City of Pacifica
Home MenuPlanning Division
To maintain service quality during temporary staffing shortage, effective November 4, 2024, the Community Development Department will have new walk-in counter hours as follows.
- Monday through Thursday:
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: By appointment only
To schedule an appointment, call 650-738-7341 or email PlanningDivision@pacifica.gov.
What We Do in the Planning Division
- Lead state mandated environmental review for all development applications
- Provide support and act as the liaison to the Planning Commission and other City committees
- Review and analyze applications for Planning Permits including Site Development Permits, Use Permits, and Sign Permits
- Issue building permits and enforce compliance with applicable codes and regulations
- Conduct code enforcement functions
The Planning Division provides for the orderly growth, development and redevelopment of the City through the application and implementation of design guidelines and related policies and procedures including:
- Pacifica General Plan
- Local Coastal Land Use Plan
- Housing Element of the General Plan (2023 - 2031)
- Pacifica Zoning Ordinance (Pacifica Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 4)
- Building Regulations (Pacifica Municipal Code Title 8)
Resources
- SB 9 Interim Guidance, Rules, and Regulations
- Active Planning Applications - see what applications are currently being processed.
- Symbium - learn instantly if you can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property.
- Preliminary Application Package - optional application for housing development projects.
- Development Application & Checklist- required for any proposed development project.
- Master Fee Schedule - current master fee and charges schedule, adopted June 26, 2023.
- Agreement for Reimbursement of City Costs - the City operates on a deposit system.
- Landslide Preparedness - know the warning signs and be prepared for a landslide.
- Hillside Preservation District Fact Sheet - understand certain basic information about the general review process in the Hillside Preservation District (HPD).
- Development Review Process Fact Sheet - understand certain basic information about the Development Review Process in Pacifica.
Looking for something else? Scroll down to view other major work plans and policies managed by the Community Development Department. Any questions about the Community Development Department or a project may be directed to (650)-738-7341 or permittech@pacifica.gov.
Planning Commission & Notice of Public Hearings
Public Hearing Notices- View an archive of past Notice of Public Hearings posted in local newspapers
Archived Agendas and Minutes - view an archive of past Planning Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Planning Commission Resolutions - view an archive of adopted Planning Commission Resolutions
Current Planning
Sea Level Rise & Landslide Preparedness
- Sea Level Rise - read more about Sea Level Rise impact in Pacifica
- Landslide Preparedness - know the warning signs and be prepared for a landslide
Second Units
One Stop Shop Program - Interested in building a second unit (Accessory Dwelling Unit/ADU)? Through a partnership with 21 Elements and Home for All, a Second Unit Resource Center has been created with a very helpful step-by-step workbook for homeowners. These workbook takes homeowners from vision to permitting to what to know when becoming a landlord for the first time. Type your address into the Symbium Tool to learn more about building an ADU on your property.
Junior ADU Deed Restriction Form
Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan - Read about the status of the and ways to contribute.
Quarry Site
Quarry Reclamation Project - An application was submitted by Bayland Soil Pacifica LLC.
General Plan Links
- General Plan 2040
- General Plan 1980
- Local Coastal Land Use Plan 1980 (currently in effect)
- Housing Element 2015-2023
- Housing Element Update Information