Obtaining Approval

There are currently no provisions for filing an application through the internet, by mail or by fax.

Residential Zoning Clearance

If you are contemplating any building or major landscape improvement project that involves a structure, or are planning a modification of an existing home, you probably need a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. To obtain a Residential Zoning Clearance you will need to submit a Zoning Clearance Application, site plan, elevation drawings, floor plans, and building plans. Homeowner Association approval, if required, is the responsibility of the property owner. Other permits will likely also be required.

Commercial / Industrial Zoning Clearance

If you are contemplating any building or major landscape improvement project, are planning to restripe the parking areas, are planning a modification of an existing building, or have a change in ownership or use of a commercial or industrial property, you probably need a Commercial / Industrial Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. For occupancy of commercial or industrial buildings, in addition to a site plan, elevation drawings, floor plans, and building plans, Commercial / Industrial Zoning Clearance applications should include the calculation of square footage of office, manufacturing, and warehouse space (a separate calculation for each) in the building. Other permits will likely also be required.

Building Permit

If you are contemplating any building improvement project, are planning a modification of an existing building, or have a change in use of a commercial or industrial property, after you have received Zoning Clearance, you will probably also need a Building Permit and/or Occupancy Clearance. The building official and his staff are available to answer your questions.

Fences & Walls

Fences and garden walls under 42 inches in height do not require a Zoning Clearance or Building Permit. Fences and garden walls over 42 inches require a Zoning Clearance and possibly a Building Permit, so please check with Building and Safety staff. For all retaining walls, regardless of height, please check with Building and Safety regarding permits. There are height restrictions for fences and walls constructed within front yard setbacks and for those which may block sight distance for driveways and corners. Fences and walls must be built to match the architectural style of walls in the subdivision and Homeowner Association approval must be obtained if the subdivision has an association.

Administrative Permit

In addition to Zoning Clearance, an Administrative Permit is required for construction of a new single family residence that is not part of an approved Residential Planned Development. Administrative permits are also required for certain other uses as indicated in Zoning Code Section 17.20. 

Home Occupation Permit (Home Business)

A Home Occupation Permit is required for a business conducted out of a residence. Home occupations are limited to certain activities that may only be operated under certain conditions. The permitted activities and conditions are specified on the Home Occupation Permit Application form. To obtain a Home Occupation Permit, you will need to submit a Home Occupation Permit Application and obtain a City Business Registration. If you are not the owner of the property where you wish to conduct the Home Occupation, the property owner’s written approval is required.

Signs

The installation of any sign in the City of Moorpark requires an approved Sign Permit. In order to obtain a Sign Permit, a Sign Permit Application, location map, elevation drawings, and property owner approval (on the Sign Permit Application) must be submitted to the Community Development Department for review. Temporary signs and banners also require approval of a Sign Permit.

For additional information on the above items, or for information any zoning, building, or construction related item that you did not see addressed here, please contact Kat Valencia at 805-517-6256 to connect you with a planner for questions concerning these applications, or come to the Community Development Department located at 799 Moorpark Avenue.

Pre-Submittal Review

It is a good idea to find out what the requirements for construction are before you draw up a plan or hire a contractor or consultant.  You can set up a pre-submittal meeting with one of our planners or with the Building Official to discuss how your project can meet the requirements of the Moorpark General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and building code. Planners are available by appointment for pre-submittal review Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Pre-submittal meetings with a planner may be scheduled by appointment by contacting Kat Valencia at 805-517-6256.

To schedule a meeting with the Building Official, please call the Building and Safety Permit Technician at 805-517-6272.

Pre-Application

For more complex projects, we offer a pre-application. This process allows a developer an opportunity to meet with and obtain comments from various agencies and departments. There is a $1,400 fee for the pre-application process. 

Please contact Kat Valencia at 805-517-6256 to schedule an appointment with a planner to obtain an application to begin the Pre-Application process.