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1. How do I submit a new application to the Planning, Building and Environmental Services (PBES) Department during the COVID-19 Shelter at Home period?

For instructions on how to submit a new application, please review information provided on the PBES Website for the appropriate division.

Due to demand and limited staffing please allow for a response within one to two (1-2) business days. The permit center is operating on a limited basis due to the current health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus. We thank you for your understanding during this time as we continue our efforts to serve the community. If you have questions please call (707) 253-4417.

2. What if I already have an application on file with PBES and I need to provide resubmittal materials and information?

Please send an email to the division for which you need to resubmit at the email addresses included (below).  Include the permit number and most recent staff contact with whom you worked.  You will be contacted by a representative of that division with instructions on how to resubmit.  We are trying to conduct as much business as we can electronically so you may be instructed to email documents in or you may be provided with a link to the County Cloud with instructions on how to upload your resubmittal. 

Email Planning

Email Building

Email Environmental

Email Engineering

3. Can I schedule a conference call or Zoom meeting with PBES staff, rather than in-person?

Yes, meetings and appointments can be scheduled with staff via Zoom or by conference call.

To comply with current health orders, we have implemented a variety of COVID-19 Prevention Protocols, including modifications to our public counter operations and submittal processes. We encourage interacting with us virtually, whenever possible, in order to keep the community we serve and our staff safe during this time. Please use the PBES Website to find information, forms and resources for services provided. If you are having trouble locating the information you need on our Website, please use the search feature for the topic you are interested in or contact us via email or phone before coming in to the office. We are happy to help you find the information you need.  

4. How do I pay for new submittals or resubmittals during the COVID-19 Shelter at Home period?

The staff person that responds to your email will discuss payment options with you.  To make a payment with credit card, cash or check you will either need your application/permit number or an invoice ID (depending on the work being submitted).  Your staff member will assist you with the most efficient way to handle your particular request.  Any questions can be directed to the applicable division at:

Email Planning

Email Building

Email Environmental

Email Engineering

5. How may I review PBES files during the COVID-19 Shelter at Home period?

Many files are readily available on the PBES web page under electronic document retrieval.

If you need to review files that are not available online, please email the division for which you are requesting files and include the Assessor’s Parcel Number, Permit Number and Address. You will be provided a response with instructions specific to your request. Email addresses for each division are:

Email Planning

Email Building

Email Environmental

Email Engineering

6. When my Erosion Control Plan is approved, how will the approved plans be provided?

In order to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for staff and the public, approved Erosion Control Plans will be mailed. 

7. May I apply for septic and/or well permits and pay for site evaluations online?

Yes. There are several ways applicants may submit plans and applications depending upon the type and size of the application. Please email environmental with details about the project and what you are trying to submit. You will then be provided with directions on how to upload files, email documents, drop off plans and/or submit directly to Environmental Health staff by appointment depending upon the specific situation and application type. The application will be entered into the database by Environmental Health staff and the applicant will be notified of the permit/application number by email. The applicant will then be able to call the office to pay the application/permit fee over the phone, mail a check or pay in person when the permit is picked up. Please be advised, a process for applying for well permits and paying for site evaluations online is currently available and will remain in use. Applicants are encouraged to utilize this system for those types of applications. Please visit, the Online Permit Center to login or to create an account.

8. May I submit food facility or water system plans at this time?

Yes, you may however as with all other submittals due to reduced staffing the review timelines will be longer.  Please see the item above for septic and well permits for information on how to submit these plans.  In general, same process applies; email environmental with the nature of your request and someone will get back to you on the most efficient way for you to submit and pay for your plans.