Each building or development project must obtain all appropriate permits before construction can begin. The city permitting processes are designed to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and city regulations as well as local community standards. 

Building and Development projects generally proceed through a series of project stages including:

• Research and site planning
• Land use permits
• Design plan review
• Construction permit review
• Construction inspection
• Post-construction maintenance and operation 

The size, scope and location of a proposed project determines the type and number of permits required. Small home improvement projects may need only one permit while large residential, commercial or industrial projects may need multiple permits and pass through all or most all of the city permitting processes.

Projects located within or adjacent to specially designated areas such as the coastal zone, redevelopment area, airport influence area, scenic corridors, special overlay zone or habitat management plan areas may require special supplemental permits.

Flowcharts

The city has produced a series of flowcharts to graphically represent the various Building and Development permitting stages as follows:

• Development process -- Simple overview
• Development process -- Expanded overview