Phase 5 of 9 · 50% through the process

Phase 5: Application Review Process

County staff begin project review and the preparation of environmental documents.

What happens

Once received, your application is assigned to a Case Planner, who routes copies to the appropriate County agencies, districts, and departments to check completeness and compliance with local, State, and federal law. Within 30 days you receive a letter declaring the application “complete” or “incomplete.” An incompleteness letter requests additional information and starts another 30-day completeness review.

What you need

  • Prompt, complete responses to any incompleteness letter
  • Direct coordination with your assigned Case Planner to resolve outstanding items

Who’s involved

These County departments and districts typically take part in this phase:

Agencies that commonly review applications include the Watershed Protection District, Transportation, APCD, Environmental Health, Fire, Planning, Public Works Grading, and the Agricultural Commissioner.

Next step

Phase 6: CEQA Review

County staff evaluate your project’s potential environmental impacts under CEQA.

Have a question about this phase?

The Planning Division can clarify requirements and connect you with the right reviewing department.