The permitting process, end to end
Every discretionary permit in unincorporated Ventura County follows the same nine phases. Here’s the whole path at a glance, start at Phase 1, or jump to wherever you are.
Two kinds of permits
Before the nine phases begin, find out which kind of permit your project needs. This guide covers the discretionary path.
Ministerial (“over-the-counter”)
Granted when a project meets a specific set of standards in the Zoning Ordinance, like a reroof, patio cover, shed, pool, ground-mounted solar, or a single-family home on a legal lot. Handled by Planning, Building & Safety, Public Works, or the Watershed Protection District.
Check your project in the Permit HelperDiscretionary
Requires the County to exercise judgment and, usually, a public hearing, like a Conditional Use Permit, Planned Development Permit, Variance, Tract or Parcel Map, or Zone Change. These are the projects this nine-phase guide walks you through.
Begin at Phase 1From idea to compliance
Click any phase to see what happens, what you’ll need, and which departments are involved.
Type of Permit Required
Determine whether you need a discretionary planning permit.
Departments involved: Building & Safety, Planning
Project Site Research
Research your site, the regulations that apply, and constraints.
Departments involved: County Surveyor, Groundwater, Planning
Pre-Application Review
Meet the Discretionary Permit Coordinator and/or the DRC.
Departments involved: Agricultural Commissioner, Engineering Services, Environmental Health, Fire Department, Planning, Transportation
Application Submittal
Assemble materials and submit for a completeness review.
Departments involved: Engineering Services, Planning
Application Review
A Case Planner routes your application to County agencies.
Departments involved: Agricultural Commissioner, Air Pollution Control District, Environmental Health, Fire Department, Groundwater, Planning, Stormwater Program, Transportation, Watercourse / Encroachment
CEQA Review
Staff evaluate potential environmental impacts (ND/MND/EIR).
Departments involved: Air Pollution Control District, Environmental Health, Planning
Permit Decision
The decision-maker approves, conditions, or denies at a hearing.
Departments involved: Planning
Completing Your Project
Obtain the additional permits your conditions require.
Departments involved: Air Pollution Control District, Building & Safety, Engineering Services, Environmental Health, Fire Department, Planning, Stormwater Program, Transportation, Watercourse / Encroachment
Condition Compliance
Comply with your conditions for the life of the permit.
Departments involved: Building & Safety, Environmental Health, Planning
Not sure this is the right path?
Take the two-question Permit Helper to confirm whether your project is ministerial or discretionary.