Planning Permits & Entitlements

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Thoughtful and effective planning enables a city to grow responsibly while providing the community with a variety of opportunities to live, work, and enjoy the environment. Good planning plays a vital role in shaping the future of Carlsbad.

Before you start designing your project you should always verify the property’s: zoning, Planning Codes, Standards & Policies, and citywide objective design standards. Additionally, you should determine if the project is within the Coastal Zone, or is subject to the Village & Barrio Master Plan. The Planning Team is here to assist you with resources online, by phone at (442) 339-2610, or you may also schedule an appointment for zoning questions.

Please see Applications & Forms here.

Apply in-person

Standard Submittals

All other applications require an appointment and the associated hard copies of applications/plans/reports per the minimum submittal checklists

At the time of submittal, the applicant will provide all requested information and associated filing fees found in the Development Fee Schedule. Planning staff may reject submittal of a Land Use Review Application if the submittal fails to include all the required items.

To make a submittal appointment access the city's online scheduling system.

On the day of your scheduled appointment make sure to bring the completed application and any supporting documents.

If a new discretionary permit application will be reviewed by the Planning Commission or City Council the review is subject to Council Policy No. 84 - Development Project Public Involvement. Learn more about this policy to ensure that as an applicant you are aware of and consider input from interested and affected stakeholders before a public hearing by the City's decision makers.

For questions on standard submittals, please send an email to planning@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2610.

Apply online

Online Planning submittals

Applicants may now obtain select simple permits online through the City of Carlsbad Customer Self Service Portal. To learn more about permits available for application through the portal, visit our Permitting Services section of the website.

The online permit feature is the latest enhancement to Carlsbad's Customer Self Service Portal. It allows residents to obtain simple development permits online, saving them a visit to the city or an email to the Community Development Division. Customers will upload electronic applications and required documents to the Customer Self Service Portal. At this time, the following Planning Application is available online:

Planning: Signs

Before using the Customer Self Service Portal customers must register for an online account. Once the online account is approved, customers will be able to submit permits, pay permit fees and other invoices, and apply for a Business License. In the coming months, the portal will expand to accept applications for additional permit types.

Apply by email

Private development planning

Please call 442-339-2610 or email planning@carlsbadca.gov for development or planning-related inquiries.

Please note: Any communication with the City of Carlsbad may be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act., including attachments, names, phone numbers and email, residence, business and postal addresses.

Landscape Plans

The City of Carlsbad developed a landscape manual to aid applicants, qualified professionals, and residents in understanding the city’s policies, programs, and requirements for landscaping. The manual also provides guidance for the implementation of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 18.50 - Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO).

Landscape plans are required for projects that receive a land-use permit approval specifically requiring preparation and approval of landscape plans. Landscape plans must be approved before a building permit is issued or a grading permit is approved.

See the Planning Department's Landscape Plans website page to obtain additional information on how to submit Landscape Plans to the City of Carlsbad for review.

Carlsbad, CA

Planning Permits & Entitlements

Standard Submittals

Online Planning submittals

Planning submittals via email

Private development planning

Private development planning

Landscape Plans