Phase 7: Permit Decision
The decision-maker approves or denies the discretionary planning permit for your project.Once the application and environmental review are complete, the project is presented to the decision-maker at a public hearing to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the project. For Planning Director and Planning Commission hearings, there is always a 10-day appeal period during which any interested party may appeal the decision before the decision becomes effective. Coastal projects within the appeals jurisdiction require an additional appeal period before becoming effective.
Based on the project site’s zoning designation and the permitted use matrix found in the Coastal and Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinances (Article 4 and Article 5, respectively) your project may require review by the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and/or the Board of Supervisors.
Planning Director Hearings
The Planning Director hearing constitutes the final public hearing for land use entitlements that require Planning Director approval, unless appealed. The Case Planner generally conducts these hearings, and following the meeting, the Planning Director approves or denies the project and imposes any necessary conditions. Decisions made by the Planning Director are appealable to the Planning Commission.
Planning Director hearings are generally held on Thursdays in room 311 of the County’s Hall of Administration office. The public is welcome to attend these hearings.
To view the current agenda and minutes from Planning Director hearings, click here.
Planning Commission Hearings
The Planning Commission is appointed by the Board of Supervisors to take action and make recommendations on land use applications and policies. The Planning Commission conducts public hearings, considers the proposals and the information provided by County staff, applicants, and members of the public, and reviews the recommendations of County staff. Depending on the issue, the Planning Commission either makes a decision to grant or deny the permit application, or makes a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on whether to approve or deny the project. Decisions made by the Planning Commission are appealable to the Board of Supervisors.
The Planning Commission meets on an as-needed basis on Thursdays, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors hearing room located at the County’s Hall of Administration office.
To see a calendar of upcoming hearings, agendas, and/or minutes click here.
Board of Supervisors’ Hearings
The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of Ventura County. There are five members of the Board and each represents one of five Districts. The Board of Supervisors reviews land use projects and policies to ensure the delivery of services and programs essential to the continued prosperity of Ventura County. Decisions made by the Board of Supervisors are not appealable unless the project site is located in the appeals jurisdiction of the Coastal Zone. These projects may be appealed to the Coastal Commission.
The Board of Supervisors generally meet on Tuesdays beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors hearing room located at the County’s Hall of Administration office.
To see a calendar of upcoming hearings, agendas, and/or minutes from previous meetings click here.
Once your project has been approved or conditionally approved by the appropriate decision-making authority, there may be additional steps to complete the permit application process. Please click on the “Phase 8” link to learn how to complete your application process.