Planning Permits

The City of Sacramento’s zoning includes the following permit types which, unless exempted, require approval before development commences.

• Administrative Permit – is used to quickly verify conformance with applicable standards. Administrative Permits are reviewed at the Staff level.
• Site Plan and Design Review – is required for the exterior aspects of development such as new structures, additions to existing structures, and site features (e.g., fences/walls, landscaping). It does not include consideration of land use (e.g., residential dwelling, retail business). Applications are reviewed at one of three levels: Staff, Director, or Commission.
• Conditional Use Permit - is used to evaluate certain land uses capable of creating special problems for nearby properties unless given special attention. Land uses requiring a Conditional Use Permit are identified in each zoning district. Applications are reviewed by the Zoning Administrator or Commission.
• Tentative Map – is for all subdivisions of land pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act. All Tentative Maps are reviewed by the Zoning Administrator.
• Variance – is a permit used to consider requests to waive or modify a standard. It is reviewed by either the Zoning Administrator or Planning and Design Commission.
• Legislative Change Request – is for property owners seeking to change regulations for a parcel of land. Examples include General Plan amendment, Zoning Map amendment, Planning Use Development adoption or amendment.