A Preapplication Review is a voluntary process for persons who would like to learn how a conceptual project at a particular site might be viewed and conditioned by county agencies. The review allows a prospective applicant to present ideas for a project in order to obtain feedback from various county agencies. Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in a Preapplication Review to ensure full knowledge of the planning process and to encourage efficient and expeditious compliance with planning and environmental law.

Joint Meeting with Staff Representatives - Within 3 - 4 weeks of submittal of a Preapplication Review request, a meeting is scheduled so that the applicant can discuss the project with county staff. Normally, representatives of the Community Development, Public Works, Building Inspection, and Health Services departments, and a fire district representative are invited. If appropriate, other public agencies (e.g., utility districts) can be invited, too. Prior to the meeting, any materials which have been received from the applicant are distributed to staff who will be attending the meeting. This gives staff an opportunity to identify issues which could effect project viability. Items covered in the review include:

Potential alternatives to be evaluated in the environmental document.

G. Selection of an appropriate program to assure storm water quality during the construction and post-construction (long-term) stages of the project. State regulations require that development avoid any impact to creeks and other water resources.

H. Discussion of any other development concerns.

I. Discussion of any obvious conflicts in the positions of various county agencies, and how they might be resolved.

1. Cover Letter - A cover letter requesting a Preapplication Review and identifying the assessor's parcel number or address of the site, applicant's mailing address and phone number.

2. Description of Project Intensity and Activities - A written description of the project will also be required. The description should identify the potential intensity of the proposed project (e.g., the number of employees), and other information defining the nature of the project. For commercial operations, indicate the proposed hours of operation.

3. Copies of Site Plan - A site plan drawn to scale identifying the location of existing and proposed development. (A simple sketch plan will often suffice.) Provide 8 full-scale and 8 reduced-scale (11" x 17") drawings.

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Site Plan Information - For purposes of compliance with federal law and state regulation, the site plan will need to indicate the probable storm water quality source and treatment controls [Best Management Practices (BMPs)] to be used. The goal is to design a project with zero contaminants emitted in the runoff from the site. Also see other storm water quality information identified below.

4. Storm Water Quality Information - Provide a written statement that indicates:

A. Storm Water Quality Controls - List proposed source control and treatment storm water quality controls (e.g., minimizing impervious surfaces, grassy swales, sand filters).

B. Erosion Controls - A description of proposed erosion controls (e.g., construction road stabilization, permanent planting, storm drain inlet and outlet protection).

C. Maintenance - Identify who will be responsible for maintaining (long-term) the BMPs, and suggest any appropriate mechanisms for assuring a workable maintenance program. As much as possible, control mechanisms should be selected for low-cost maintenance as well as effectiveness. Provide assurance that the person or entity named as responsible for maintenance will accept that responsibility.