Planning Application Portal

For information about preparing and submitting a Short-Term Rental Permit Application,
please visit srcity.org/STR.

The Planning and Economic Development Department has revised most Planning Applications. A Planning Application is required for many new development projects, including the commencement of a new use, the construction of most new buildings, and many exterior building modifications.

Please review the Planning Review Times and Process document here. 

The new Universal Planning Applications provide guidance regarding all required information and eliminate the need to duplicate project and contact section information section on multiple planning application forms.

Before submitting any forms or project information, review the City of Santa Rosa’s Universal Digital File Standards and ensure that all submitted digital files comply with these standards. 

If you already know what forms you may need, please visit the Planning Forms page for a full list.

Three Steps: 1 - Prepare Application Forms, 2 - Assemble Project Information, 3 - Submit Planning Application


Step 1 – Prepare Application Forms

Forms are City documents which must be completed for each application. Prior to submitting, please review each form to ensure all text and signatures boxes have been addressed. You may wish to review the application fees which will be due at the time of application submittal. After you select the form link below, please download or save the form to enter the necessary information.

Appeals -The application for an appeal of a Planning and Economic Development Department Director or Zoning Administrator decision can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below. The application for an appeal of a Planning Commission, Design Review Board, or Cultural Heritage Board action is available here. These appeals are filed with the City Clerk's Department. Please contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this process.

Lot Line Adjustment and Lot Merger -The application for a Lot Line Adjustment and Lot Merger can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below.

Pre-Application Meeting for Development Review - The Pre-Application Meeting, accessed here, offers applicants an interdepartmental staff review of preliminary or conceptual design applications. These meetings are intended to provide a better understanding of the City’s permitting process and, through early consultation, troubleshoot project issues for potentially complex development proposals.

Preliminary Housing Application - The application for a Preliminary Housing Application (pursuant to Senate 330 and Senate Bill 8) can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below. 

Public Information Services - The application for Public Information Services, including a Zoning Verification Letter, an entitlement status letter, or other research requests can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below.

Restaurant Applicants – Applicants proposing a new restaurant use are encouraged to review Municipal Code Chapter 9-30, Zero Waste Food Ware, for information on requirements for dine-in food facilities to use reusable food ware and reusable food ware accessories, and requirements to provide on-site washing machines for the reusable food ware or to contract with a 3rd party washing service.

Senate Bill 9: Two Unit Development - The application for a Two Unit Development as allowed by California Senate Bill 9 can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below. 

Senate Bill 9: Urban Lot Split - The application for an Urban Lot Split as allowed by California Senate Bill 9 can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below. 

Short Term Rentals - Applications for Short Term Rentals and Short Term Rental renewals can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below.  

Temporary Campaign Election Signs - The application for Temporary Campaign Election Signs can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below.

Tree Removal Permit - The application for a Tree Removal Permit can be accessed here. Submit this application to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below. 

Zoning Clearance - The application for a Zoning Clearance can be accessed here. This application can be submitted to the Planning and Economic Development Department by following Step 3 below.

Step 2 – Assemble Project Information

1. Select Project Information Checklist(s)

Select each necessary Project Information Checklist marked on Page 2 of the Universal Application Form. All required checklists must be submitted in conjunction with all other forms, information, and plans. After you select the checklist link, please download or save the checklist to enter the necessary information.

2. Assemble Documents

Required documents are all required project information that would not be included on a required plan sheet. The necessary documents are specific to each Planning Checklist, in addition to the scope of the project. These may include technical reports, maps, photographs, or City Worksheets.

Each of the submitted documents must conform to the Document Requirements and Digital File Requirements. 

3. Assemble Plan Set Components

Required plans are provided by the project applicant for a specific project. The necessary plans are specific to the Planning Checklist, in addition to the scope of the project. Each of the submitted plans must conform to the Plan Sheet Requirements and Digital File Requirements.

Step 3 – Submit Application

The City has an adopted fee schedule which is subject to revisions on January 1 and July 1 of each year. Please determine your application fees by viewing the Fee Schedule and be prepared to make the necessary payment following application submittal.

Once all necessary forms, checklists, documents and plan set components have been compiled, you are ready to submit. 

  • Applications may be submitted in an electronic format following the City’s Universal Digital File Requirements to [email protected]. For help in reducing a digital file to below 20MB in size, please contact Planning at [email protected]. A City of Santa Rosa employee will contact you regarding your fee payment once your application is received.
  • Applications may also be submitted in person at City Hall (100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3) by appointment only. Please visit Qless or call (707) 543-4623 to schedule an appointment. 

General questions or requests associated planning applications can be directed to [email protected] or (707) 543-3200.