Planning Permit Application and Deposit

Planning Permit Application

Image of Planning Permit Application Opens in new windowDepending on the proposed project, one or more planning permits may be required in addition to other permits required by other City departments such as a building permit or an encroachment permit from the Building & Engineering Department.

For example:

  • A tree removal permit from the Planning Department may also require an encroachment permit from the Engineering Department if the tree removal service will have equipment staged in the public right-of-way.

Planning Permit Applications may be submitted by email or mail; however, Planning Permit Deposits (see below) will need to be made before the application is processed.

Planning Permit Deposit

Planning Permit processes and fees vary depending on the approval authority for the proposed project. A non-refundable deposit is required when submitting a Planning Permit Application. When the deposit is exhausted, customers are billed for any staff time or costs that exceed the amount of the deposit.

If you are not sure which deposit needs to be paid, please contact a Planner by emailing comdev@cityofarcata.org.

We accept cash, check, and credit card payments:

  • Cash: Email comdev@cityofarcata.org or call #707-822-5955 to make arrangements for delivery of cash.
  • Check: Use the City of Arcata payment boxes in front of City Hall (next to the mailbox) or in the rear City Hall parking lot (near the light pole facing the Library).
  • Credit Card: Email comdev@cityofarcata.org or call #707-822-5955 to make arrangements to provide credit card information over the phone. 

Pre-Application Meetings

Larger or fairly complex development projects will usually benefit from a Pre-Application Meeting. This meeting brings together City staff from different departments, and sometimes outside agencies, to answer questions and provide comments on the proposed project. The purpose of the meeting is to understand what City staff will require for the proposed project, which will assist in helping make informed decisions.

There is no cost for Pre-Application Meetings. We request that documents and specific questions are provided at least a week in advance of the meeting. Electronic copies of all documents can be emailed, though hard copies of plans for larger projects may be requested to help facilitate review of the proposed project. 

SB 35 Pre-Application Form

California Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) is a law that makes it easier and faster to get approval for certain housing projects in areas that aren’t meeting state housing goals. Qualifying multi-family housing projects, including mixed-use developments, must provide at least 10% of the units as deed restricted affordable housing for households making below 80% of the Area Median Income. SB 35 qualifying housing projects can get streamlined, automatic approval (called “ministerial approval”). 

Applicants intending to request SB-35 streamlining must first submit a Notice of Intent in the form of a Preliminary Housing Development Application. Applications will not be accepted without providing sufficient evidence that the project meets all eligibility criteria.

Want to learn more? Visit the California HCD website or contact the Planning Division at (707) 825-5955. The City's SB 35 checklist and FAQ sheet can be viewed here and the SB 35 Statewide Determination can be viewed here.