Guide to Filling Out the City Planning Application Form in Los Angeles

7. Owner’s Consent

Every application must be signed by the legal property owner. In some cases, a wet ink notarized signature is required.

• If the applicant is not the owner, include a signed and dated letter of authorization

• For corporate entities, provide proof of signing authority

JDJ handles this paperwork for you—ensuring it’s notarized and submitted correctly the first time.

8. Signatures & Declarations

The applicant and owner must certify that:

• The information in the form is true and correct

• They understand city review processes

• They consent to site inspections and public hearings (if needed)

Some cities require notarization at this step as well.

9. Supporting Documents Checklist

Most cities attach a checklist of required items that must accompany your form. Common documents include:

Where and How to File the City Planning Application

In most cities, the planning department accepts applications via:

• Online portals (e.g., LA’s DSC Online Portal)

• In-person appointments at the city’s Planning Public Counter

• Drop-off submissions with digital backups via USB or email

Some cities require that you schedule an appointment to submit the application, especially for discretionary cases like CUPs or zone changes.

Electronic vs. Paper Filing

JDJ Consulting manages both the physical paperwork and digital uploads for clients to ensure smooth submittal across jurisdictions.

Filing Fees: What to Expect

Each case type has its own fee schedule based on the complexity of the review. Typical costs include:

JDJ provides a customized fee estimate during the pre-application phase and ensures clients bring the right payment method for filing (credit card, check, or online portal).

After You File: What Happens Next?

Once your application is submitted, the review process begins. Here’s a typical timeline for most discretionary planning applications:

1. Case Number Assigned

You’ll receive a case number within 1–3 days. This number allows you to track your project online.

2. Planner Intake Review

City staff performs an initial completeness check. If anything is missing or unclear, they will issue an “Incomplete Letter” with corrections.

3. Case Assignment

A city planner is officially assigned to your case. This person will be your main point of contact and reviewer.

4. Public Noticing (If Required)

If your project involves a public hearing (like a CUP or tract map), the city will:

• Require you to mail notices to property owners within a 500-ft radius

• Publish the notice in a newspaper or online

• Post a public notice sign on the property

5. Hearing or Staff-Level Decision

Depending on your case, the decision may be:

• Simple adjustments: 2–4 months

• CUPs, site plan reviews: 4–6 months

• Zone changes, GPAs: 8–12 months or more

• EIR-level projects: 12–24 months

Delays are common if required documents are missing or if the project faces community opposition.

How to Track Your Case Status

Cities offer online tracking tools where you can monitor case progress:

• Los Angeles (ZIMAS + Planning Case Info): zimas.lacity.org

• Burbank: burbankca.gov/planning

• Pasadena: cityofpasadena.net

JDJ Consulting tracks every submission closely and maintains regular communication with case planners.

Common Pitfalls – and How We Prevent Them

With JDJ, you don’t just file a form—you submit a strategic, complete case that tells your project’s story.

Preparing for Hearings (If Required)

If your case includes a public hearing, we help you:

• Prepare presentation materials

• Coordinate with the assigned planner

• Communicate with neighbors and stakeholders

• Present at Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission hearings

We also coach clients on what to expect, who will be in the room, and how to respond to questions or objections.

What Happens After Approval?

Once approved, your project may still need to:

• Clear conditions of approval

• Record any entitlement documents

• Begin the plan check and permit process with LADBS or your local building department

JDJ can remain involved to assist with next steps like permit expediting and agency coordination.

Why Developers Trust JDJ Consulting Group

Our clients don’t come to us for paperwork. They come to us for results.

At JDJ Consulting Group, we guide you from pre-submittal strategy through post-approval implementation. We simplify the process and help you avoid setbacks—so your project keeps moving forward.

We help with:

• Feasibility & entitlement strategy

• Application preparation and filing

• CEQA coordination

• Community and stakeholder outreach

• Permit expediting after approval

Our job is to help you secure approvals faster, with fewer surprises.

Ready to File Your City Planning Application?

Whether you’re filing a CUP, map, zone change, or Site Plan Review, JDJ Consulting Group is ready to help you:

• Know exactly what to request

• Avoid mistakes that cost time and money

• Build a clean, persuasive application

• Move from plan to permit with confidence

Let’s Take the Stress Out of the Planning Process

We know the city planning process can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At JDJ Consulting Group, we’re here to walk you through every step, answer your questions, and make sure your project is set up for success.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to submit your application, we’re ready to help.

Call us at (818) 793-5058‬ or reach out online to schedule a time to talk. Let’s move your project forward—together.