California Permit Planning Guide
A permit application starts with the property and proposed work. Before ordering drawings, identify the reviewing agency and ask which application checklist applies to the project.
This guide explains the preparation process. Requirements, fees and review times vary by jurisdiction and project; the current official instructions control your submission.
1. Identify the Reviewing Authority
Confirm whether the property is inside an incorporated city or in an unincorporated county area. A postal address can be different from the permitting jurisdiction. Start with our California city guides and confirm the address with the agency.
2. Define the Proposed Work
Describe the existing structures, the changes you want to make and the intended use. An addition, detached ADU, pool, demolition or commercial improvement may follow a different application path. Write a scope that separates work included now from possible future phases.
3. Collect the Current Submittal Checklist
Ask the reviewing department for the checklist for your project type. Check its file-naming, PDF, scale, signature and application requirements. Planning, building, fire, public works and other reviews may be relevant; do not assume one approval replaces the others.
4. Gather Reliable Property Information
Collect an existing survey, prior approved plans, assessor or parcel records, photographs and the proposed project sketch. Identify which dimensions are measured, surveyed or approximate. Our site-plan checklist helps organize the material for a scope review.
5. Confirm the Drawing Scope
A site plan organizes the project at property level: existing and proposed structures, access, relevant dimensions and other agreed information. Architectural drawings, engineering calculations, a boundary survey and specialist reports may be separate services. Review our service scope before work begins.
6. Submit a Consistent Package
Coordinate the site plan with the building drawings and written application. Use the reviewing agency’s current electronic or counter submission process. San Diego publishes its building-permit guidance; Sacramento provides electronic permit and plan-check instructions. These examples should not be applied automatically to other cities.
7. Respond to Written Review Comments
Keep the complete comment letter and identify the sheets affected. Send the same version to everyone preparing the package. Describe each change clearly and follow the agency’s resubmittal instructions. A revised drawing is not proof that a permit has been issued.
Ready for a Scope Review?
Share your address, proposed work, available records and the official checklist. Contact SitePlan California so we can identify the appropriate drafting deliverables.