Planning Permit Process
OVERVIEW OF PERMITTING PROCESS:
Visit or Call Us! It is recommended to contact planning staff in the early stages of your planning project. We have planning offices in both Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport.
Preapplication conference with County staff. Conferences are an opportunity for the applicant and staff to discuss any preliminary issues, department policy requirements, and the planning process. The preapplication includes one Land Development Technical Advisory Committee (LDTAC) meeting if deemed appropriate by staff.
PHASE 1: Application packet submitted to the Planning Division. Staff performs review of application and LDTAC reviews for application acceptance. Application will be accepted as complete or additional information will be required within 30 days of submittal. If the application is deemed complete, the packet will be sent for review by local, state and federal agencies, and a LDTAC meeting will be scheduled. The LDTAC consists of representatives from the Planning, Public Works and Health departments. If application is incomplete, the applicant will be notified of deficiencies.
PHASE 2: CEQA Review.
Staff evaluates the environmental impacts of the proposed Project and determines the level of CEQA review. Once the level of CEQA review is determined, staff prepares CEQA reports and documentation that address and analyze the proposed Project, including an Environmental Impact Report if deemed appropriate by the County.
Generally, projects requiring the preparation of a Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report will take longer to process. Projects that are Categorically Exempt could be scheduled sooner.
PHASE 3: Staff Analysis and in-depth evaluation of the project. The preparation of a Planning Commission staff report and environmental document will also commence.
The project returns to LDTAC for review of project. The LDTAC will review with the applicant the Staff Report with conditions of approval, comments from other agencies, and the environmental document.
PHASE 4: Permit Decision Final Staff Report and environmental document will be prepared. Staff will perform required noticing for the public hearing and any additional meeting preparation. A final Staff Report and, if applicable, environmental documentation will be sent to the Planning Commission and the applicant five days prior to the public hearing.
A. Planning Commission public hearing. Following a staff presentation and additional public testimony, the Planning Commission will make an environmental determination and then take action on the proposed project. It can: 1) deny; 2) approve; 3) approve with conditions; or 4) continue the hearing to receive additional input.
The applicant's attendance at the hearing is vital to provide commissioners with additional information and to answer questions. Unless it is appealed to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission's decision is usually the last administrative action.
B. Appeal of the Planning Commission's decision. The applicant or other interested parties can appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to the Board of Supervisors. A completed appeal application with accompanying fees must be filed with the Planning Division within 10 days of the decision date.
PHASE 5: Completing your Project. Once a decision is made by the Planning Commission, staff will file the appropriate documentation with the county clerk and notify the applicant for any final payment of fees.
