Use Permits

A Conditional Use Permit, similar to an Architectural Review Permit, is a permit issued by the City to ensure that new development, construction or property improvements maintain the design standards established by existing ordinances and development in the City.

Conditional Use Permits may additionally be issued to allow certain uses of property as provided in the various zoning districts subject to meeting conditions the City requires. The Use Permit is "conditional" upon compliance with these specific requirements.

A Use Permit is required for all new buildings, changes and modifications to existing buildings and improvements to existing properties such as greenhouses and gazebos.

The Municipal Code states that the Planning Commission shall consider the overall site and architectural development and the redevelopment of properties of all commercial, industrial and residential districts.

Most waterfront property development requires a use permit because of water and waterfront property?s particular importance to the City?s character. Generally Use Permits are required for projects that need a closer level of scrutiny than Architectural Review Permits allow.

Use Permits require a public hearing and public notices to be sent out to surrounding property owners.

Before preparing plans or requests for a Use Permit property owners or their representatives should visit the Planning/Code Enforcement Division to determine whether the proposed improvement is permitted according to existing applicable review standards and ordinance requirements and to determine processing procedures. This should be done before beginning any site plans or architectural plans. Proposals will be evaluated to determine if any waterfront views will be obstructed.

Some developments in Foster City have approved prototypical design guidelines for property improvements such as greenhouses and trellises. The intent of these guidelines is to provide examples of designs that would be approved for that development. The designs were chosen specifically with the architecture of the project in mind.

The Planning/Code Enforcement Division has prepared Architectural and Solar Guidelines to assist owners of R-1 properties interested in improving their property. This document includes sample photographs of acceptable and unacceptable examples of property improvements.

An explanation of the Use Permit process and a detailed list of the submittal requirements is attached to all Use Permit applications. Planners are available to answer questions about the process and requirements at the Community Development Department or by calling 286-3255. You may also e-mail them at Planning@fostercity.org.