Use Permit

The use permit procedure is a discretionary review process to consider certain intensive commercial, industrial, institutional and other uses that require compliance with use-specific and use permit findings.

More...

Post Approval Monitoring of Conditions of Approval for a Use Permit

Forms and Checklists

Master Application Form

Checklist

[updated 2021 September 8]

Helpful Links for some checklist items

Use Permit Pre-Application (Mandatory)

Site Plan
Project Description
Assessor's Parcel Map
General Plan Conformance and Contiguity/ Annexation Form (if applicable)
Photos of Site
Fire Protection Information (see below)

Additional Information and Materials that May be Required

General Plan Conformance and Contiguity/ Annexation Form (1 copy)

Required if subject parcel is located within a city's urban service area and is deemed contiguous to city boundary (see instructions on form.

CEQA Exemption Form (1 copy)

Certain classes of project may qualify for exemption from the environmental assessment (CEQA) process. An additional fee is required.

Geologic Report (2 copy, plus pdf)

Consult with County Geologist prior to filing application to determine whether a geologic report will be required. Submittal must include one wet-signed paper document and one electronic document in Adobe pdf format (on CD or DVD). An additional fee is required for geologic report review. See also geologic hazards page.

Septic System Plan

If a septic system is proposed, the site must be field-evaluated by a Department of Environmental Health (DEH) representative. One copy of the site plan should be stamped and signed by the DEH representative. See also DEH site

Williamson Act Compatible Use Determination

Required if subject parcel is under a Williamson Act contract. It is strongly suggested that this determination be applied for and resolved prior to ASA application submittal. An additional fee is required.

Identification of Potential Historic Resources (Part I and Part II forms)

If the project includes demolition of structures 50 years or older, submit a completed and signed Identification of Properties for Potential Historic Significance forms, a copy of the Santa Clara County Residential Unit Property Record (available from the County Assessor’s Office, 5th Floor) for the subject property and photographs of each elevation of the subject structure and any related structures or associated features. Please note that the 50-year age reference is a discretionary guideline; there are circumstances where a property less than 50 years old may be potentially significant.

Fire Protection Information

Include the following information (if applicable) on the site plan. Indicate existing or proposed.

Total square footage of proposed structure(s).
Type of construction per California Building Code of all existing and proposed structures.
Water source (name of water provider or on-site well).
If the source of water is on-site well, show the location and capacity of existing or proposed aboveground water tank(s), and means of delivering water at required pressure (e.g., fire pump or gravity).
Hydrants: Show type (wharf or standard) and location of closest available or proposed hydrant(s).
Private Access Road/Driveways: Show drivable width, vertical clearance, surface, load-bearing capacity, turning radii, percent grade, turnarounds, turnouts and bridges.

Clean Water Program Questionnaire

Pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act, the NPDES Municipal Storm Water Discharge Permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and County Nonpoint Source Pollution Ordinance, the County requires storm water treatment measures and pesticide use reduction measures for certain types of projects. A CWP questionnaire is required if your project is both: (1) located within the San Francisco Bay Watershed, and (2) not an individual single family home. The questionnaire assists the Land Development Engineering Section in determining whether the project will require storm water treatment measures.

Rural Resources Impact Study (See rural resources impact study template for details).

If located in rural areas such as RR, HS, A, or AR zoning districts, certain land use classifications, such as Clubs- Private and Non-profit, Hospitals and Clinics, Manufacturing: Small Scale Rural, Non-Profit Institutions, Religious Institutions, Retail Sales and Services – Local Serving, Schools, and Commercial Uses within the San Martin Commercial and Industrial Use Permit Area may require a rural resources impact study per County Zoning Ordinance Section 2.20.090.

1 Set of Mailing Labels (See mailing labels handout for details)

Mailing labels are only required if your property is within 300 feet of a County boundary line.

Stanford University

Submit one copy of the Stanford University General Use Permit Project Checklist (8½ x 11) signed by a Stanford University LUEP Planner. Incorporate the completed checklist into the project plan set submittal.

Other Reports and Studies

Depending on location, development intensity and site characteristics, additional reports (e.g. arborist, biology, archaeology, noise) may be required.