Applications and Forms
Applications and Forms
The following is a synopsis of the various applications processed by the Planning Division, followed by the application and form. Fees vary, depending on the project complexity of any proposed project. For example, if an applicant simply seeks authorization to expand an existing building by 1,000 square feet, the fees will be less in comparison to a new 40,000 square foot building. Regardless, the fees are listed below. For a quote, please contact the Planning Division.
Land Use Entitlements
Plan Amendments
Plan Amendments are required whenever there is a proposed planned land use change or a modification to one of the policies contained in the 2025 Fresno General Plan or Community or Specific Plan. Plan Amendments must be reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the City Council. Prior to submitting a plan amendment application, it is recommended that the applicant review the proposal with staff. Note that proposed Plan Amendments are scheduled on a trimester time schedule and are only considered by the legislative body three times per year.
Plan Amendment Application
Trimester Plan Amendment Calendar
Plan Amendment Application Filing Fees (note that Inner-city fees differ and are not included in this document)
Environmental Assessment Application
(note that a Traffic Impact Study is required for all Plan Amendment applications)
Rezone Application
Rezone applications are required whenever there is a proposed zone district change. Note that all proposed rezone applications must be consistent with the existing planned land use designation per Table 2 of the 2025 Fresno General Plan (Planned Land Use Consistency Table). All rezone applications are reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council.
Rezone Application
Rezone Application Filing Fees (note that Inner-city fees differ and are not included in this document)
Conditional Use Permit Applications (CUP)
A Conditional Use Permit application is required whenever a use is proposed that requires a CUP. Examples of CUP applications include a church in a residential zone district, car washes, residential/commercial mixed use projects, etc. Conditional Use Permit applications are reviewed by the Planning Division and are only considered by the Planning Commission and/or City Council if appealed pursuant to the Fresno Municipal Code. Note that CUP applications are noticed to surrounding property owners pursuant to the Fresno Municipal Code.
Conditional Use Permit Application
Operational Statement Checklist
Conditional Use Permit Application Filing Fees (note that Inner-city fees differ and are not included in this document)
In addition, the following uses require a Conditional Use Permit Application:
Automobile and/or Motorcycle Retail Sales
In accordance with Section 12-306-N-54 of the Fresno Municipal Code, whenever there is a proposal to develop an automobile and/or motorcycle retail sales, a Conditional Use Permit Application is required. Note that there are numerous policies that regulate the size (minimum of one-half acre), location and design of dealerships. For additional information, please contact the public planning counter.
Cell Towers
A Conditional Use Permit Application is required for all cell towers. Note that the Planning Department has adopted the following guidelines that dictate their location, height, mass, appearance, etc.
Cell Tower Design and Procedures Policies
Site Plan Review Applications (SPR)
Site Plan Review applications are required for all new structures, with the exception of single family residences. Site Plan Review applications are reviewed by the Planning Division and are only considered by the Planning Commission and/or City Council if appealed pursuant to the Fresno Municipal Code.
Site Plan Review Application
Operational Statement Checklist
Site Plan Review Application Filing Fees (note that Inner-city fees differ and are not included in this document)
Variance Applications
A Variance application is a request to modify property development standards due to special circumstances. Note that variances are not commonly granted and are also noticed to surrounding property owners. Furthermore, variances are not granted for uses (i.e. to operate a commercial use in a residential district), rather they are simply for development standards (i.e. setbacks, height, open space, etc.).
Variance Application
Supplemental Variance Application (this is required for all Variance application submittals)
Variance Application Filing Fees
Home Occupations
A home occupation is a use conducted entirely within a dwelling and carried on by the inhabitants, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the structure for dwelling purposes and does not change the character of the home. For additional information, click on the following icon:
Home Occupation Guidelines
Minor Deviation Application
A Minor Deviation is a request to modify property development standards by no more than 10 percent. For example, if the required side yard setback is five feet, an applicant may request a 10 percent deviation which would allow the applicant to encroach six inches into the required side yard.
Minor Deviation Application
Minor Deviation Application Filling Fee: $320.00
Zoning Inquiry
A zoning inquiry is a request for a formal response by the Planning Division for a set of specific questions. Common examples include, but are not limited to:
- My lot has two homes, however it is zoned R-1 which typically allows one home. Is my second home legal?
- My home is zoned for heavy commercial uses, however it is developed with a duplex, may I enlarge or rebuild the units?
- If my home burns down, may I rebuild it?
Although the examples cited above are common, zoning inquiries cover a range of possibilities. Note that this process is simply for zoning related questions.
Zoning Inquiry Application
Zoning Inquiry Application Filing Fee: $160.00
Land Division and Lot Line Adjustments
The Planning Division also processes all Tentative Subdivision Tract Maps, Tentative Parcel Maps and Lot Line Adjustments. The following are links to these applications. For additional information, please contact (559) 621-8277.
Tentative Tract Maps
Tentative tract maps, commonly referred to as subdivision maps, are typically filed to subdivide property into four or more parcels. Single family residential subdivisions are excellent examples of tentative tract maps. Note that all tentative tract maps are reviewed by the Planning Commission and are only heard by the City Council if appealed.
Although the City of Fresno does not require an application for the submittal of a tract map, it is recommended that you contact the Planning Division prior to preparing a map. Fees vary depending on the size of the proposed project. Please contact the Planning Division for fees.
Tentative Parcel Maps
Similar to a Tentative Tract Map as described above, a Tentative Parcel Map is a process that subdivides property. However, unlike a Tentative Tract Map which is typically filed to subdivide large amounts of land, the Tentative Parcel Map process is typically filed to create four or less residential parcels, or to subdivide a unified commercial shopping center or an industrial subdivision where no dedications are required. In addition, Tentative Parcel Maps are reviewed by the Planning and Development Department Director and are not required to go before the Planning Commission or City Council, unless appealed. Please refer to the fee schedule below for current fees.
Tentative Parcel Map Application
Tentative Parcel Map Submittal Requirements
Tentative Parcel Map Filing Fees
Lot Line Adjustments
A Lot Line Adjustment allows an applicant to modify existing property lines under the following circumstances:
- A Lot Line Adjustment may not affect more than four existing adjoining parcels;
- A greater number of parcels may not be created (i.e. if three parcels existed, the resulting parcels may not exceed three);
- The existing zone district and land use designation must be consistent (per Table 2 of the 2025 Fresno General Plan); and,
- All affected parcels must have been legally created.
Lot Line Adjustment Application
Lot Line Adjustment Submittal Requirements
Lot Line Adjustment Filing Fee: $1,900.00
Easement Encroachments Permit
Easement encroachment permits are requested whenever someone proposes to encroach into an easement with a structure, pool, etc. Easements commonly include, public utilities (i.e. telephone, sewer, water), irrigation, flood control, etc.
Easement Encroachment Application
Easement Encroachment Filing Fee: $420.00
Forms
The following are various forms and documents that are useful when preparing plans or submitting them to the city for review.
• Environmental Assessment Application
• Sign Review Application
• Temporary Banner Permit Application
• 2025 Fresno General Plan Design Guidelines
• Residential Infill Design Guidelines
• Parking Lot Shading Standards
• City of Fresno Redevelopment Agency Industrial Development Design Guidelines