Current Planning Division

About the Division

The Current Planning Division promotes a vibrant and sustainable Salinas by ensuring that development conforms to our General Plan and Zoning Code or any other applicable regulations and standards. Specifically, Current Planning is tasked with efficiently processing various applications including: General Plan and Zoning Code Amendments, Zone Variances, Planned Unit Development Permits, Tentative and Parcel Maps, Conditional Use Permits, Site Plan Reviews, Temporary Use of Land Permits, Home Occupation Permits, and Sign Permits. Staff also coordinate environmental evaluations (CEQA) for all development projects.

Accomplishments

In 2015 the Division:

Processed approximately 450 permits and planning entitlements
Facilitated several key developments including the Northridge Mall and new JCPenney, Taylor Headquarters Building, Hampton Inn, Mission Tortilla, and Creekbridge Apartments
Completed a 2015 update to the planning fees to achieve greater cost recovery
Assisted approximately 2,400 customers at the public counter.

What We're Working On

Enhancement of Permit Center Operations to further Economic Prosperity through:

Improved case management of key economic development projects to streamline review process.
Reduction in time to process applications.
Enhanced coordination between Permit Services, Code Enforcement, and Current Planning Staff in order to manage cases seamlessly through the process.
Identification of challenges or issues with the existing General Plan and Zoning Code to eliminate barriers to healthy economic development.

General Plan Amendment & Rezone Approved for Carr Lake Project

October 22, 2021

On September 14, 2021, the City Council approved a General Plan Amendment and Rezone for the Carr Lake Project , which is proposed by the Big Sur Land Trust . The Project consists of 73-acres located at 618 Sherwood Drive and would create a six (6) acre neighborhood park that offers a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities. The remaining 67-acres of land would be used to improve wetland and riparian fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality through the enhancement of natural physical and biological...

Find Out More

ADU Pre-Approved Plans, Coming Soon!

September 8, 2021

The Housing, Current Planning, Code Enforcement, and Permit Services (Building) Divisions are collaborating with Design Path Studio Encinitas, California to create pre-approved, permit-ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans. The pre-approved ADU plans will be based on existing architectural designs found throughout the City of Salinas and will offer a variety of design styles for residents to choose based on the design of their existing home and will be free for members of the public to use. Residents can pick from a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans that will range from roughly 400 square...

Find Out More

Parking Structure Expansion at SVMH

July 28, 2021

On July 21, 2021, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 2019-022 (CUP 2019-022). This project approved a four-story addition to an existing parking garage at the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital (SVMH) located at 450 East Romie Lane with 245 additional off-street parking spaces. The project also includes a 20,000 square-foot basement addition within the new parking structure for existing employees, reconstruction of an ADA walkway, new bioretention and stormwater management facilities, and new temporary and permanent on-site waste facilities. The additional off-street parking spaces will allow SVMH to provide adequate parking for the...

Find Out More