Planning & Building How-to Guide

Belvedere’s Planning & Building How-to Guide is designed to provide an overview of the City's planning and building process to help you navigate your way through it. 

Note: Most all home projects in Belvedere require either Planning review and approval, Building review and approval or both. If you have any questions, please contact the Planning & Building Department by email or call (415) 435-3838.

• Define your project goals.
• Review relevant Belvedere Municipal Code, Policies and Development Standards.
  • If your project doesn't meet these requirements, you may need to apply for Additional Permits or Approvals.
• Develop your initial project plan.
• Determine what type of Planning & Building Review and Approval is required.
  • Note: Smaller, less complicated home projects are likely subject to expedited processing – check by clicking the link above.
• Meet with Planning & Building staff to review your initial project plan.
• Reach out to your neighbors to share the plan.
• Complete your project plan.

• Make sure you've confirmed what Planning Review and Approval is required of your project from Phase 1.
• Complete the Design Review Application and/or any other necessary applications.
• Review the Design Review Application Checklist.
• Calculate what City Planning Fees are due with your application.
• Submit your application(s) for review and approval.
• Planning staff will review your application for completeness.
  • This review may include input from other relevant City departments.
• Planning staff will communicate any additional requirements.
• Once your application is complete and meets requirements, Planning staff may approve your application or, if Planning Commission review is required, schedule a public Design Review Meeting.
• At that meeting, the Planning Commission will approve, conditionally approve, continue, or deny your project.

• Make sure you've confirmed what type of Building Review and Approval is required of your project from Phase 1.
• Complete your Building Permit Application and/or any other necessary applications.
• Review the Building Permit Checklist.
• Determine Outside Agency Requirements, if applicable.
• Calculate what City Building Fees are due with your application.
• Submit your application(s) for review and approval.
• Building staff will review your application for completeness.
  • This review may include input from other relevant City departments.
• Building staff will communicate any additional requirements.
• Once your application is complete and meets requirements, Building staff may approve your application and issue a Building Permit.