions - view an archive of adopted Planning Commission Resolutions

Current Planning

Sea Level Rise & Landslide Preparedness

Sea Level Rise - read more about Sea Level Rise impact in Pacifica
Landslide Preparedness - know the warning signs and be prepared for a landslide

Second Units

One Stop Shop Program - Interested in building a second unit (Accessory Dwelling Unit/ADU)? Through a partnership with 21 Elements and Home for All, a Second Unit Resource Center has been created with a very helpful step-by-step workbook for homeowners. These workbook takes homeowners from vision to permitting to what to know when becoming a landlord for the first time. Type your address into the Symbium Tool to learn more about building an ADU on your property.

Junior ADU Deed Restriction Form