Government » Public Works » Engineering Services

Site Development Permits

A Site Development Permit is required for grading, drainage, street improvements, site improvements, parking lot modifications, and any landscaping required by the Design Review Commission. See Municipal Code 9-9 for more information.

Projects that require a Site Development Permit

  • Any grading over 50 cubic yards, fill over 1 foot deep under structures, over 3 feet deep outside structures or cuts over 3 feet in vertical height
  • Retaining Walls over 3 feet in height above lowest adjacent grade or retaining walls supporting a surcharge.  Learn more information on if your retaining wall will require a permit
  • Alteration of any drainage course between properties
  • New or Modified Commercial Parking Lots including paving, curb, sidewalk, drainage facilities, lighting, signing, and striping
  • Landscaping and Irrigation as required by the Design Review Commission
  • Subdivisions -  Commercial and Single Residential Developments

Apply for site development permit 

Site Development Permit applications are available online.

1. Information gathering 

Read the Guide to Site Development Permits to learn about the plans and supporting documents you’ll need when applying for a site development permit.

2. Complete the application 

Download and complete the Engineering Application. 

Also complete the appropriate Supplemental Application: 

3. Set up an account or sign in 

Register for an online permit portal account if you don't already have one. Learn more about creating an account.

Sign into the online permit portal

3. Submit applications and pay plan check deposit 

  • Select Site Development Permit
  • Upload completed documents:
    • Engineering application
    • Supplemental application
    • PDFs of plans
    • Calculations
    • Supporting documents prepared by a licensed engineer or landscape architect

Plan check fees will be billed on an hourly basis.  City staff will contact you for a deposit to start the plan review.   

View how-to video on uploading documents

4. Plan Check and Approval 

Staff will review your plans and issue a comment or permit-ready letter. For housing projects, staff will issue comments or permit-ready letter within 30 business days.  

Upon approval of plans, City will require a PDF as well as two hard copy sets of signed, sealed plans. Please refer to the Electronic Signature Policy and Certification. 

5. Permit Issued 

Following approval of your plans, payment of permit fees and security deposit, and attending a preconstruction meeting with City staff, your permit be will sent by email. 

 

Encroachment permits

If any work is in the public right-of-way, you will need to apply for an encroachment permit.

Examples include:

  • Installation or repair of sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveway
  • Installation of sidewalk underdrain
  • Installation of sewer lateral
  • Any construction or staging with traffic or pedestrian control

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Stormwater treatment

For new developments that create or replace 5,000 square feet of impervious surface, you may be required to do stormwater treatment. Learn about stormwater treatment.

Trees

Trees that are 9 inches in diameter or more are subject to the City’s tree preservation ordinance. Learn more about tree removal.

Outside agencies

Depending on the nature of the work, you will need to get permits and approvals from other agencies. These may include:
  • Utility districts (water, sanitary, gas & electric)
  • Contra Costa County Department of Environmental Health (if drilling, repairing or abandoning a well or septic tank)
  • Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (to confirm fire access)
  • Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish & Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers (if project is within an environmentally sensitive area)
     

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