Planning & Zoning

COVID-19 NOTICE
Following the declarations of emergency by the Federal, State and County governments, the City of San Pablo City Council proclaimed the existence of a local emergency due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 16, 2020.  Also on March 16, 2020, the Contra Costa Health Services, along with 6 other Bay Area Counties and the City of Berkeley, issued an order directing non-essential individuals to stay in their residences and limiting travel and activities For more information about how to stay safe during this emergency, check out the resources.

CHECK LINKS BELOW FOR INFORMATION

• Applications for planning
• Building permit information
• Master fee schedule
• Zoning map
  
  
• Quick links:
  • Accessory Dwelling Units
  • New construction/ Adding to existing residences
  • Fences, Walls, Gates and Screening
  • Remodeling

Applications for planning

Note: New construction or construction to modify an existing building requires a Building Permit. To obtain a Building Permit, the project must first be reviewed through the City’s Plan Check process. Find out and learn more about Plan Check.

APPLICATIONS:

• Planning Pre-Application
• Planning Application (Plans must include property address, landlords first and last name, contact information and type of project)
• Under the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, applicants may opt to complete the following preliminary application form for those housing development projects seeking vesting rights
  • Check out and obtain Application.

Notice:  Pursuant to the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, applicants shall provide the following additional information as part of their planning application:

Any information necessary to determine compliance with Government Code § 66300(d), including, but not limited to, information on the number of dwelling units being removed if any, whether any dwelling units meet the definition of a “protected unit” (Gov. Code, § 66300(d)(2)(E)(ii)), whether any dwelling units were subject to rent or price control, and whether any dwelling units are for rent.

• Electronic submission - Weblink
• Drop-off is available Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00pm - 3:00pm; Call 510-215-3030 to coordinate plan drop-off
• Mail applications to 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
• Email applications to planning@sanpabloca.gov
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• Envíe planos electrónicamente - Weblink

  
  

• Se pueden ir a dejar de Martes y Jueves de 12:00pm - 3:00pm; Llame al 510-215-3030 para coordinar la entrega de planos
• Las solicitudes de planificación pueden enviarse por correo (1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806) o por correo o electrónico planning@sanpabloca.gov
  

Master fee schedule

• Planning & Zoning Master Fee Schedule (Effective July 2, 2021)

• View the ADU Ordinance
  
• Learn more about the ADU Handbook

New construction/ Adding to existing residences

Before designing new construction or adding to an existing structure, the building setbacks, maximum height, maximum building coverage, and other development standards must be reviewed. These standards are determined by the zoning district in which the property is located. You can determine what district your property is located in by looking at the zoning map. Refer to Title 17 - Zoning Ordinance of the Municipal Code for setbacks, maximum height limitations, and other building restrictions.

RESOURCES

• Density and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Calculations
• R-1 Development Standards
• R-2 Development Standards
• R-3 Development Standards
• R-4 Development Standards
  

Fences, Walls, Gates and Screening

Fences and walls are allowed to be built along property lines as long as they do not exceed the maximum height. In general, fences or walls may not exceed six (6) feet in height along the rear and side property lines and no more than three (3) feet in height within the front setback area.

Check out the Fences, Walls, Gates and Screening development standards

Remodeling

Remodels of existing residences are generally allowed, but may require a building permit. Remodels of existing residences to another use (i.e. commercial use) are allowed in some zoning districts, but require a change of occupancy permit and may have additional requirements. It is recommended to contact the Fire Department and Public Works Department for any additional requirements related to a remodel.