Development Applications
The City of Dana Point is now accepting discretionary permit applications through our eTRAKIT Permit Portal. In lieu of physical submittals, all applicants must now use eTRAKiT’s “PROJECTS” portal to submit discretionary permits. Please note that review of the project will not commence until all applicable fees have been paid.
Submittal instructions: eTRAKIT Customer Guide(PDF, 705KB)
All permit applications shall be submitted electronically through the eTRAKIT Permit Portal. If you are having trouble accessing eTRAKIT or need assistance, please call (949) 248-3500, submit your information by clicking here, or refer to our How to Create Your Account Guide.
DISCLAIMER: All applicants must contact the Planning Division prior to submitting a discretionary permit application. Submitting an application without prior contact may result in delay or rejection of your application. Please contact a planner at (949) 248-3564 or planning@danapoint.org.
The following are discretionary permits issued by the Planning Division in conjunction with review by other City departments/divisions. For questions regarding any of the listed entitlements, or to discuss a proposal or project presently undergoing review, call (949) 248-3564. Staff planners are available to meet Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM on Fridays.
For any questions regarding applicable fees, please contact a planner and refer to the current Schedule of Fees(PDF, 167KB).
Each Discretionary Permit Application must complete and attach the following documents as part of their submittal:
Tentative Tract Map
A preliminary map used whenever a parcel or a number of contiguous parcels of land is proposed to be subdivided for the purpose of creating five or more lots, five (5) or more condominium units, the conversion of five (5) or more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative or a community apartment project containing five (5) or more apartment units.
For Tentative Map application requirements, please reference Title 7, Chapter 7.04-Tentative Maps-Requirement for Filing of the Dana Point Municipal Code for additional Tentative Map requirements. If there are additional content questions, the County of Orange Subdivision Manual should be utilized. Planners are likewise available to answer any additional questions.
Tentative Parcel Map
A preliminary map used whenever a parcel or contiguous parcels of land is proposed to be subdivided for the purpose of creating less than five (5) lots, less than five (5) condominium units or a community apartment project containing less than five (5) apartment units.
For Tentative Map application requirements, please reference Title 7, Chapter 7.04-Tentative Maps-Requirement for Filing of the Dana Point Municipal Code for additional Tentative Map requirements. If there are additional content questions, the County of Orange Subdivision Manual should be utilized. Planners are likewise available to answer any additional questions.
Coastal Development Permit (CDP)
A Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is a discretionary request for review of development plans for a proposed use, structure or activity located within the City's Coastal Zone(PDF, 809KB) as established by the California Coastal Act and defined in the City's Local Coastal Program (LCP). All development projects undertaken within the Coastal Zone require the approval of a CDP unless specifically exempted. For questions regarding CDPs, exemptions and/or general development standards within the Coastal Zone, please contact the Planning Division at 949-248-3568.
Variance (V)
A discretionary entitlement which permits departure from the strict application of the development standards contained in this Code and pursuant to specific findings required by the California Government Code.
Administrative Modification of Standards (AMS)
A discretionary entitlement which permits departure from the strict application of development standards used only when deviations from Code standards are truly minor and no potential impact will occur to the health, safety or general welfare of adjacent persons or properties will occur and pursuant to specific findings required by the California Government Code.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a request to allow a use which, while permitted under the use standards of a particular zoning district, may have potential to create adverse impacts on surrounding development. The permit is "conditional" in that specific restrictions, or conditions, are typically placed on the use to ensure that it will not adversely affect the vicinity and/or the City as a whole.
Site Development Permit (SDP)
A Site Development Permit is a request for a detailed review of development plans for a proposed use, structure or activity.
Antenna Use Permit (AUP)
A discretionary land use permit specifically for the entitlement of commercial wireless telecommunication antenna facilities within the City of Dana Point.
Small Wireless Facility/Eligible Facility Request
A small wireless facility permit sets forth definitions, permitting requirements and application processes for Small Wireless Facilities within the public right-of-way in the City and as otherwise required by law, including reasonable, uniform, and objective aesthetic standards. Municipal Code Section Chapter 5.42 establishes definitions, permitting requirements, application processes for eligible facilities requests, and batch processing standards for substantially similar broadband projects.
Sign Program Permit (SPP)
A Sign Program Permit (SPP) is a discretionary request to create a comprehensive program that couples new or relocated signage with improved structures and landscaping, such that they present an enhanced and ultimately unified architectural statement for a property. A SPP may be also be utilized to modify development standards for signs, but in no case shall a SPP authorize prohibited sign types or exceed the maximum allowable sign area for a site.
SB 330 Preliminary Application for Housing Development Projects
In compliance with SB 330 of the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, this form serves as the Preliminary Application for projects seeking vesting rights pursuant to State law. This application informs the Planning Division for purposes of vesting and streamlining. Please note that this application is only applicable for "housing development projects" which consist of: (1) 2+ residential units only, (2) mixed-use projects with 2/3 of residential area, or (3) transitional or supportive housing.
Subdivisions
“Subdivisions of land” are defined in the Dana Point Zoning Code as “a division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately conveyed by sale or lease, and which can be altered or developed pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act. Subdivisions shall include condominium projects as defined in Section 1350 of the California Civil Code and a community apartment project as defined in Section 11004 of the Business and Professions Code.”
Historic Preservation
In recognition of the rich history of the City of Dana Point, the City adopted a historical preservation ordinance in 2001. The Historic Resources Ordinance establishes a voluntary program for property owners of historically significant structures to be included on the City of Dana Point Historic Resource Register. Inclusion on the Register makes available fiscal benefits and zoning and/or zoning and building code incentives to preserve the historical exterior aspects of their properties.