The following are discretionary permits issued by the Planning Division in conjunction with review by other City departments/divisions. For questions regarding any of the listed entitlements, or to discuss a proposal or project presently undergoing review, call 949-248-3568; Staff planners are available to meet Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM on Fridays.

For all planning applications, in addition to the checklists provided below under each type of permit, all applications require a complete Project Information Packet.  The Project Information Packet must be signed by both the property owner and the applicant.  With all planning applications, please contact a member of the Planning Division to answer any questions, and/or go over submittal/application materials.

For any questions regarding applicable fees, please contact a planner and refer to the current Schedule of Fees.

TENTATIVE TRACT MAP

A preliminary map used whenever a parcel or a number of contiguous parcels of land is proposed to be subdivided for the purpose of creating five or more lots, five (5) or more condominium units, the conversion of five (5) or more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative or a community apartment project containing five (5) or more apartment units.

For Tentative Map application requirements, please complete a Project Information Package and reference Title 7, Chapter 7.04-Tentative Maps-Requirement for Filing of the Dana Point Municipal Code for additional Tentative Map requirements.  If there are additional content questions, the County of Orange Subdivision Manual should be utilized. Planners are likewise available to answer any additional questions.

TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP

A preliminary map used whenever a parcel or contiguous parcels of land is proposed to be subdivided for the purpose of creating less than five (5) lots, less than five (5) condominium units or a community apartment project containing less than five (5) apartment units.

For Tentative Map application requirements, please complete a Project Information Package and reference Title 7, Chapter 7.04-Tentative Maps-Requirement for Filing of the Dana Point Municipal Code for additional Tentative Map requirements.  If there are additional content questions, the County of Orange Subdivision Manual should be utilized. Planners are likewise available to answer any additional questions.

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (CDP)

A Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is a discretionary request for review of development plans for a proposed use, structure or activity located within the City's Coastal Zone (PDF) as established by the California Coastal Act and defined in the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP). All development projects undertaken within the Coastal Zone require the approval of a CDP unless specifically exempted. For questions regarding CDPs, exemptions and/or general development standards within the Coastal Zone, please contact the Planning Division at 949-248-3568.

 Coastal Development Permit Checklist (PDF)

VARIANCE (V)

A discretionary entitlement which permits departure from the strict application of the development standards contained in this Code and pursuant to specific findings required by the California Government Code.

Variance Permit Checklist (PDF) 

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP)

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a request to allow a use which, while permitted under the use standards of a particular zoning district, may have potential to create adverse impacts on surrounding development. The permit is "conditional" in that specific restrictions, or conditions, are typically placed on the use to ensure that it will not adversely affect the vicinity and/or the City as a whole.

Conditional Use Permit (Major) Checklist (PDF)

Conditional Use Permit (Minor) Checklist (PDF)

SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (SDP)

A Site Development Permit is a request for a detailed review of development plans for a proposed use, structure or activity.

Site Development Permit Checklist (PDF)

Site Development Permit (Minor) Checklist (PDF)

ANTENNA USE PERMIT (AUP)

A discretionary land use permit specifically for the entitlement of commercial wireless telecommunication antenna facilities within the City of Dana Point.

Antenna Use Permit Checklist (PDF)

SIGN PROGRAM PERMIT (SPP)

A Sign Program Permit (SPP) is a discretionary request to create a comprehensive program that couples new or relocated signage with improved structures and landscaping, such that they present an enhanced and ultimately unified architectural statement for a property. A SPP may be also be utilized to modify development standards for signs, but in no case shall a SPP authorize prohibited sign types or exceed the maximum allowable sign area for a site.

Sign Program Permit Checklist (PDF)

SB 330 Preliminary Application for Housing Development Projects

In compliance with SB 330 of the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, this form serves as the Preliminary Application for projects seeking vesting rights pursuant to State law.  This application informs the Planning Division for purposes of vesting and streamlining.  Please note that this application is only applicable for “housing development projects” which consist of: (1) 2+ residential units only, (2) mixed-use projects with 2/3 of residential area, or (3) transitional or supportive housing.

SB 330 - Housing Projects Preliminary Application (PDF)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Application

City staff recommends that all property owners and applicants contact Planning Division staff in the early phases of conceptual design to discuss requirements for construction of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and/or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU).  Please refer to the ADU/JADU Plan Check Submittal Requirements for all new applications effective August 9, 2021.  All submittals must include all items identified in the attached checklist and must be reviewed by Planning Division staff prior to submittal to the Building Division for review.  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Checklist (PDF)