Carol Poole Planning Director Greg Desmond Senior Planner Shelley Mills Associate Planner  Cindy Carpenter Administrative Asst. 1480 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone: (707) 968-2659 Fax: (707) 963-7748 Email: cynthiac@ci.st-helena.ca.us shelleym@ci.st-helena.ca.us Information Categories: General Plan Zoning Ordinance Permit Applications Impact Fees

Online Forms 1.   Administrative Determination 2.   Appeal 3.   Building Development & Impact Fees 4.   Demolition Permit 5.   Demolition Permit Extension 6.   Design Review 7.   Design Review Extension 8.   General Plan Amendment 9.   Green Building Practices 10. Home Occupation Application 11. Lot Line Adjustment 12. Lot Line Adjustment Extension 13. Mills Act Program Application 14. Planned Development 15. Rezone 16. Sign Permit 17. Tentative Parcel Map 18. Tentative Subdivision Map 19. Use Permit 20. Use Permit Amendment 21. Use Permit Extension 22. Variance 23. Williamson Act Application 24. Zoning Ordinance Amendment Informational Links General Plan Update Meetings and Events  Grandview Inn - Initial Study of Environmental Significance  All forms require Adobe Reader 7.0 - update or get                          your version today!

Department Purpose
The Planning Department is responsible for review, revision, and implementation of the City General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance to maintain and improve the quality of the community environment. The department regularly provides intensive staff support for the City Council and Planning Commission. The department also provides community service to assist in understanding the regulatory process and processing of project applications. 

General Plan and Zoning Information
The two primary documents which establish City policies and regulations are the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Initial inquiries related to development of private property include a review of the land use regulations contained in the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Department staff is generally available during normal business hours to assist in responding to inquiries and processing applications. Although not required, an appointment is encouraged to assist staff in time management and to provide a more focused setting in which to discuss City regulations and procedures.

Processing of Applications
Prior to submitting an application for review and processing by the Planning Department the applicant is encouraged to meet with Planning Department staff. Staff will review city regulations, provide application forms, and discuss the review schedule. For permits that require Planning Commission review at least two months should be allocated to be scheduled for a Commission agenda; staff level review and minor permits may be processed within a shorter time frame.