Follow-up Clearance: Final action on a discretionary permit is a "conceptual" approval, it does not allow you to go out and start digging right away. If the discretionary permit you obtained does not require that you obtain a Building Permit, usually only when the permit is for the use of an existing structure or facility, you must obtain land use clearance before you commence the use. Most discretionary permits must be "activated" by the issuance of land use clearance within one year from the date of approval. If your project was a tentative map or lot line adjustment, you must obtain map clearance from P&D in order to record the map/adjustment. State law requires that you obtain your map clearance within three years of map approval. Land use or map clearance ensures that you have complied with all applicable conditions of approval before the use or development commences.

Building Permits: For all discretionary permits which will require some construction or grading you must receive Building Permits. All P&D fees must be paid before land use clearance, map clearance or building permits will be issued.

Condition, Plan and Code Compliance: Once a Building or Grading Permit has been issued, you may commence construction. Your construction practices must comply with conditions of approval, your design must be consistent with final approved plans, your construction must meet all codes and standards, your final project must comply with any conditions of use or final design conditions such as landscaping. P&D staff, along with staff from other departments such as the Fire Department, will inspect your project regularly to ensure compliance.

Occupancy Signoff: Once your project is completed and you have complied with all conditions of approval, codes, standards and plans and you have paid all outstanding fees to the County, P&D staff will issue your final occupancy clearance. Please note that some existing buildings must have occupancy clearance renewed when the use changes. For example, daycare facilities must meet different building code standards than regular buildings (e.g. shorter sinks, toilets and emergency exit knobs).