Development Engineering
COVID-19 Procedures: The Permit Center is closed to the public effective March 18, 2020. Staff is available remotely, or by appointment, to continue providing service. Inspections will continue in order to protect the safety of the public. Prior to scheduling an inspection, contractors must ensure all construction site employees are following established safety protocols. To schedule an inspection, please email [email protected].
The Development Engineering Division:
- performs plan reviews and inspections to verify that site work, grading, and drainage systems are built in compliance with applicable codes and laws, rendering them safe and accessible upon completion of construction.
- verifies that public and private site improvements are built in compliance with City standards.
- provides technical support for planning applications in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act.
- calculates development impact fees for development projects.
- provides assistance to the City Engineer in implementing floodplain management.
- issues Encroachment Permits for activities in the public right of way.
- coordinates with applicants to assign or modify site addressing.
- provides development-related implementation and enforcement of NPDES storm water permit requirements.
- manages the Street Vendor Program.
For information on the current service fees see the City Wide Fee Schedule (FY19-21).
Encroachment Permits
The City of Salinas requires anyone working in the City right-of-way to apply for an encroachment permit before starting work.
- Encroachment Permit Application - April 2020
- Encroachment Permit Submittal Checklist - 2020
- Permanent Encroachments (Awnings, Steps, etc)
- Municipal Code Article V Encroachments
- Small Cell Reservation Flowchart
- Temporary Signs and Banners Terms and Conditions - 2020
- Sidewalk Schedule - 2020
- 50/50 Sidewalk Program
- For additional information on the 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Program, please visit Public Works Maintenance Service page and view Street Maintenance.
Interested in creating an outdoor eating experience for your clientele. Our Sidewalk Cafe program can help you.
Grading and Drainage Permits
Any project moving 50 cubic yards of soil, whether import, export, cut or fill, is required to obtain a grading permit.
Development Impact Fees
Every person who constructs buildings shall pay a development fee in accordance with the adopted resolution by the city council. The attached worksheets were prepared to assist developers in estimating their development fees.
- ADU Development Impact Fee Worksheet
- Commercial Development Fee Worksheet
- Residential Development Impact Fee Worksheet
To determine City trip rates, please refer to Table V of the Traffic Improvement Program (2010).
Preparedness Information for Insurance

National Preparedness Month has come to an end. As a final community outreach, we have provided a link below that will direct you to the FEMA Flood Insurance page. This link is helpful to be prepared and covered for an emergency. Please keep in mind that there is a 30 day waiting period for insurance coverage. #BeReady
Preparedness Information for People with Disabilities

Image courtesy of Ready.Ohio.gov
It is the fourth week of National Preparedness Month. In our effort to continue to engage the community, this week's brochure, created by FEMA, is to help people with disabilities prepare for possible disasters.
Preparedness Information for Seniors

Image courtesy of Direct Energy blog
It is the third week of National Preparedness Month. For this week's community engagement, the brochure, created by FEMA, is catered to seniors and provides helpful tips on how they can prepare for an emergency.
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Stormwater Quality (SWQ) Permit
Any project adding or replacing 2500 SF of impervious (building, concrete, pavement, etc.) surface must obtain a stormwater quality permit. Applicants must arrange a pre-application meeting with the City of Salinas Development Engineering Section (831-758-7251 option 2) prior to submitting formal applications for permits, to obtain a preliminary project review. This process is mandated by the City of Salinas NPDES Permit to ensure all projects have been designed in accordance with the City of Salinas Stormwater Development Standards (SWDS) and incorporate Low Impact Development features and utilize Construction and Post-Construction Best Management Practices in compliance with the SWDS.
The Central Coast Waterboard has updated the City of Salinas NPDES Permit requirements. Please see attached document for further information on updated permit and review the document titled "Post-Construction Stormwater Management Requirements" for additional specifications.
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Stormwater Development Standards- Downloadable Documents
Contact Permit Center Engineering at (831)758-7251 for native format files
Post-Construction Stormwater Management Requirements (2019)
Salinas Storm Water Development Standards
- SWDS Appendix A
- SWDS Appendix B
- SWDS Appendix C- LID Plant List
- SWDS Appendix D- Regional Bioretention Soil Guidance
- SWDS Appendix E- Hourly Precipitation Data
- SWDS Appendix F- Rainfall Percentile Depth
- SWDS Appendix G- Infiltration Feasibility Worksheet
- SWDS Appendix H- Common Pollutants
- SWDS Appendix I - Sample Maintenance Declaration
- SWDS Appendix J- BMP Planning & Design Spreadsheets
- SWDS Appendix K- BMP O&M
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Stormwater Standard Plans (SWSP)
Stormwater Standard Plans were prepared by the Salinas Permit Center, Community and Economic Development, and Public Works Departments, based on the Low Impact Development Initiative (LIDI) Standard Details, and City of Portland Stormwater Management Manual Typical Details. They are to be used in conjunction with the latest edition of the City of Salinas Stormwater Development Standards (SWDS) and the latest edition of the City of Salinas Standard Specifications, Design Standards, and Standard Plans.
Designers must consult with their project geotechnical and civil engineer for review and use of these Standard Plans, clearances to structures, need for/extent of liners, subdrains, storm drain connections and similar appurtenances. Regardless of site infiltration rate, all projects will be required to filter stormwater on site using biofiltration methods (Post-Construction Best Management Practices or PCBMPs), with infiltration through underlying soils being the preferred method. Every effort shall be made, to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP), to infiltrate stormwater on site unless alternative means are approved in accordance with the City’s NPDES Permit requirements.
PDFs of signed SWSPs should be used for plan submittal.
Note: All .dwg files are AutoCAD and need to be opened with AutoCAD to be accessible.
Stormwater Standard Plans 1A-1F.dwg
Stormwater Standard Plans 10-18.dwg
Stormwater Standard Plans 22-26.dwg
Stormwater Standard Plans 27-30.dwg
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NPDES Compliance
Every construction project regardless of size or scope is required to follow the EPA's water pollution regulations. The following are helpful Best Management Practice (BMP) brochures and checklists that can be used to aid you in the construction of your project. Project that disturb an acre of land or more are required to obtain a Construction General Permit through the California Water Resources Control Board.
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Checklist
Caltrans Construction BMP Fact Sheets
BMP Brochures:
Fresh Concrete & Mortar Application
General Construction & Site Supervision
Heavy Equipment & Earthmoving Activities
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
Landscaping, Gardening, & Pest Control