FAQs

How long does it take to process a discretionary permit?

Processing time for discretionary permits can vary depending on the complexity of the requested permit and the amount of time the applicant may take in responding to staff comments.  Projects  must be deemed compete before they can move forward to a public hearing.  Once a submitted application has been deemed complete, the remaining processing time will be predicated upon the type of environmental review required.  For projects that require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), final discretionary action must be scheduled within 360 days, while those requiring a Negative Declaration/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND/MND) must be acted upon within 180 days.  Final action on projects exempt from environment review must be taken within 30 days.  Time extensions to the above deadlines can be agreed upon, at the applicant’s discretion.