Virtual Counter Consultation

Property Owners and Applicants who desire to construct in Santa Clara County are strongly encouraged to speak with a Planner prior to submitting an application through the use of the Department’s Virtual Counter Consultation. For general questions related to planning, zoning, or a proposed development, the public can schedule an appointment with a Planner-on-Duty. To schedule for a virtual counter consultation, please call (408) 299-5700 during business hours. 

Virtual consultations are 45 minutes in duration, available at: 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Planning Application Resubmittal Process

An applicant may resubmit a project application in person or electronically through the County’s Public Portal. An appointment with the assigned project planner is required to resubmit an application to the Planning Division. Read more about the Department’s Resubmittal Procedure. 

New Planning Application Submittals

Property Owners and Applicants are encouraged to speak with a planner prior to submitting a new planning application by visiting the Planning Division, calling during business hours at (408) 299-5700, or scheduling a Virtual Counter Consultation. The Planning Division is currently accepting applications electronically through the Public Portal by submitting (and signing) the Master Application Form, required documents in the necessary application checklists, and paying the planning application fees. Information and procedures on electronic submittal of new applications can be found below.

Planning Master Application

Planning Application Checklists

Residential application checklist Agricultural employee housing, Building site approval, CEQA analysis, Design review, Grading abatement, Grading approval, moveable tiny homes (ADUs), Pre-screening applications, Special permit, Temporary agricultural residence Non-residential application checklist Architecture & site approval, CEQA analysis, Grading abatement, Grading approval, Hemp, Signs, Special permit, Use permit Miscellaneous application checklist ABC state license clearance, Agriculture building exemption, Bingo permit, Certificate of compliance, Dance permit, Entertainment permit/Circus license, Event with tents and/or fireworks, Fortune telling, Grading abatement, Grading approval, Landmark alteration permit, Landmark designation/Heritage resource inventory, Lot line adjustment/Lot merger, Open space easement compatible use determination, Parade, Mills Act participation, Stream setback exception, Subdivision, Tree removal, Variance, Williamson Act compatible use determination, Zoning amendment/General Plan amendment SB330 Housing Development Project Housing development projects pursuant to Senate Bill 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019.

Planning Permit Fees