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Current Planning Division

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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. 

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's)

For more information on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU's), and the City of Salinas pre-approved (permit ready) plan sets, please visit the "Building an ADU in Salinas" webpage at this link.

PDF icon Adu Guide English.pdf

PDF icon Guia De Adu Espanol.pdf

an approved ADU in Salinas, blue and matches house

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.

Planning Application Forms and Checklists

 

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. 

What's Happening for Current Planning Division

Zoning Code Design Standards

Thinking of an exterior home remodel or a second story addition?

Here are a few helpful guidelines:

  • The height and scale of second story additions should not overwhelm neighboring dwelling units with disproportionate size
  • Proposed second story additions need to consider window, and balcony placement to avoid privacy issues with adjacent dwelling units
  • New single-family dwelling units located on a vacant or to be demolished lot or 2nd story additions to existing single-family dwelling units that are zoned Residential Low Density (R-L-5.5) are subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for
    • ...

Find Out More

Beautifying Salinas! The Three-tiers of Landscaping 

May 16, 2022

Beautifying Salinas! The three-tiers of landscaping

Did you know that the City of Salinas Zoning Code has a three-tier landscaping requirement for landscaped areas? The three tiers are:

  • grasses or groundcovers,

  • shrubs, and

  • trees.

The three tiers of landscaping requirement helps to

  • provide a variety of species and varying textures of landscaping (such as flowering bushes, native grasses, and evergreen trees) that improve the public experience, increase beautification of

    • ...

Find Out More

Temporary Use of Land Permit (TULP)

May 16, 2022
Want to have a temporary event on a commercial property? Here’s how:

A Temporary Use of Land Permit (TULP) is required for temporary activities, events, or signs, which occur on occasion but are not intended to become permanent. These types of temporary uses include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Circuses and Carnivals,
  • Farmer’s Markets,
  • Outdoor Retail Sales, and
  • Trade Fairs

Some keynotes to know about TULP’s:

  • Zoning codes limit the use of TULPs based on sites
    • ...

Find Out More

2021 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Annual Report

January 24, 2022

Current Planning has released its 2021 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Annual Report for the California Department of Water Resources. Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31st of each year. There were 8 projects with a total of 118,365 square feet that were subject to the Ordinance during the 2021 annual reporting period. The purpose of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment.

Find Out More

view all news for Current Planning Division

Please call the ADU hotline at 831-758-7208.
Call 831-758-7251 Ext 2
Contact Building at 831-758-7251 Ext 1

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Current Planning Divison

Contact Email (link sends e-mail)
Street Address: 65 West Alisal St (2nd floor) Salinas
Regular Hours:
  • Mon:
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Tue:
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Wed:
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Thu:
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Fri:
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Sat:
    closed
    Sun:
    closed
Contact Phone Number:
Phone:
(831) 758-7206
TTD/TTY:
(800) 806-4474

Historic Resources Board

Click to visit the Historic Resources Board page.

Current Planning Documents List

Planning Helpful Links