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• Improvement Plan Handout (PDF)
• Grading Exemption Form (PDF)
• Grading Manual (PDF)
• Water Quality
• Fee Schedule for Public Property Use Permits
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Engineering Counter Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

What is an Improvement Plan and why do I need one?
The Improvement Plan process used as a vehicle to review and approve major construction proposed larger scale projects. Approval of the plans may not result in a formal Permit issued, instead individual permits may be issued based on the previous approval of the Improvement plans. Examples of construction where improvement plans would be required are:

• Installation of new storm drains
• Installation of new water mains
• Installation of new street improvements
• New large scale construction where the City Engineer indicates Improvement plans are necessary for a thorough plan review.

How does the proposed work get permitted?
After the Improvement Plans are approved, the applicant will coordinate with Engineering to determine if the proposed work will be accomplished by separate permits (i.e.; encroachment, grading, etc)

What type of construction is NOT APPROVED through an Improvement Plan Review?
Any work within the public right-of-way, swimming pools, and structures (including retaining walls). Even if such related work is shown on Improvement Plans, applicants must get separate permits for such work. See the Encroachment Permit Process. for work proposed in the public right-of-way. Visit the Building Division at the public counter for permits related to structures, including pools.

How do I get an Improvement Plan Approved?
Please submit a completed Improvement Plan Application included in the Improvement Plan Handout (PDF), which also contains a detailed list of all other actions and documents required for initial submittal to the Engineering Division. As with all other permits issued by the Engineering Division, Authorization by the Planning Division is required before Engineering can accept any permit submittal as indicated on the permit application. The Planning Division is located adjacent to the Engineering Division at the Public Counter.

Related Fees and Deposits
A $98.00 non-refundable administrative filing fee is due upon application submittal. Also due upon 1^st submittal will be plan check deposit fees that vary according to the Fee Schedule. Additional fees & deposits will be required at time of issuance for inspections, and are based upon the scope of work. Most of these fees reflect a simple time and materials charge for staff and/or consultant efforts on your project.

The applicant’s Engineer/Geologists will also need to adhere to all requirements contained in both the City of Dana Point Grading Manual (PDF) and the Engineering Plan Checklist, and certify each step during design and construction before any deposits will be eligible for return.

Each submittal required for permit issuance will be plan checked and returned within 10 business days.

What are the Water Quality Protection Requirements?
Water quality requirements can vary depending upon the size and location of your project. Please refer to the Improvement Plan Handout (PDF) or view the Water Quality webpage for more information regarding water quality requirements and Low Impact Development (LID) requirements.

What other documents do I need besides what is included in the Improvement Plan Handout?
You are responsible to create a Water Quality Protection Best Management Practice (BMP) Report based on the Priority Level assigned to your project. A Report Template is provided in your Improvement Plan Handout (PDF).

The applicant takes the Report Template with basic BMPs already checked, and adds any addition BMPs that specifically apply to their project. Additional BMPs can be found at www.cabmphandbooks.com. Print both the standard items originally checked in the Template, and additional items you decide are applicable to your project, and submit those items attached to the Report Template for 1^st Submittal.

Most of the permit processes are best handled at the Engineering Division Counter. However, you may contact Engineers by email at jaguilar@danapoint.org or by phone at (949) 248-3509.

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