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.
Beautifying Salinas! The Three-tiers of Landscaping

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:
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grasses or groundcovers,
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shrubs, and
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trees.
The three tiers of landscaping requirement helps to
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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
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Temporary Use of Land Permit (TULP)

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 ...
2021 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Annual Report

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.
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Planning Application Forms & Checklist (PDFs)
Development Review Application & Submittal Checklist
Home Occupation Permit Application
How to Obtain a Conditional Use Permit
How to Obtain a Site Plan Review
How to Rezone and Amend the Zoning Code
Utility Sheds in Residential Districts
How to Obtain a Temporary Use of Land Permit+
How to Obtain a Temporary Use of Land Permit for Outdoor Seating due to Covid-19
Landscape Requirements in Residential Neighborhoods
Recreational Vehicle Storage in Residential Districts
Prohibited Vehicles & Equipment in Residential Districts
Facilities Traffic Management Plan
How to Access the Zoning Code Online
Parcel Map Submittal Checklist
Tentative Map Submittal Checklist
Lot line Adjustment or Lot Consolidation Submittal Checklist (4 Parcels or Less)
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Planning Information Bulletins
5 Utility Sheds.pdf
5 Utility Sheds.pdf (70.63 KB)
8 Sign Permits.pdf
8 Sign Permits.pdf (100.5 KB)
12 Historic Districts.pdf
12 Historic Districts.pdf (130.92 KB)
13 Submittal Checklist.pdf
13 Submittal Checklist.pdf (101.27 KB)
14 Historic Resources.pdf
14 Historic Resources.pdf (224.53 KB)
15 Home Occupations.pdf
15 Home Occupations.pdf (87.72 KB)