You must apply online through San Joaquin County’s Online Permitting System. First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.

Step 1: INITIAL CONSULTATION

Applicants are encouraged to consult with Community Development Department staff prior to submittal of an application. 

Step 2: SUBMIT APPLICATION

1. Indemnity Form with signatures from all property owners
2. Site Plan (Note: Site Plans for projects that result in new development must be stamped and signed by a California licensed/registered Architect or Engineer [Business and Professionals Code Section 5537])
3. The Recorded Deed/Legal Description of the Property
4. Soil Suitability Study: A soil suitability study is required if on on-site wastewater treatment system is proposed. This study shall be submitted to the Environmental Health Department prior to the submittal of a Special Purpose Plan application. A copy of the receipt from the Environmental Health Department is required at the time of submittal of a Special Purpose Plan application.
5. Services: If a service connection to any public facility (water, sewer, or storm drainage) is proposed, a "will-serve" letter from the appropriate entity is required at the time of filing. 

Step 3: APPLICATION ACCEPTED

Planning staff will review your application for acceptance. Once accepted, you will be sent information regarding payment of the appropriate fee through the Online Permitting System and via email. The current fee schedule is linked in the column to the right. 

Step 4: FEE PAYMENT

The following forms of payment are accepted:

1. Credit Card: Payable through the Online Permitting System or in person at the Planning Counter. A processing fee applies. 
2. Debit Card: Payable through the Online Permitting System or in person at the Planning Counter. A processing fee applies.
3. Check: Payable in person at the Planning Counter. Checks must be made payable to "San Joaquin County Treasurer."
4. Cash: Payable in person at the Planning Counter.

Each Special Purpose Plan shall contain a map of the area to be affected by the plan and text that describes the land use proposed development for the area. The level of detail may be specific or conceptual, as appropriate. The following plans and materials shall be submitted, provided that the Zoning Administrator may waive submission of items deemed unnecessary.

1. Existing Conditions and Site Plan:
   • A vicinity map showing proposed Special Purpose Plan boundaries and the relationship of the area to uses and structures within a 300-foot radius of the plan area boundaries.
   • An existing conditions map of the Special Purpose Plan area showing sufficient topographical data to indicate the character of the terrain, existing streets and infrastructure, if any, and the type, location, and condition of mature trees and other natural vegetation.
   • A site plan indicating the existing and proposed uses, building locations, gross floor area, lot coverage, height, parking, and residential density, and a multi-modal circulation plan for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
2. Proposed Development Program: Tabulation of proposed residential and nonresidential development, including building coverage, paving coverage, landscaped areas, parking spaces, and height of structures and a preliminary development schedule indicating sequence and timing of development. Reservation of land for public uses shall be identified, if applicable.
3. Land Use and Development Standards: Objective development standards for proposed land uses, structures, and public facilities;
4. Transportation Standards: The location of, and objective development standards for, streets, roads, and other transportation facilities;
5. Improvements and Standards: The phasing, financing, and location of, and objective standards for, water supply, wastewater treatment and disposal, storm drainage facilities, and other public improvements;
6. Natural Resource Standards: Objective standards for the conservation, development, and use of natural resources; and
7. Environmental Impact Mitigation: Objective standards and measures for mitigating and identified environmental impacts of development under the Special Purpose Plan.

1. Public Benefit: The proposed Special Purpose Plan will contribute to the public health, safety, and general welfare or will be of benefit to the public;
2. Plan Consistency: The proposed Special Purpose Plan is consistent with other adopted plans, unless concurrent amendments to those plans are also proposed and will result in consistency;
3. Site Suitability: The site is physically suitable for the type and intensity of the land use being proposed;
4. Infrastructure Improvements: Adequate transportation facilities, water supply, wastewater disposal services, and stormwater management facilities exist or will be provided in accordance with the conditions of approval to serve the proposed development; and the approval of the Special Purpose Plan will not result in a reduction of transportation service for any mode of travel or public services so as to be a detriment to public health, safety, or welfare;
5. Land Use Compatibility: The proposed Special Purpose Plan will not have a substantial adverse effect on surrounding land uses and will be compatible with the existing and planned land use character of the surrounding area as shown in the General Plan; and
6. Issuance Not Detrimental: The proposed Special Purpose Plan has been reviewed in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. A Special Purpose Plan shall be adopted by resolution and may be amended as often as deemed necessary by the Board of Supervisors.