Phase 2: Project Site Research
Gather information about your project site, the regulations that apply, and potential site constraints.
What happens
All land use and development is regulated by the Ventura County General Plan, Area Plans, and Zoning Ordinances, as well as other State and local policies. Before applying, research your site and the regulations that may affect it.
Key research includes your Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), your parcel’s legal lot status, the applicable General Plan and Area Plan policies, and whether your site falls in the Coastal or Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance.
What you need
- At least one 10-digit Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) for the project site
- Your site’s zoning designation (Coastal vs. Non-Coastal)
- Confirmation of legal lot status (the Planning counter and County Surveyor can help)
- Applicable General Plan, Area Plan, and Subdivision Ordinance provisions
Who’s involved
These County departments and districts typically take part in this phase:
The Public Works Agency Surveyor Division issues Certificates of Compliance for legal lots; the Planning Division offers preliminary Legal Lot Determinations.
Next step
Phase 3: Pre-Application Review
Schedule a pre-application review with the Discretionary Permit Coordinator and/or the Development Review Committee.
Have a question about this phase?
The Planning Division can clarify requirements and connect you with the right reviewing department.